IEM Cologne 2026 confirmed as $1.25 million CS2 Major

This CS2 tournament will mark the return of a Major to Cologne after 10 years.

At Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Cologne 2025, Team Spirit emerged victorious, igniting jubilant cheers from the throng of spectators. But the excitement didn’t stop there – ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) revealed that IEM Cologne 2026 will be a significant CS2 Major event!

IEM Cologne 2026 Major

The major tournament IEM Cologne 2026 will take place from June 2nd to the 21st, 2026, at the LANXESS arena. In this event, a total of 32 teams will compete fiercely for their share of a $1.25 million prize. Additionally, a valuable ESL Grand Slam point is up for grabs during the competition.

As a dedicated gamer, I can attest that IEM Cologne has carved out a significant place in the competitive Counter-Strike scene. This event consistently brings together top-tier teams, electrifying atmosphere, and an unrivaled crowd, making it a must-attend for anyone serious about CS:GO.

IEM Cologne 2026 Major schedule

He further stated that welcoming the Major back to Cologne after a ten-year absence would serve as a tribute to what IEM Cologne represents. Moreover, an additional day of live competition would provide more opportunities to engage with fans and create an experience that would be indelible in memory. The playoffs for this event are scheduled from June 18th to June 21st.

  • June 18 – Quarterfinals
  • June 19 – Quarterfinals
  • June 20 – Semifinals
  • June 21 – Grand Final

IEM Cologne 2026 to break attendance records

As reported by EFG, IEM Cologne 2025 saw approximately 41,000 visitors over three days and peaked at a worldwide viewership of around 1.08 million. For the upcoming IEM Cologne 2026 Major, it’s anticipated that over 50,000 spectators will be physically present.

From September 27, 2021, CS:2 enthusiasts can anticipate the commencement of ESL Pro League (EPL) Season 22 online. This will be followed by the IEM Chengdu 2025 tournament, which is scheduled from November 3 to 9 in the year 2025.

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2025-08-04 04:10