IEM Cologne Major 2026 Announced

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04 August 2025 09:52

ESL has officially announced that Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Cologne 2026 will serve as the first Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) Major of the 2026 competitive season. The prestigious tournament will return to Cologne’s iconic Lanxess Arena, marking a decade since the last Major was held at the venue in 2016.

Revealed shortly after the conclusion of the IEM Cologne 2025 Grand Final, the announcement confirms that the historic event will run from June 2 to June 21, 2026, with the top 32 teams from the Valve Regional Standings (VRS) battling it out for a $1.25 million (~£941,527) prize pool and a shot at Counter-Strike legacy.

“IEM Cologne has established itself as a cornerstone of competitive Counter-Strike, with each edition featuring the best teams, unmatched energy, and the best crowd,” said Marc Winther, Director of Game Ecosystems – Counter-Strike at ESL FACEIT Group.

“Bringing the Major back to Cologne after a decade is a celebration of everything IEM Cologne stands for. With an extra day of live competition and more ways to connect with the fans, we look forward to making it unforgettable for the Counter-Strike community.”

The 2026 edition not only celebrates the return of a Major to Cologne but also strengthens ESL’s long-standing relationship with the Counter-Strike franchise. This will mark ESL’s 11th time hosting a CS Major, having previously delivered three between 2014 and 2016. The last ESL Major took place in 2022 at the IEM Rio Major.

More:Craig Levine Moving to Advisory Role

Tags: IEM

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04 August 2025 09:52

Tags: IEM

ESL has officially announced that Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Cologne 2026 will serve as the first Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) Major of the 2026 competitive season. The prestigious tournament will return to Cologne’s iconic Lanxess Arena, marking a decade since the last Major was held at the venue in 2016.

Revealed shortly after the conclusion of the IEM Cologne 2025 Grand Final, the announcement confirms that the historic event will run from June 2 to June 21, 2026, with the top 32 teams from the Valve Regional Standings (VRS) battling it out for a $1.25 million (~£941,527) prize pool and a shot at Counter-Strike legacy.

“IEM Cologne has established itself as a cornerstone of competitive Counter-Strike, with each edition featuring the best teams, unmatched energy, and the best crowd,” said Marc Winther, Director of Game Ecosystems – Counter-Strike at ESL FACEIT Group.

“Bringing the Major back to Cologne after a decade is a celebration of everything IEM Cologne stands for. With an extra day of live competition and more ways to connect with the fans, we look forward to making it unforgettable for the Counter-Strike community.”

The 2026 edition not only celebrates the return of a Major to Cologne but also strengthens ESL’s long-standing relationship with the Counter-Strike franchise. This will mark ESL’s 11th time hosting a CS Major, having previously delivered three between 2014 and 2016. The last ESL Major took place in 2022 at the IEM Rio Major.

More:Craig Levine Moving to Advisory Role

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