The initial matchups for the first phase of the IEM Cologne Major 2026 have been unveiled. The bracket includes eight exciting pairs, with GamerLegion facing off against NRG and B8 Esports going up against TYLOO.
Fans of Counter-Strike can now make their Pick’Em selections and place bets on which teams will progress to the next stage of the Major. The opening stage will follow the traditional Swiss Stage format: after five rounds, the top eight teams will move on to Stage 2, while the rest will be eliminated.
IEM Cologne Major 2026 Stage 1 opening matches
GamerLegion and B8 Esports are entering the initial stage as the top favorites, ranked highest in the HLTV world rankings among the Swiss competitors. Additionally, GamerLegion recently impressed with a strong showing at the IEM Atlanta 2026, showcasing their form.
Apart from the frontrunners, the field appears evenly matched, offering opportunities for any team to make a significant impact.
First round matchups:
IEM Cologne Major 2026 tournament format
Just a reminder, the IEM Cologne Major 2026 opening stage is set to take place from June 2 to 5. Initial matches will be Best-of-1, while elimination and advancement series will switch to Best-of-3.
The IEM Cologne Major 2026 will include 32 teams, chosen based on the regional Valve Regional Standings (VRS) from April. The tournament will progress through four stages: three consecutive Swiss Stages followed by a Single-Elimination playoff bracket.
All playoff series will be Best-of-3, culminating in a Best-of-5 grand final. The eventual champion will be crowned on June 21 at the renowned LANXESS Arena in Cologne, Germany.
Stay updated with live results and viewership metrics for the tournament on the dedicated Esports Charts coverage page.