BetBoom Went Through the Entire Major From Stage 1 — Now Aurora Awaits Them in the Playoffs

BetBoom have become one of the most persistent stories of IEM Cologne Major 2026. While some favorites started the tournament later, this roster went almost the entire way from the very bottom - from Stage 1. Now BetBoom remain the only team in the playoffs that began their Major run back in Stage 1.

Their start was almost perfect. In the first stage, BetBoom did not drop a single match: they crushed Gaimin Gladiators 13:4, then defeated Liquid 13:9, and closed out GamerLegion 2:0 in the decisive series. The team quickly showed that they had not come to Cologne just to survive the opening stage.

Stage 2 became more difficult. BetBoom suffered their first loss against Spirit — 5:13. But instead of falling apart, the team regrouped and answered with three straight wins over GamerLegion, M80, and Monte. Their match against M80 looked especially confident, with BetBoom taking the map 13:2.

Stage 3 turned into a real test of character. BetBoom started strong by defeating The MongolZ and Falcons, but then stumbled twice - against FURIA and Vitality. In the end, their playoff fate came down to the match against FUT. There, the team handled the pressure and won 2:0.

Poland vs Germany: Showmatch to Take Place at IEM Cologne Major 2026

Now BetBoom will face Aurora in the quarterfinals at LANXESS Arena. The match will take place today, June 18, and will open the playoff stage. For BetBoom, this is no longer just a game for a semifinal spot, but a chance to prove that a long journey from Stage 1 can end in a real breakthrough.