There Will Be No BO1 Matches in Stage 3 of IEM Cologne Major 2026

ESL has announced changes to the format of Stage 3 at IEM Cologne Major 2026 in CS2. For the first time in the history of World Championships, the third stage will be held without any best-of-one matches. The information was published on the official website of the tournament operator.

As a result, Stage 3 will be extended by one additional day and will take place from June 11 to June 15. Meanwhile, Stage 1 and Stage 2 will remain unchanged - both stages will still feature two rounds of best-of-one matches.

The organizers noted that removing BO1 matches at such a late stage of the Major is intended to increase competitive fairness and reduce the impact of random factors. The best-of-three format is traditionally considered more objective, especially in crucial matches that determine playoff qualification.

It was also previously revealed that 17 European teams will compete at the Cologne Major. This became possible after the Asian team TYLOO was eliminated in Stage 2 of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025. For comparison, 16 European teams participated in the previous Major in Hungary.

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IEM Cologne Major 2026 will take place from June 2 to June 21. The playoffs will be held in front of a live audience at the legendary LANXESS Arena. A total of 32 teams from around the world will compete for a $1.25 million prize pool. The list of participants determined by the VRS ranking is expected to be announced in April.