Intel Extreme Masters Cologne Major 2026

IEM Cologne Major 2026 is an offline Counter-Strike 2 tournament organized by ESL, featuring a total prize pool of $1,250,000 USD. The competition utilizes a multi-stage format that begins with three consecutive 16-team Swiss System stages. In the initial phases, teams progress through Stage 1 and Stage 2 to reach the final Swiss stage, where the top eight squads qualify for the main event. The top eight finishers from Stage 3 advance to the final Playoffs, a Single-Elimination bracket designed to determine the champion at the Lanxess Arena. Throughout the playoff bracket, matches are played in Best-of-3 format, with the exception of the Grand Final, which is contested as a Best-of-5 series.