IEM Cologne Major 2026: Who's In, Who's Out After Stage 1

Stage 1 of IEM Cologne Major 2026 is in the books. The dust has settled. Some teams are moving on. Others are heading home.

Let's break down what happened.

Teams Advancing to Stage 2

Six teams punched their tickets to Stage 2:

• MIBR

• GamerLegion

• M80

• TYLOO

GamerLegion looked sharp. They beat BIG 2-0 and never looked back. Clean series. No drama.

TYLOO took down Lynn Vision 2-0 in an all-Chinese showdown. That match meant everything. Winner advances. Loser goes home. TYLOO delivered.

MIBR and M80 also secured their spots on Day 3.

Teams Eliminated

Three teams are done:

• HEROIC

• Sharks

• THUNDER dOWNUNDER

Rough exit for HEROIC. They came in with expectations. They leave with nothing.

Lynn Vision also got eliminated after falling to TYLOO.

BIG on the Brink

BIG is in trouble. After losing to GamerLegion, they dropped to the 2-2 bracket. One more loss and they're out. Win or go home. Simple as that.

What's Next

With Stage 1 complete, the road to an IEM Cologne Major title is starting to take shape. Fans can also use 1v1Me to stake pro gamers competing in live CS2 matches and win cash.

Stage 2 will separate the contenders from the pretenders. The stakes get higher. The matches get tougher.

This Major is just getting started.