Intel Extreme Masters Cologne Major is Set to Return in 2026

Monday, Aug 4, 2025 8:01 am

Following the Team Spirit victory in the IEM Cologne 2025, Intel Extreme Masters Cologne Major announced returning in 2026.

With Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Cologne 2025 coming to a spectacular conclusion, and LANXESS arena roaring in celebration of Team Spirit, the stage was set to announce that Intel Extreme Masters Cologne will host a Counter-Strike Major in 2026. The pinnacle event will take place on June 2 – 21, 2026, marking a thrilling return for the Major to Cologne after a decade, honoring the tournament’s legacy.

Intel Extreme Masters Cologne 2026

Next summer, 32 of the world’s best teams will go head to head and battle it out for one of esports most desired trophies, $1,250,000 in prize pool, and a valuable ESL Grand Slam point. The IEM Cologne Major Playoffs will take place over four action-packed days in the legendary LANXESS arena. More than 50,000 fans from over 70 countries are expected to attend in person, and millions are expected to tune in via broadcasts available in more than 20 different languages.

“IEM Cologne has established itself as a cornerstone of competitive Counter-Strike, with each edition featuring the best teams, unmatched energy, and the best crowd,” said Marc Winther, Director Game Ecosystems – Counter-Strike at ESL FACEIT Group. “Bringing the Major back to Cologne after a decade is a celebration of everything IEM Cologne stands for. With an extra day of live competition and more ways to connect with the fans, we look forward to making it unforgettable for the Counter-Strike community.“

Team Spirit wins IEM Cologne 2025

IEM Cologne 2025 took place on July 23 – August 3, and delivered an unforgettable two weeks of Counter-Strike (CS) action, with Team Spirit emerging victorious in a thrilling 3:0 Grand Final against MOUZ. The outstanding performance throughout the tournament earned Team Spirit a coveted Championship trophy, the lion’s share of the 1,250,000$ in Total Winnings, and their first ESL Grand Slam VI point..

IEM Cologne 2025 drew over 41,000 attendees to the Cathedral of Counter-Strike over three days at the sold-out LANXESS arena. The tournament captivated a global audience of 1,076,030 million peak viewers*.

Beginning on July 23, 24 of the world’s top Counter-Strike teams competed for six coveted spots in the IEM Cologne playoffs. Brazilian powerhouse FURIA battled through Stage 1 and 2 to reach the IEM Cologne playoffs for the first time, marking Brazil’s return to LANXESS since SK Gaming lifted the trophy in 2017. They were joined by The MongolZ, who became the first Mongolian team to ever reach the IEM Cologne playoffs. Alongside FURIA and The MongolZ, MOUZ, Natus Vincere, Team Spirit, and Team Vitality all showed their dominance and advanced, earning a chance to compete in the sold-out LANXESS arena.

IEM Cologne Playoffs lit up the LANXESS arena over three electrifying days. The Cathedral of Counter-Strike saw NAVI defeat The MongolZ and MOUZ take down FURIA, advancing to the Semifinals. There, NAVI fell to Team Spirit, and in a major upset, MOUZ defeated defending champions Team Vitality, shattering their winning streak and advancing to the Grand Final.

After strong performances in the Playoffs, MOUZ and Team Spirit took the stage on Sunday for the Grand Final. Fans packed the arena to witness two of the tournament’s top contenders battle it out for the title in a best-of-five series. In the end, it was Team Spirit who rose to the occasion and claimed the championship, bringing their remarkable run to a triumphant close.

“I was ready to give up after we lost in 2024 and gained top 16. One year later I win this tournament and it’s very emotional for me and very important.” – said Danil “donk” Kryshkovets.

Next up in the ESL Pro Tour for Counter-Strike 2 is the ESL Pro League Season 22, commencing online on September 27, followed by IEM Chengdu 2025 taking place on November 3-9, with the final three days being played out live in Chengdu, China.

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