IEM Cologne Major 2026: Playoff Format and Crypto-Free Economy

The IEM Cologne Major 2026 has announced its playoff format details, and the Counter-Strike 2 community is abuzz. The tournament will take place from June 2 to 21 in Cologne, Germany, with the playoff bracket kicking off on June 18 at the LANXESS Arena.

The fifth CS2 Major Championship introduces a structural change to its playoff stage. Eight teams will compete in a single-elimination bracket, with quarterfinals and semifinals running best-of-3 series and a best-of-5 grand final capping things off on June 21.

The prize pool remains at $1.25 million, consistent with Valve and ESL's established scale for flagship Majors. Playoff tickets have already sold out.