ESL reveals huge format change for IEM Cologne Major 2026

For a very long time, all the Swiss system stages of a Counter-Strike Major Championship have featured best-of-one matches, with only the advancement and elimination rounds best-of-three. That will change with the highly-anticipated IEM Cologne Major 2026, thanks to a fantastic move by tournament organizer ESL.

Format change for IEM Cologne Major 2026

Stage 3 of the IEM Cologne Major 2026 will see all matches played as best-of-three! Yes, Stage 1 and Stage 2 will still have some BO1’s. The all-important Stage 3, where teams fight for a spot in the Playoffs Stage, will have only best-of-three matches.

ESL took to social media to announce this huge change in a short but oh-so-sweet announcement. On 23 February 2026, ESL explained in a tweet on X that:

“Today, we’re announcing a significant expansion to the #IEM Cologne Major 2026 format. For the first time ever all matches in Stage 3 of a Major will now be played as a best-of-three series.“

IEM Cologne Major 2026 will run from 6 to 21 June this year. The Playoffs Stage is taking place in front of a crowd at the iconic LANXESS arena in Cologne, Germany. We are exceptionally hyped to see which team lifts the coveted trophy at the Cathedral of Counter-Strike. Stay tuned, as we’ll have a complete viewer’s guide, the results, news, and possibly a highlights video from the Grand Final coming up in June.

Header image via ESL.