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IEM Cologne Major 2026
- Step 1 – Pick 8 to Reach Stage 2
- Step 2 – Pick 8 to Reach Stage 3
- Step 3 – Pick 8 for Play-offs
- Step 4 – Choose the Winners
or to play
How to Take Part in Major Cologne 2026 on MelBet Pick’em
With the IEM Cologne Major 2026 tickets already sold out, fans are eagerly awaiting the first CS2 Major 2026 to begin. Scheduled to take place from June 2 to June 21, 2026, the event will be held at LANXESS Arena in Cologne, often called the “Cathedral of Counter-Strike” by the CS community.
For those who not only want to watch the tournament but also actively take part in it, we have prepared the IEM Cologne CS2 major simulator on MelBet Pick’em. By filling out the prediction bracket and completing the thematic Quiz, Mongolian users can compete for valuable prizes on our website. We’ve provided a step-by-step guide on how to participate in the Major Simulator CS2 Pick’em below.
The first step to participate in the CS2 Major Pick’em simulator is to create an account on the official MelBet website. You can do this in just a few minutes using this link. We have four quick registration methods available, each requiring different information.
After signing up, you need to log in to your personal account and fill in all your personal details. This is a compulsory requirement to participate in CS2 Major 2026 predictions on the MelBet Pick’em website. You also need to find your personal MelBet ID in your account, which you will use to register at the next stage.
The next registration stage takes place directly on the MelBet Pick’em website, the page you are currently on. Click the black “Registration” button in the upper-right corner. A registration form will open; enter your email address and the MelBet ID you obtained in the previous step.
Before submitting the form, double-check that you’ve entered the correct information. Using incorrect information may prevent you from logging into your account or receiving a prize for your CS2 Major simulator predictions. Additionally, confirm that you agree with the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions, and confirm that you are 21 years old or older before completing the registration process.
After signing up on pickem-mongolia.com, log in and go to the IEM Cologne Major 2026 tournament page, which you are currently on. You can do this through the top menu or through the tournament cards on the website’s homepage.
Before filling out the CS2 Major Pick’em simulator, ensure you study not only the list of teams and players but also the tournament structure itself. You should also carefully read the rules for participating in the IEM Cologne Major Pick’em MelBet. This helps you discover in detail how points are awarded for predictions and the quiz.
Also, don’t forget to follow the IEM Cologne CS2 Major schedule, as predictions must be made before the start of each tournament stage.
The first and most exciting activity on the MelBet Pick’em website is filling out the prediction bracket in the IEM Cologne Major CS2 simulator. The tournament is divided into 4 stages, each requiring you to select the teams that will advance to the next stage. In the final stage, i.e., the Playoffs, you need to choose the teams that will reach the Semifinals and Grand Finale, including the eventual CS2 Major winner.
To get more accurate predictions, it’s best to carefully evaluate the CS2 Major teams. Pay attention to their results in recent tournaments, map pool strength, Major experience, and roster stability. Ensure you pay special attention to stage 3 of the CS2 Major 2026 because all matches in this stage will be Bo3, reducing the impact of randomness.
Another way to earn points in our CS2 Major Pick’em Challenge is by taking our MelBet Quiz. The questions may cover both the IEM Cologne Major 2026 tournament and Counter-Strike 2 in general. Before starting, we recommend reviewing all the information on this page once again. Questions may range from the number of teams and the CS2 Major prize pool to the main MelBet Pick’em prize and other key details.
For convenience, the MelBet Quiz is divided into 4 difficulty levels, allowing you to earn up to 50 points in total. The harder the level, the more points you can earn. Each level has 5 questions, and you have only 10 seconds to answer each question. Please note that repeated attempts are not allowed.
Once the CS2 Major winners, i.e., the first and second-place teams at the Cologne tournament, are confirmed, the organizers of the MelBet Pick’em Challenge will start calculating the final scores. They will take both the prediction results in the CS2 Major simulator and the answers in the Quiz into account.
After the scoring process is completed, the date of the prize draw will be announced on the MelBet Mongolia Facebook page. The draw will be held during a live broadcast using Random.org, with up to 15 winners selected to receive participation prizes. You can find the full list of prizes in both categories below on this page or in the IEM Cologne Major Pick’em Rules.
IEM Cologne CS2 Major Teams
The IEM Cologne Major 2026 brings together 32 teams that earned their spots by ranking in the top positions in the VRS ranking as of April 6, 2026. All slots across the three main regions were distributed as follows.
| Region | Number of teams |
|---|---|
| Europe | 16 |
| Americas | 10 |
| Asia | 6 |
| Total | 32 |
The European region received the most spots at the IEM Cologne 2026 Major, due to the high density of strong rosters that achieved top results at previous CS2 Major tournaments.
The teams are also divided into stages depending on their position in the regional VRS ranking. The higher a team ranks, the later it will start the tournament. The strongest CS2 teams received direct invites to Stage 3, the next group was placed in Stage 2, while the remaining teams began their journey from Stage 1.
Find the complete list of all IEM Cologne Major 2026 teams, including their starting stages and player rosters, in the table below:
| Stage | Team/Country | Roster | VRS |
|---|---|---|---|
|
3
|
apEX
ZywOo
flameZ
mezii
ropz
|
2063 | |
|
3
|
b1t
Aleksib
iM
w0nderful
makazze
|
1903 | |
|
3
|
BELCHONOKK
Jame
nota
xiELO
zweih
|
1798 | |
|
3
|
yuurih
KSCERATO
FalleN
molodoy
YEKINDAR
|
1781 | |
|
3
|
XANTARES
MAJ3R
Wicadia
woxic
soulfly
|
1769 | |
|
3
|
NiKo
TeSeS
kyxsan
m0NESY
kyousuke
|
1769 | |
|
3
|
torzsi
xertioN
Jimpphat
Brollan
Spinx
|
1769 | |
|
3
|
bLitz
Techno4K
910
mzinho
cobrazera
|
1747 | |
|
2
|
magixx
zont1x
donk
sh1ro
tN1R
|
1721 | |
|
2
|
Staehr
jabbi
HooXi
phzy
ryu
|
1689 | |
|
2
|
huNter-
HeavyGod
SunPayus
matys
NertZ
|
1664 | |
|
2
|
dem0n
Krabeni
cmtry
dziugss
lauNX
|
1619 | |
|
2
|
9z
Argentina
|
max
HUASOPEEK
luchov
meyern
dgt
|
1603 |
|
2
|
biguzera
nqz
snow
piriajr
v$m
|
1590 | |
|
2
|
Monte
Ukraine
|
Gizmy
afro
AZUWU
Bymas
Rainwaker
|
1539 |
|
2
|
latto
dumau
saadzin
n1ssim
arT
|
1530 | |
|
1
|
Tauson
PR
REZ
hypex
Snax
|
1529 | |
|
1
|
BIG
Germany
|
tabseN
JDC
gr1ks
blameF
faveN
|
1526 |
|
1
|
s1ren
zorte
Magnojez
Boombl4
FL4MUS
|
1525 | |
|
1
|
npl
esenthial
alex666
kensizor
s1zzi
|
1518 | |
|
1
|
yxngstxr
xfl0ud
nilo
Chr1zN
susp
|
1502 | |
|
1
|
SINNERS Esports
Czechia
|
beastik
SHOCK
kisserek
stressarN
MoDo
|
1480 |
|
1
|
Swisher
slaxz-
s1n
Lake
JBa
|
1456 | |
|
1
|
JamYoung
Moseyuh
Mercury
Jee
zero
|
1441 | |
|
1
|
oSee
nitr0
br0
Sonic
Grim
|
1412 | |
|
1
|
Sharks Esports
Brazil
|
gafolo
rdnzao
doc
koala
maxxkor
|
1408 |
|
1
|
Gaimin Gladiators
Canada
|
JOTA
NEKIZ
felps
HEN1
Luken
|
1376 |
|
1
|
brnz4n
insani
kl1m
LNZ
venomzera
|
1369 | |
|
1
|
NAF
ultimate
siuhy
EliGE
malbsMd
|
1361 | |
|
1
|
westmelon
z4kr
EmiliaQAQ
Starry
C4LLM3SU3
|
1334 | |
|
1
|
THUNDER dOWNUNDER
Australia
|
asap
TjP
aliStair
dexter
Liazz
|
1301 |
|
1
|
INS
Vexite
nettik
jks
story
|
1282 |
Europe 
Russia 
Turkey 
Mongolia 
Denmark 
Sweden 
United States 
China 
Netherlands 
IEM Cologne Major 2026 MelBet Pick’em Challenge Prizes
Participating in the IEM Cologne CS2 Major Pick’em is not only a way to test your knowledge but also a chance to win real rewards. For this MelBet Pick’em Challenge, we have prepared 15 prizes that will be drawn among participants after the Major CS2 tournament ends and the points are counted.
The prize pool is divided into two categories, and the category you enter depends on the points earned from CS2 Major simulator predictions and Quiz correct answers. The higher your score, the more opportunities you get in the draw.
Reaching the 30+ points mark is especially important. With this result, you get a chance to win prizes from both the Silver Giveaway and Golden Giveaway at the same time.
The main prize of the challenge is a Gaming PC. However, other rewards on the list are also worth attention.
5+ points
30+ points
Make Your Prediction on Major Cologne 2026 and Win with MelBet
Make your CS2 predictions in advance and watch IEM Cologne Major 2026 with completely different emotions! Every match feels more important because it affects your result in the MelBet Pick’em Challenge. When the team you pick wins a decisive map, advances to the next stage, or brings you closer to the prizes, watching IEM Cologne CS2 Major live becomes even more exciting. Earn points in the CS2 Major simulator and Quiz, compete with other fans, and prove that your predictions are the most accurate!
If you want to follow the IEM Cologne Major 2026 even more deeply, you can add online betting to your viewing experience. For Major CS2 2026 matches, you’ll find dozens of betting markets on the main MelBet platform. You can bet on options like match winner, map and round handicaps, total rounds, exact series score, winner of a selected map, pistol rounds, and individual player statistics.
Using the MelBet app helps you track the line, odds, and quick in-game changes more conveniently, especially when the match is already live. And if you don’t have an account yet, use the MelBet promo code during registration for an increased bonus that gives you more betting opportunities on the biggest CS2 tournament of the year!
IEM Cologne Major — The First CS2 Major 2026
The IEM Cologne opens the 2026 Counter-Strike 2 Major season and stands as one of the most important events of the competitive year. From June 2 to June 21, 2026, Cologne will host the world’s strongest teams at the legendary LANXESS Arena.
The stakes are huge with the Major champion title, global prestige, and a $1,250,000 prize pool on the line. This is what makes IEM Cologne CS Major 2026 much more than a regular tournament. Held in one of the most iconic locations in esports, the CS2 Major features 32 teams, VRS seeding, a demanding path through Swiss stages, and a final on one of the most recognizable arenas in the scene.
For players, it is a chance to leave a mark in Counter-Strike history. On the other hand, it is the perfect opportunity for fans and CS2 Major simulator participants to discover which team is truly ready to become the strongest this spring!
| Game | Counter-Strike 2 |
|---|---|
| Organizer | ESL |
| Type | Offline |
| Location | Cologne, Germany |
| Venue | LANXESS Arena |
| Dates | June 2 – June 21, 2026 |
| Prize Pool | $1,250,000 USD |
| Teams | 32 |
| Qualification System | Valve Regional Standings as of April 6, 2026 |
| Tier | Major |
| Format | Stage 1–3: Swiss System; Playoffs: Single-Elimination bracket |
| Previous Tournament | StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 |
| Map Pool | Ancient • Anubis • Dust II • Inferno • Mirage • Nuke • Overpass |
IEM Cologne CS2 Major Format
The IEM Cologne Major 2026 CS2 format is designed so that teams progress through the tournament in stages, from the early Swiss rounds to the decisive playoffs. At each stage of the CS Major 2026, teams fight for a place in the next round. But every loss quickly increases the pressure, especially in elimination matches.
The main feature of the format is three consecutive Swiss stages. This does not change the CS2 Major bracket, but affects the consistency of some rosters. In Stages 1 and 2, some matches are played as Bo1, while decisive advancement and elimination matches are Bo3.
In Stage 3, the format becomes even tougher, as all matches are played in a Bo3 format. After that, the eight best teams advance to the Single-Elimination Playoffs, where the CS2 Major champion is determined.
| Stage | Dates | Format | Matches | Advancement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | June 2-5, 2026 | 16-team Swiss System | Elimination and Advancement matches — Bo3; all other matches — Bo1 | Top 8 advance to Stage 2; bottom 8 are eliminated |
| Stage 2 | June 6-9, 2026 | 16-team Swiss System | Elimination and Advancement matches — Bo3; all other matches — Bo1 | Top 8 advance to Stage 3; bottom 8 are eliminated |
| Stage 3 | June 11-15, 2026 | 16-team Swiss System | All matches — Bo3 | Top 8 advance to Playoffs; bottom 8 are eliminated |
| Playoffs | June 18-21, 2026 | Single-Elimination bracket | All matches except Grand Final — Bo3; Grand Final — Bo5 | Winners advance until the IEM Cologne Major 2026 champion is determined |
IEM Cologne CS2 Major Prize Pool
The total IEM Cologne 2026 Major CS2 prize pool is $1,250,000. While the tournament champion will receive the largest payout of $500,000, cash prizes are allocated to all 32 teams.
The prize distribution is structured so that the gap between placement zones is quite significant. Reaching the playoffs guarantees a team at least $45,000, while finishing in the top 4 increases the payout to $80,000. However, the finalists of the 2026 Major CS2 receive much larger amounts.
| Place | Prize Money (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1st | $500,000 |
| 2nd | $170,000 |
| 3rd–4th | $80,000 |
| 5th–8th | $45,000 |
| 9th–11th | $15,000 |
| 12th–14th | $15,000 |
| 15th–16th | $15,000 |
| 17th–19th | $10,000 |
| 20th–22nd | $10,000 |
| 23rd–24th | $10,000 |
| 25th–27th | $5,000 |
| 28th–30th | $5,000 |
| 31st–32nd | $5,000 |
| Total | $1,250,000 |
Conclusion
Now that you know how the MelBet Pick’em challenge for the IEM Cologne Major 2026 works, all you need to do is to follow the CS2 Major schedule and fill out your predictions in advance. Ensure you don’t leave your participation until the last moment.
Every stage of the tournament can change each team’s path, so your decisions in MelBet Pick’em will feel especially important. This is your chance to watch the matches not just as a viewer, but as a participant, earning prizes. Once the tournament ends, the CS2 Major results will show your evaluation of the teams, the format, and the strength of each roster.
Participation is free, but the emotions are much stronger than with casual viewing. Register, complete the Quiz, fill out the CS2 Major simulator, and prove that you truly understand the professional CS scene better than anyone else!
FAQ
Those who fulfill the MelBet Pick’em Challenge rules can participate in the IEM Cologne Major 2026 CS2 Pick’em. However, participants must be 21 years old or older, have a complete MelBet account, and register on the Pick’em platform.
Yes, you need a MelBet account to join the Pick’em Challenge. Opening an account helps MelBet verify your identity and link your MelBet ID. Without an account, you cannot register on the Pick’em platform or take part in Major 2026 CS2 predictions.
Yes, participating in the MelBet Pick’em Challenge is completely free. You do not need to make a deposit or place real-money bets to fill out Major CS2 Pick’em simulator predictions and complete the Quiz. All you need to do is register, study the rules, choose your teams, and earn as many points as possible.
The IEM Cologne Major 2026 will take place from June 2 to June 21, 2026. The tournament consists of three Swiss stages and playoffs. Stage 1 is scheduled for June 2–5, Stage 2 for June 6–9, and Stage 3 for June 11–15, while the Playoffs will be held on June 18–21. Following the CS2 Major schedule is important because predictions for each stage must be submitted before the start of each stage.
The CS2 Major Pick’em simulator allows you to choose the teams that will advance to the next tournament stages. The more teams you correctly predict, the more points you receive. Also, the closer the predicted position is to the Grand Final, the more points are awarded for a correct prediction.
The IEM Cologne Major 2026 Pick’em bracket locks 30 minutes before the start of the corresponding tournament stage. You will no longer be able to change your selected teams or submit predictions after it locks. Therefore, it is best to complete your picks in advance.
The maximum number of points in the Pick’em Challenge comes from both predictions and the Quiz. You can earn up to 40 points for CS2 Major simulator predictions and up to 50 points for correct Quiz answers. In total, you can score up to 90 points, which increases the chance of entering both giveaway categories.
Once the IEM Cologne Major 2026 ends, all points will be counted to determine the MelBet Pick’em winners. The organizers will consider both simulator prediction results and Quiz answers and announce the draw date on the MelBet Mongolia Facebook page. The draw itself will be held live using Random.org to eliminate bias.
