IEM Cologne Confirmed as First Major of 2026

Cologne is set to reclaim its place at the heart of Counter-Strike history. ESL has confirmed that IEM Cologne will host the first Major of 2026, marking the tournament’s return to Major status for the first time in a decade.

The Major event will run from June 2–21, 2026, with the playoffs scheduled for June 18–21 inside the legendary LANXESS Arena. The venue has delivered some of Counter-Strike’s most iconic moments, and fans can expect the same energy when the Major returns.