At Pley.gg we correctly predicted seven out of the eight teams to advance to Stage 2 of the IEM Cologne Major 2026, but the required five correct picks to upgrade the coin eluded us. GamerLegion and MIBR failed to secure a 3-0 record, while BetBoom and B8 went the distance. This highlights the inherent difficulty in securing the diamond coin. We attempt another round of predictions.
(If you are looking for the Stage 3 Pick’em guide, you can read it here)
The opening matchups of Stage 2 (especially Spirit vs BetBoom) also make this pick’em tough!
For those of you who don’t want to read our thoughts and reasoning behind the picks, here are the picks straight away:
3-0: Spirit and Legacy
3-1, 3-2: BetBoom, G2, B8, FUT, Astralis, and GamerLegion
0-3: TYLOO and 9z
* You need to be quick with the Pick’em, as the first games in Stage 2 start at 12.30 (CEST) on Saturday.
3-0 picks
Stage 2 of the Major features several heavyweights. Spirit enters as a favorite to reach the Grand Final, making them a natural 3-0 pick despite a challenging opening match against BetBoom. A slight disadvantage for Spirit is the absence of their coaches at the beginning of the tournament.
We also turn our attention to Legacy. The CS Asia Championships winners have performed well in their last three tournaments. They secured victories against MIBR, TYLOO, BetBoom, Astralis, M80, and 9z, all of whom are present in Stage 2. This track record supports the possibility of a 3-0 run. The ideal scenario is that they avoid an early matchup with Spirit.
3-1 and 3-2 teams
BetBoom faces the toughest opening draw against Spirit, but Boombl4 and his roster performed commendably in Stage 1. Their current form should be sufficient to advance past Stage 2.
G2 is expected to qualify, even if their recent performances have not been stellar. The overall level of opposition in Stage 2 should not pose significant problems for the team.
The Ukrainian roster of B8 fought off two other qualifiers during their 3-0 run in Stage 1, indicating a challenging path to this point. While Alex666 has been their highest performer, npl remains the star player to watch. We project B8 will advance to the next stage.
FUT experienced two underperforming tournaments in North America prior to the Major. Before those events, they posted excellent results. With nearly a month to prepare and recover from their US campaign, we back krabeni and his roster to progress.
Regarding Astralis, observations of the competition level at this year’s Major suggest they will make it through. This is expected despite Astralis not performing at their peak in recent tournaments.
We were not highly impressed by GamerLegion in the opening stage, but they remain rated higher than MIBR, who defeated only one team that advanced to Stage 2. Snax and his roster lost to BetBoom but secured wins against BIG, FlyQuest, and NRG. Oldřich “PR” Nový performed below his usual standard in the early matches. If his individual level improves, GamerLegion possesses a fair chance to advance.
Outsiders: BIG’s insane comeback vs. NRG should obviously not be underestimated here. What momentum will that give the German roster? They could be a dark horse for a spot with what happened Friday night in Cologne…
0-3 predictions
The opening matchups of Stage 2 present challenges for the 0-3 picks. The match between paiN and TYLOO is crucial, as the loser is a strong candidate for a 0-3 exit. TYLOO is on a three-match win streak, but those victories occurred against teams eliminated in Stage 1. Furthermore, paiN defeated them just two weeks ago at the CS Asia Championships. We predict paiN will win this encounter, pushing TYLOO toward the 0-3 bracket.
Another deciding matchup is 9z versus FlyQuest. FlyQuest shares a similar path to TYLOO, having only defeated teams that were knocked out of the Major. However, the Australian squad shows current momentum, and their impressive victory over Team Liquid shifts the 0-3 focus toward 9z. The South American team had a strong run at PGL Astana, but their most recent appearance at Stake Ranked Episode ended with losses to Sharks and a struggling FaZe roster.
The outcome of Monte versus BIG is difficult to project, leaving TYLOO and 9z as our primary picks for the 0-3 bracket.
We wish everyone good luck with their predictions.
First round matchups at Stage 2 of the IEM Cologne Major
- FUT vs. B8
- Spirit vs. BetBoom
- Astralis vs. GamerLegion
- G2 vs. M80
- Legacy vs. MIBR
- paiN vs. TYLOO
- Monte vs. BIG
- 9z vs. FlyQuest
