The traditional sticker capsule model has been removed from Counter-Strike 2. Valve has launched a renovated Major Shop for the IEM Cologne 2026 tournament, allowing players to purchase any specific team or player autograph sticker directly. Purchases are made using a new in-game currency called tokens.
Sticker prices are no longer static. The token cost for each item is determined by relative market demand, meaning popular stickers will increase in price while less sought-after ones become cheaper. Valve has implemented a refund system to protect buyers from immediate market fluctuations. If a sticker drops in price by more than 25 tokens within 24 hours of purchase, the buyer receives an automatic token refund for the difference.
Introducing the Souvenir-O-Matic
The process of acquiring Major souvenirs has seen a complete redesign. Players can now craft their own souvenirs using any normal or Souvenir quality weapon currently in their inventory. By selecting a completed tournament match and a specific player, the weapon is upgraded to Souvenir quality with the corresponding gold team, autograph, and map stickers permanently applied. Any existing stickers on the weapon are removed prior to the upgrade.
Viewer Pass and token rewards
The Cologne 2026 Viewer Pass provides access to the Pick’Em Challenge and an upgradable Challenge Coin. Players receive 300 tokens for each coin upgrade, progressing from Bronze to Silver, Gold, and Diamond. These tokens can then be redeemed for stickers or souvenirs in the Major Shop.
Performance-based revenue sharing
Valve continues to share half of the Major Shop and Viewer Pass revenue with the tournament organizer, teams, and players. The distribution method now relies entirely on competitive performance. Leading up to the grand final, the revenue split is based on the teams’ Valve Regional Standings seeding. Following the conclusion of the event, the distribution will be calculated using the final tournament standings, offering a higher financial incentive for deep tournament runs.
