IEM Cologne Stage 3 Preview: Thursday, June 11th Picks
The IEM Cologne Major 2026 continues on Thursday, June 11th with an eight-game slate filled with the best of the best in Counter-Strike. Stage 3 is here, and it should be epic.
Sixteen teams will be in action in Cologne, Germany: PARIVISION, 9z, The Mongolz, BetBoom, Vitality, FUT, MOUZ, Legacy, FURIA, B8, Falcons, G2, Aurora, Monte, Spirit, and Natus Vincere.
Let's dive right in!
THE GAMES
Percentages are approximate win probabilities based on available odds.
PARIVISION vs 9z, 5:00 AM ET
PARIVISION 56% / 9z 44%
9z has generally been in strong form heading into Stage 3, despite a blowout loss to Spirit in Stage 2. Even though I’m a big Jame believer, PARIVISION have not shown the best results at recent events, with lineup change rumors swirling around as a result. They’ll have to be sharp from the get-go.
Pick: PARIVISION > 9z 2-1
Top Projection: zweih
Top Leverage: luchov
The Mongolz vs BetBoom, 5:00 AM ET
The Mongolz 55% / BetBoom 45%
This is an interesting series. BetBoom have been impressive despite fielding a makeshift starting five. Magnojez continues to play lights out CS ahead of this date with MongolZ. Wouldn’t be surprised to see an upset here.
Pick: BetBoom > MongolZ 2-1
Top Projection: 910
Top Leverage: Magnojez
Vitality vs FUT, 7:30 AM ET
Vitality 79% / FUT 21%
This is quite the series to start off Stage 3 for Vitality. FUT have been dangerous and fought admirably throughout Stage 2. It’s still tough to envision them overcoming ZywOo, ropz and company in a best-of-three.
Pick: Vitality > FUT 2-0
Top Projection: ZywOo
Top Leverage: flameZ / ropz
MOUZ vs Legacy, 7:30 AM ET
MOUZ 55% / Legacy 45%
Eager to see what level of Counter-Strike we see out of Mousesports. They have xertioN as the new in-game leader and xelex in place of Jimpphat, but they’ll be playing with Brollan for the major as a stand-in. They’ll be a wildcard at this event.
Pick: Legacy > MOUZ 2-1
Top Projection: Spinx
Top Leverage: latto
FURIA vs B8, 10:00 AM ET
FURIA 69% / B8 31%
A part of me thinks B8 will make life difficult, but FURIA’s duo of KSCERATO and molodoy is potent. B8 doesn’t have a coach at this event, but that hasn’t hindered their play all that much so far.
Pick: FURIA > B8 2-1
Top Projection: KSCERATO
Top Leverage: npl
Falcons vs G2, 10:00 AM ET
Falcons 64% / G2 36%
This should be a fun one. The early results with karrigan as Falcons’ in-game leader have been promising and it seems like the vibes are good. G2 is a formidable opponent to open up Stage 3, however. They are highly skilled and experienced from top to bottom.
Pick: Falcons > G2 2-1
Top Projection: m0NESY
Top Leverage: MATYS
Aurora vs Monte, 12:30 PM ET
Aurora 60% / Monte 40%
Picking an upset here, mainly because of Aurora’s unconvincing form at recent events. Monte has been a pleasant surprise and seems to be thriving under Gizmy’s in-game leadership.
Pick: Monte > Aurora 2-1
Top Projection: XANTARES
Top Leverage: Rainwaker
Spirit vs Natus Vincere, 12:30 PM ET
Spirit 55% / Natus Vincere 45%
What an epic matchup to close out the day. These are two of the best teams in CS, so the level of play should be insane. donk has been otherworldly at the major so far, and Spirit has been looking scary overall, but Na’Vi are a powerhouse too.
Pick: Spirit > Na’Vi 2-1
Top Projection: donk
Top Leverage: makazze
Win probabilities are approximate and subject to change. Always check current numbers before locking decisions.
For player-level ratings check CARNAGE before games start. For game-level fair values see MARKET. The new tool, RANGE, shows outcome distributions on a player and team level.
Good luck!