Stage 1 Standouts: IEM Cologne Major 2026

Stage 1 is set to wrap up on Friday, June 5th. Here are a few players and teams that have stood out most heading into the start of Stage 2 on Saturday, June 6th.

Editor’s Note: Be sure to check back to this blog later after the games have wrapped up for a more in-depth breakdown.

JamYoung was the best player on the server

JamYoung has been one of the most dominant individuals of the stage.

While he does have more firepower support in the form of Zero now, JamYoung is the player TYLOO is built around, and Stage 1 made that obvious.

insani and kl1m: MIBR’s DYNAMIC DUO

No team carried a stronger front two than MIBR. insani and kl1m handled the firepower load for the team en route to Stage 2 qualification.

This rifler/AWPer duo has been in great form in the months leading up to the major and have carried that momentum over into Stage 1. MIBR should be a tough out in Stage 2.

BetBoom: the Most Convincing team of stage 1

BetBoom were the most convincing team in Stage 1.

Even with some lineup shuffling (due to VISA and other issues), Boombl4 and company have been outstanding. The in-game leader showed great individual form in Stage 1, and with a lot of talent surrounding him, BetBoom will be a squad few teams will want to face in Stage 2.

Looking ahead

Stage 1 was fun and all, but the stakes will only get greater and greater. We also have some heavy hitters awaiting, including none other than Spirit and the most skilled player in the world: donk. That game against BetBoom will be a stern first test for Spirit in Stage 2.

Other strong teams awaiting in Stage 2 include FUT, G2, Legacy and Astralis among others. It should be an amazing weekend of CS!