Best Stories from the IEM Cologne Major 2026

The first Counter-Strike 2 Major of 2026 is in the books, and truly what an event it was. The final day of competition brought two legendary storylines, which came together and ultimately culminated in the perfection of one iconic player’s career. These are the best stories from the IEM Cologne Major 2026.

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NiKo Is A CS2 Major Champion

At long last, Nikola “NiKo” Kovač has won the one thing that’s eluded him for all his life. Widely regarded as not only the greatest rifler in Counter-Strike but also the greatest to never lift a Major trophy, NiKo achieved his dream with the Grand Final that defined his entire career.

His team, the Falcons, went through an absolute gauntlet in the tournament en route to the Major final. They got past Natus Vincere, Vitality, Spirit, and finally FURIA in one of the most difficult runs to a Major of all time. It was the first time four members of the organization earned the title of Major champion, fittingly in what’s considered the most iconic venue in the history of CS.

NiKo’s postgame reactions said it all. A well-known and beloved photograph from 2023 during his G2 days has since been replaced on his X account with an even more historic moment — himself kissing the IEM Cologne Major trophy he’d worked his entire life to touch.

FalleN’s Return To The CS2 Major Grand Final

The Cologne Major Grand Final was one of those series where, as a fan of Counter-Strike, you’d wish both teams had won. The opposite of NiKo’s crowning achievement was Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo, the Godfather of Brazilian Counter-Strike, who just so happened to be on his retirement tour.

In his final appearance at the Cathedral, FalleN led FURIA to a Major Grand Final for the very first time. Though the fairytale ended with a heartbreaking 0-3 sweep against NiKo’s Falcons squad, it was one of the great joys of the entire community to witness FalleN return to the grandest stage in all of CS.

m0NESY Is a Baby GOAT No More

Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov’s nickname for the longest time was “Baby GOAT” which stems from his similarities with Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev, who is regarded as the greatest CS:GO player of all time. Well, after years of missing out on multiple trophies at the very final hurdle, m0NESY’s finally achieved the big one.

m0NESY’s consistent play throughout the IEM Cologne Major 2026 earned him MVP honors from both DHL/ESL and HLTV. At only 21 years old, the Baby GOAT has already matched the CS:GOAT’s Major championship tally, and he’s still got his whole future ahead of him.

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