SkinLords CS2 Esports When Does the Next CS2 Major Start – Important Dates to Know About the IEM Cologne CS2 Major

When Does the Next CS2 Major Start – Important Dates to Know About the IEM Cologne CS2 Major

The IEM Cologne Major 2026 is the very next stop on a lot of teams‘ calendars for the year, and it’s an event that carries a whole lot of weight. Not only is it one of the most prestigious tournaments you could possibly play, but there’s also progress towards the ESL Grand Slam in play.

Check out our blog to find more IEM Cologne Major content and other CS2 Esports coverage:

CS2 Esports

While everyone knows it’s really the next international LAN tournament for the world’s best teams, when exactly is the Cologne Major taking place? Here are the most important dates to know so you don’t miss any of the action from Stage 1 all the way to the Playoffs at the Lanxess Arena.

IEM Cologne CS2 Major Stage 1: June 2-5

The first time we’ll see teams take the server will be at the IEM Cologne 2026 Major Stage 1 opening day, which is set for June 2. The preliminary round of the whole tournament will run until June 5, where the top eight teams will keep going.

GamerLegion, HEROIC, and Liquid are the biggest names to watch in this stage of the Major and are favorites to easily make it through, but you never really can tell for certain these days.

IEM Cologne CS2 Major Stage 2: June 6-9

The Cologne Major 2026 Stage 2 proper will take place from June 6-9, starting a day after the final advancement matches in Stage 1 wrap up. There’s a solid mix of historic teams and underdog organizations here, and everyone will definitely be competing to secure a top-eight placement.

IEM Cologne CS2 Major Stage 3: June 11-15

Stage 3 will be operating completely differently from the first two stages since it will be the first time in history that only best-of-threes will be utilized. Every match from here on will be a complete marathon since a map loss wouldn’t necessarily mean defeat just yet.

Top teams like Vitality, Natus Vincere, and Falcons will be the ultimate attractions for Stage 3 as fans will be treated to nonstop Counter-Strike action with the all-new format.

IEM Cologne CS2 Major Playoffs: June 18-21

The single-elimination playoff bracket will begin on June 18 and wrap up with the best-of-five Grand Final on June 21. IEM Cologne 2026 will be only the second Major in history to feature a Bo5 Grand Final, following last year’s StarLadder Budapest Major.