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IEM Cologne Major 2026: The Only Stage 3 Pick'Em Challenge Guide You Need
Now that IEM Cologne Major Stage 2 has wrapped up, we can start predicting how Stage 3 will unfold. The Pick'Ems have posed several challenges for players throughout this Major, much like in previous editions. And with Counter-Strike's top contenders now entering the race, the equation could get complicated.
Stage 3 will run from June 11-15, featuring another set of Swiss Stage matchups but this time all games are Bo3. Below, we've shared our predictions for the IEM Cologne Major 2026 Stage 3 Pick'Em Challenge.
Note: These are educated picks based on recent form, tournament results, and overall team quality. Stage 3 features the biggest teams in CS2 and is a blend of both strength and form, making it more unpredictable than the previous stages.
How do CS2 Major Pick’ems Work?
The CS2 Major Pick'Ems have gone through considerable changes in their latest edition. For a complete breakdown, you can check out our detailed guide on how to play the IEM Cologne Major Pick'Em Challenge.
Similar to the previous two phases of the tournament, Stage 3 will feature a 16‑team Swiss stage. And like the last two stages, you must lock in 10 picks. These predictions include:
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The 2 teams that achieve a flawless 3‑0 run
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The 6 teams that qualify for the playoffs (with a 3‑1 or 3‑2 tally)
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The 2 teams that crash out with an 0‑3 record
For detailed schedule and livestream details for Stage 3 and the Playoffs, check out our IEM Cologne 2026 Viewer's Guide.
IEM Cologne Major Stage 1 Pick'Ems: Strafe's Predictions
3-0: Cruising Through to the Playoffs
Vitality: The three‑time Major winners have been on a roll this year, winning five tournaments in a row. Although they made a quarterfinal exit at IEM Atlanta, Vitality possesses a roster capable of overcoming any hurdle. Moreover, they have the most experience winning at the highest level, along with a strong track record in best‑of‑five series. And with ZywOo at his absolute best this season, Vitality has the ultimate trump card to carry them through any tough matchup.
Spirit: Team Spirit is undoubtedly a strong contender for the title, given their 3‑0 run in Stage 2. Counter-Strike's most promising young talent, donk, has been a treat to watch so far at the IEM Cologne Major, and all eyes are on him as he edges closer to the coveted Major trophy. While Spirit is a strong candidate for another 3‑0 run, they face NAVI in their opening game. They need to overthrow the CS giants to have a shot at entering the playoffs with a flawless record.
3-1 / 3-2: Grinding Out a Playoff Spot
NAVI: After Vitality, NAVI is one of the most lethal teams in Stage 3. They've been in great form this year, winning two trophies, including the recent IEM Atlanta. While they have the potential to qualify for the playoffs with a 3‑0 run in Stage 3, they face an in‑form Team Spirit in their opening matchup, a challenge that could pose some problems. However, if NAVI manages to pull through, a flawless 3‑0 tally would totally be on the cards.
Falcons: Team Falcons enter the IEM Cologne Major with a mixed but promising record in 2026. While they have yet to secure a trophy this year, their consistent deep runs in various tournaments have kept them firmly inside the VRS top 5. Falcons have shown they can compete with the absolute elite, having defeated Vitality twice this season. Their lack of a tournament win in 2026 raises questions about their ability to close out big matches, but they should still be capable of qualifying with a 3‑1 or 3‑2 tally.
FURIA: Carrying their form from the end of 2025 into the 2026 season, the Brazilian squad has re‑established itself as a legitimate threat on the international stage. While FURIA's performances leading up to the Cologne Major have been far from satisfactory, they possess invaluable experience playing against all top rosters at the highest level. And with this potentially being FalleN's second‑last Major (if not his last), FURIA can be expected to go all out in Stage 3 and push past the competition to secure a playoff berth.
FUT: FUT Esports enters the Cologne Major with a compelling storyline, as they’ve had a breakout year in 2026, winning their first‑ever Tier 1 trophy. Their 3‑0 run in Stage 2 demonstrates that, despite this being their first Major appearance, they have what it takes to advance further in the tournament. Though FUT faces Vitality in their opening match, even a loss to the reigning champions would still leave them with a viable path to qualify for the playoffs.
The MongolZ: The 2025 Austin Major runners‑up enter Stage 3 once again as Asia's top seed. Though they haven't had the best form this season, The MongolZ is a team that rarely fails to perform at a Major. They will face an in‑form BetBoom in their opening match, avoiding any of the top European contenders. This favorable draw should help them progress to the playoffs with a 3‑1 or 3‑2 record.
BetBoom: BetBoom enters Stage 3 of the IEM Cologne Major as a clear underdog. The Russian roster has shown flashes of potential throughout the season, but it is their hard‑fought journey from Stage 1 that strengthens their case for a playoff spot. While burnout or inexperience against top sides could slow them down, BetBoom has nothing to lose, and the lack of expectations might just help them pull through.
0-3: The Hard Exits
Legacy: Legacy will begin Stage 3 with a tough matchup against MOUZ. However, it only gets harder from there, as they could face either Vitality or Spirit in Round 2. Legacy's Stage 2 run saw them lose to Monte and MIBR, and even though they secured three flawless wins, none of those came against Tier 1 opponents. Given how tough the competition is in Stage 3, Legacy is expected to make an early exit with three consecutive defeats.
B8: As one of only two remaining teams from Stage 1, B8 has come a long way in the Cologne Major. However, their struggles have progressively increased. Though they finished Stage 1 with a 3‑0 run, the next stage saw them lose to FUT and M80. With Stage 3 featuring much tighter competition, B8 is expected to make an early exit. After their opening matchup against FURIA, they could go on to face Spirit or NAVI, making an already difficult path even more complicated for the Ukrainian roster.
Strafe's Final Pick'Ems Sheet
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3-0: Vitality, Spirit
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3-1 / 3-2: Falcons, NAVI, FURIA, FUT, The MongolZ, BetBoom
- 0-3: Legacy, B8
Those who made accurate predictions in the first two stages of the tournament will now have one final chance to claim a Diamond Coin. For everyone else, this is your last opportunity to upgrade your coin and earn 300 additional tokens to purchase a Major sticker of your choice.
You can also follow the Cologne Major 2026 live on Strafe.
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Featured Image Credit: ESL Counter-Strike
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