FlyQuest kept their IEM Cologne Major 2026 hopes alive after defeating fellow Australians THUNDER dOWNUNDER 2-0 in the 1-2 elimination bracket. The victory moved FlyQuest into the 2-2 pool, where they will have one final opportunity to qualify for Stage 2, while THUNDER dOWNUNDER’s Cinderella run came to an end. Despite becoming one of the biggest stories of Stage 1 thanks to their upset victories and unique background, THUNDER dOWNUNDER were unable to overcome their regional rivals. FlyQuest, meanwhile, survived elimination and remain in contention for a place in the next stage of the Major.
Path through Stage 1
FlyQuest began the tournament with a victory over SINNERS before suffering consecutive defeats to GamerLegion and NRG. Facing elimination with a 1-2 record, the Australians responded with a convincing win over THUNDER dOWNUNDER to move into the 2-2 pool and keep their hopes of reaching Stage 2 alive.
THUNDER dOWNUNDER enjoyed one of the most memorable runs of Stage 1. They shocked MIBR in the opening round and later defeated TYLOO to move within one win of qualification. However, losses against B8, BIG and FlyQuest ultimately ended their Major campaign.
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FlyQuest dominate the deciding series
The opening map, Anubis, started competitively, with THUNDER dOWNUNDER keeping the score close during the first half. However, FlyQuest gradually took control of the game thanks to superior teamwork and stronger late-round execution. The favorites eventually secured a 13-10 victory on their own map pick.
Inferno became completely one-sided. FlyQuest overwhelmed their opponents from the opening rounds and gave THUNDER dOWNUNDER almost no opportunities to recover. The second map ended with a dominant 13-3 scoreline, sealing the series without the need for Dust2.
With the victory, FlyQuest advanced to the 2-2 pool, while THUNDER dOWNUNDER were eliminated from the Major with a 1-3 record.
Vexite leads FlyQuest to victory
Declan “Vexite” Portelli was the star of the series and finished with an impressive 1.66 rating. He recorded 36 kills and 99.2 ADR while constantly finding opening duels and maintaining momentum for his team.
Corey “nettik” Browne also had an excellent performance with a 1.49 rating, while Justin “jks” Savage added a 1.38 rating and delivered several important rounds during the first map.
For THUNDER dOWNUNDER, Tyson “asap” Paterson was the team’s best player with a 1.14 rating, but the Australians struggled collectively against FlyQuest’s firepower.
VRS impact after the match
The victory also had a positive effect on FlyQuest’s Valve Regional Standings position. The Australian squad gained 38 points and climbed to 65th place. THUNDER dOWNUNDER, meanwhile, lost 17 points and dropped to 62nd in the rankings following their elimination from the Major.
Teams react after the result
FlyQuest reacted to the victory on social media shortly after the series, reminding fans that their run at the Major is not over. The organization posted the message:
Still alive in Cologne. GG’s @THUNDERdUNDERcs
Along with the post, FlyQuest shared a victory graphic featuring the roster and emphasized that they remain in contention for a Stage 2 spot.
THUNDER dOWNUNDER, meanwhile, stayed true to their humorous style. Despite elimination, the Australians jokingly wrote:
GGs just clapped @FlyQuestCS. vsing Vitality next, see you on the big stage.
The post quickly attracted attention from fans, who praised the underdogs for becoming one of the most entertaining stories of Stage 1.
What’s Next?
Although their fairy-tale run came to an end, THUNDER dOWNUNDER leave Cologne as one of the most memorable underdog stories of Stage 1. FlyQuest, meanwhile, remain alive and will now face one final do-or-die series for a place in Stage 2 of the IEM Cologne Major 2026.
Skin.Club Pick’em ChallengeВ
Running alongside the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 is the Skin.Club Pick’em Challenge — an interactive feature where fans predict match results, choose advancing teams, and earn points throughout the tournament. By making accurate picks, participants unlock rewards ranging from premium skins to rare gloves and knives, with the ultimate prize being the iconic AWP | Dragon Lore.
