The opening round of Stage 2 at IEM Cologne Major 2026 continued with two more BO1 clashes. G2 secured a convincing victory over M80, while Monte successfully started their campaign by defeating BIG. Both winners moved to the 1-0 pool, while M80 and BIG were sent to the lower side of the Swiss bracket.
G2 overpower M80 on Mirage
G2 started Stage 2 with a confident performance against M80. Playing on Mirage, the European squad took control early and never allowed the North Americans to mount a comeback, closing the map with a 13-8 scoreline.
Guy “NertZ” Iluz led the server with a 1.68 rating and 22 kills. Álvaro “SunPayus” García and Matúš “MATYS” Šimko also made important contributions, while M80 relied mostly on Fritz “slaxz-” Dietrich, who finished with a 1.36 rating despite the defeat.
The result improved G2’s VRS position, moving the team up to 13th place, while M80 slipped to 27th.
Strong response after recent struggles
The victory was especially important for G2, who arrived in Cologne after several disappointing results against top opposition. Against M80, however, the roster looked much more composed and delivered one of their cleanest maps in recent weeks.
For M80, the defeat marked a difficult start after qualifying through Stage 1 with a 3-1 record.
Team reactions
G2 celebrated the victory on their official X account with a humorous post featuring NertZ and the caption:
analyze that one
M80 reacted with self-deprecating humor. Shortly after the loss, the organization posted:
the lion is struggling
The team also joked about its Pick’Em hopes, referring to a “plastic coin” after previously sharing a “diamond coin formula.”
Monte defeat BIG in Stage 2 opener
In the second match, Monte overcame BIG 13-8 on Mirage. Despite BIG entering Stage 2 after an impressive Stage 1 run, the Ukrainian organization looked sharper in the decisive rounds and controlled the game throughout the second half.
Aurimas “Bymas” Pipiras delivered an excellent individual performance with a 1.62 rating and 20 kills. Aurélien “afro” Drapier and Oscar “AZUWU” Bell also played key roles, while BIG lacked consistent firepower outside of faveN and gr1ks.
The win brought Monte into the 1-0 pool and boosted the team to 20th place in the VRS rankings. BIG, meanwhile, dropped to 29th.
Monte continue their rise
After several strong tournaments earlier in the season, Monte once again showed they are capable of competing with higher-ranked opponents. Their structured approach and strong CT side proved too much for BIG to handle.
For the German side, the defeat ended a six-map winning streak on Mirage and represented a disappointing start to Stage 2.
Team reactions
Monte celebrated the victory on their official X account and joked about Pick’Em predictions, writing:
How are your Monte 0:3 pickems going?
BIG accepted the defeat with sportsmanship and posted:
The Mirage miracle had to end eventually
The organization also congratulated Monte and acknowledged that their long winning run on the map had finally come to an end. Both G2 and Monte now advance to the 1-0 pool, while M80 and BIG will have to fight their way back through the lower bracket in the next round of Stage 2.
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Skin.Club Pick’em Challenge
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.
