ESL confirmed the final rosters for IEM Cologne Major 2026. All 32 participants are now locked for one of the biggest Counter-Strike events of the year. The update also revealed substitutes for every team. Most organizations chose coaches, benched players, academy prospects, or emergency stand-ins. The post quickly created discussion online. Fans noticed FaZe are absent, while several contenders arrive with unusual roster situations and last-minute changes.
Major rosters finalized across all three stages
The tournament field is divided into three stages. Top-ranked teams enter later in the event.
- Stage 3 includes Vitality, NAVI, Falcons, PARIVISION, Aurora, MOUZ, FURIA, and The MongolZ. Many fans focused on Falcons listing karrigan as substitute. MOUZ also named xelex during their reported rebuild.
- Stage 2 features Spirit, Astralis, G2, paiN, Monte, Legacy, 9z, and FUT. Several teams listed former players or coaches as backups.
- Stage 1 opens the event with HEROIC, Liquid, BIG, B8, GamerLegion, BetBoom, TYLOO, FlyQuest, NRG, M80, Sharks, and MIBR.
The road to the Lanxess Arena is now officially set.
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Biggest talking points: karrigan, MOUZ changes, BetBoom uncertainty
Some substitutes could play from the start.
- Falcons registered Finn “karrigan” Andersen. Reports suggest he may play the event instead of staying on the bench. If that happens, it will become one of the biggest stories of the Major.
- MOUZ listed Adrian “xelex” Vincze. This matches recent reports that the academy player is ready for promotion while more roster changes happen around the core.
- BetBoom remain one of the biggest unknowns. The organization has not confirmed its final starting five. Visa issues and past loan deals created uncertainty around the lineup.
Community reacts: “Where is FaZe?”
Much of the reaction centered on one missing name: FaZe Clan. Several replies under ESL’s post simply asked “Where is FaZe?” Others mentioned the team’s fall after reaching the last Major final. Their absence became one of the biggest discussion points after the reveal. Other fans praised underdog teams like 9z, supported BetBoom’s chances, and joked about Falcons naming karrigan as substitute.
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Cologne Major is ready
With rosters locked, the focus now shifts to the server. Vitality arrive as favorites after a dominant 2026 season. NAVI want another deep Major run. Falcons bring star power and intrigue. Spirit, G2, Astralis, and The MongolZ also hope to challenge for the trophy.
The Cathedral of Counter-Strike is ready once again. Every player fighting for glory is now confirmed.
