IEM Cologne Major 2026 delivered everything we love about Counter-Strike. Surprises, dramatic exits for favorites, unexpected heroes, and a new champion. While some teams exceeded all expectations, others left their fans in complete shock. Let’s take a look at who emerged as the biggest surprise and who ended up as the tournament’s greatest disappointment.
Complete Failure: PARIVISION and B8
For PARIVISION and B8, finishing in 15th-16th place was a massive blow.
PARIVISION’s performance was especially painful. After their strong results in previous events and their status as one of the scene’s rising teams, many expected at least a playoff appearance. Instead, losses to 9z and Monte sent them home among the first teams eliminated.
B8 are unlikely to be satisfied either. While nobody expected the Ukrainian squad to fight for the title, their steady progress over recent months made such an early exit feel like a disappointing outcome.
MOUZ, Monte, and Legacy — Well Below Expectations
MOUZ were one of the biggest disappointments of the tournament. Despite their recent roster changes and the understanding that the team would need time to adapt, a 12th-14th place finish is still unacceptable for an organization of their caliber. MOUZ have built a reputation around consistently reaching semifinals and finals, making this result particularly disappointing.
Monte also left mixed impressions. The team looked competitive throughout the event, but lacked consistency when it mattered most.
As for Legacy, expectations were much higher following their triumph at CS Asia Championships. This time, however, there was no magic. Finishing 12th-14th after winning their previous big tournament feels like a clear step backward.
NAVI, FUT, and The MongolZ — Neither Failure Nor Success
A 5th-9th place finish for Natus Vincere, FUT, and The MongolZ leaves mixed feelings.
In NAVI’s case, the disappointment is probably greater. After their resurgence in previous tournaments and their No.2 world ranking, fans dreamed of another showdown with Vitality or Falcons in the final. Instead, their campaign ended before the semifinals. On the other hand, losing to the eventual champions Falcons is hardly something to be ashamed of.
The MongolZ looked significantly better than they had at several recent events, but expectations for a team of their level are much higher than simply reaching the top eight. FUT, meanwhile, can be satisfied. Their quarterfinal appearance may not have been a fairy tale, but they continue proving that their recent successes were not a fluke.
Vitality and G2 — Big Names That Wanted More
For Vitality and G2, a top-eight finish was certainly not the result they traveled to Cologne for. Vitality’s story is especially interesting. The French side entered the tournament as one of the favorites but failed to even reach the semifinals. Their loss to 9z became one of the biggest upsets of the event. G2’s situation is familiar. Once again, they showed they can beat weaker opposition, but when facing genuine title contenders, they simply lacked the quality to go further.
9z and BetBoom — Pleasant Surprises
Few expected 9z and BetBoom to make such deep runs. 9z became one of the biggest revelations of the tournament. Victories over PARIVISION, Vitality, and The MongolZ earned them a well-deserved place among the event’s standout stories. BetBoom also exceeded expectations. Wins over The MongolZ and Falcons in the early stages helped them secure an impressive playoff run.
Spirit and Aurora — Strong Results, Yet a Feeling of Unfinished Business
Spirit and Aurora both finished in the top four.
For Spirit, it was another strong tournament. The team once again showcased its trademark aggressive style, with donk remaining one of the biggest threats in the world. However, their semifinal loss to Falcons once again demonstrated that even individual brilliance does not always guarantee titles.
Aurora also deserve praise. Reaching the semifinals of a Major is already a tremendous achievement. Yet after beating BetBoom, many fans began dreaming of a grand final appearance, only for FURIA to stand in their way.
FURIA — The Return of a Major Force
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the tournament was FURIA. The Brazilians produced one of their best performances in years. Victories over MOUZ, BetBoom, and Aurora, followed by a run to the Major final, turned into a dream tournament for their fans.
It is particularly encouraging to see how FalleN’s experience and the team’s young talents have finally started to complement each other. Although FURIA failed to challenge Falcons in the final, a runner-up finish is already a massive achievement and proof that the organization is returning to the elite.
Falcons — Champions at Last
If one team deserves to be called the hero of IEM Cologne Major 2026, it is undoubtedly Falcons. Following the arrival of m0NESY, constant talk about a “Falcons era,” and several failed attempts, the team finally proved that the hype was justified. Their road to the title was anything but easy: G2, Monte, Vitality, Spirit, and FURIA all stood in their way. Yet Falcons defeated them all. Special praise must go to m0NESY, who once again displayed superstar-level performances, and to veteran karrigan, who managed to build a true championship machine.
A New Era or Just the Beginning?
IEM Cologne Major 2026 answered many questions — but raised even more. Has FURIA truly returned? Can Falcons turn one Major title into long-term dominance? Will Vitality and NAVI find answers to this new challenge? One thing is certain: the second half of 2026 promises to be incredible.
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.
