The final 2-2 qualification match of Stage 2 at IEM Cologne Major 2026 carried additional importance beyond simply reaching Stage 3. Monte defeated paiN in a convincing 2-0 series to secure a place among the tournament’s final 16 teams and bring Europe one step closer to earning an 18th slot at the next Major.
The road through Stage 2
Both teams arrived at the deciding 2-2 match after difficult and eventful campaigns in Stage 2.
Monte opened their run with a dramatic triple-overtime defeat to G2 (19-22), but quickly recovered by defeating BIG 13-8 and then edging Legacy 13-11 to move into the 2-1 pool. Their first opportunity to qualify slipped away after a 1-2 loss to BetBoom, forcing the European side into one final do-or-die series.
paiN experienced an even more turbulent journey. The Brazilians started Stage 2 with consecutive defeats against TYLOO (9-13) and BIG (9-13), leaving themselves on the brink of elimination. However, they responded with back-to-back victories, eliminating FlyQuest 2-0 and then knocking out Astralis in a three-map thriller to reach the 2-2 pool.
The stage was set for a winner-takes-all showdown, with one team advancing to Stage 3 and the other seeing its Cologne campaign come to an end.
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Monte dominate both maps to qualify for Stage 3
After falling to BetBoom in the previous round, Monte entered the deciding series knowing that one more loss would end their Cologne campaign. The European squad responded in impressive fashion, taking down the Brazilians without needing a third map.
paiN selected Nuke, but Monte completely shut down the Brazilian side and secured a comfortable 13-5 victory. On Dust2, the series became more competitive, though Monte once again looked like the better team in key moments and closed the map 13-11 to seal a 2-0 triumph.
Oscar “AZUWU” Bell delivered another outstanding performance. The British rifler finished the series with a 1.53 rating, while Aleksi “Rainwaker” Petrov posted a 1.37 rating. Aurélien “afro” Drapier also contributed with a 1.15 rating. For paiN, Rafael “saffee” Costa was the only player to finish with a rating above 1.20.
Monte secure Stage 3 and improve their VRS position
The victory earned Monte 22 VRS points and moved the team up to 19th place in the rankings. More importantly, the roster secured a place in Stage 3 of IEM Cologne Major 2026, becoming one of the last teams to advance from the second stage.
paiN, meanwhile, were eliminated from the tournament after finishing with a 2-3 record. The Brazilians lost 16 VRS points and dropped to 21st in the rankings.
Europe moves closer to an 18th Major spot
Monte’s victory also had important implications for the regional slot distribution at the next Major in Singapore. Before the final day of Stage 2, Europe had already guaranteed 16 places, while the Americas had eight and Asia had four.
Because B8 had already secured another qualification spot earlier, Monte’s victory over paiN prevented the Americas from gaining an additional place and moved Europe one step closer to receiving an unprecedented 18th slot.
Community discussions throughout the day highlighted the importance of the result, with many European fans openly supporting Monte for the regional implications.
Team reactions
Monte celebrated qualification to Stage 3 with an emotional post on X:
A dream has come true! What a journey these lads have been on
The organization also shared a special “LEGENDS” graphic featuring the roster after reaching the final stage of the Major.
paiN, meanwhile, acknowledged the disappointment of ending their campaign with a 2-3 record.
Looking at the results we’ve had recently, there’s a lingering sense of frustration after a late reaction during the tournament.
The Brazilian side nevertheless thanked fans for their support throughout the event and closed the Major with a message of appreciation to everyone who stood behind the team.
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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.
