The opening stage of IEM Cologne Major 2026 delivers another intriguing matchup as BIG take on Liquid. Both teams arrive with inconsistent form, but BIG appear slightly more stable over the past few months. For Liquid, this is an opportunity to prove they are finally moving in the right direction after a long period of disappointing results, while the German side will look to capitalize on a favorable opening matchup and begin their Major campaign with a win. In a Bo1 format, even a small advantage can make a huge difference, but on paper BIG hold the edge in nearly every area.
Team Form
BIG have produced mixed results recently, yet they still look more competitive than Liquid overall. The Germans secured victories over SPARTA, Sharks, and Ascend, although they also suffered losses to Nemiga, Ninjas in Pyjamas, and HEROIC. blameF continues to be the team’s biggest star, maintaining a 1.20 rating over the last three months.
Recent BIG results:
- 0-2 vs Nemiga
- 2-0 vs SPARTA
- 1-2 vs Ninjas in Pyjamas
- 2-1 vs Sharks
- 0-2 vs HEROIC
Liquid are going through an even more difficult period. The North American roster is still searching for consistency after a series of disappointing tournament runs. Losses to The MongolZ, GamerLegion, and Astralis once again highlighted the team’s struggles against well-structured opponents.
Recent Liquid results:
- 1-2 vs The MongolZ
- 2-1 vs 3DMAX
- 9-13 vs PARIVISION
- 0-2 vs GamerLegion
- 2-1 vs M80
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Map Pool & Veto — A Huge Advantage for BIG
Stats (last 3 months):
- Dust2: BIG 50% | Liquid 36%
- Mirage: BIG 75% | Liquid 56%
- Inferno: BIG 86% | Liquid 50%
- Nuke: BIG 70% | Liquid 27%
- Overpass: BIG 70% | Liquid —
- Ancient: BIG 62% | Liquid 29%
- Anubis: BIG 57% | Liquid 0%
The numbers are heavily in BIG’s favor. The German squad holds a better win rate on every map in the pool. The biggest differences appear on Inferno, Nuke, and Ancient, where Liquid have struggled significantly. In a Bo1 setting, Mirage, Inferno, or Ancient look like the most likely maps, and all of them favor BIG.
Key Duel — blameF vs NAF
This matchup features the two most consistent players on their respective teams. blameF boasts a 1.20 rating, 83.7 ADR, and one of the best survival rates among all players attending the event. NAF remains Liquid’s most reliable performer, but his 1.05 rating trails behind BIG’s star player.
If NAF does not deliver one of his strongest performances in recent weeks, Liquid will face an uphill battle in late-round situations.
Why BIG Are the Favorites
Beyond the map pool advantage, BIG also hold a stronger position in the VRS rankings. The German side sits 27th in the world, while Liquid have fallen to 45th. Community voting on HLTV also favors BIG heavily, with nearly 70% of votes supporting the German roster.
Most importantly, BIG currently look like the more structured team. Liquid continue to struggle with consistency and mid-round decision-making, while BIG’s system allows them to secure rounds even without overwhelming individual performances.
Prediction
Liquid possess enough individual talent to make this Bo1 competitive, but the overall picture strongly favors BIG. The Germans have the deeper map pool, stronger statistics across most maps, and currently look better prepared for this format.
Prediction: BIG to defeat Liquid. Expected score: 13-8.
