The first qualification matches of Stage 2 at IEM Cologne Major 2026 determined the first two teams to advance to the final stage of the tournament. Team Spirit continued their dominant run with a one-sided victory over 9z, while FUT edged out G2 in a three-map series to secure a place in Stage 3.
Spirit crush 9z to continue perfect run
After opening Stage 2 with victories over BetBoom and MIBR, Spirit entered the 2-0 match as heavy favorites and lived up to expectations. The Russian squad completely outclassed 9z and closed the series 2-0 without allowing their opponents to reach double digits on either map.
Spirit dominated Mirage, their own pick, with a convincing 13-3 scoreline before delivering an even more brutal performance on Nuke. Despite 9z choosing the map, Danil “donk” Kryshkovets and company dismantled the South Americans 13-1 to complete one of the most one-sided playoff qualification matches of the event.
donk once again looked untouchable. The superstar rifler produced a stunning 2.55 rating, finishing the series with 48 kills and an incredible 155.1 ADR. Andrey “tN1R” Tatarinovich supported him with a 1.69 rating, while Dmitry “sh1ro” Sokolov posted a solid 1.34.
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Spirit secure Stage 3 spot
With the victory, Spirit improved to 3-0 and became the first team to qualify for Stage 3. The reigning champions extended their winning streak to eight matches and strengthened their position near the top of the VRS rankings. 9z, meanwhile, dropped to the 2-1 pool and will have two more opportunities to qualify.
Team reactions
Spirit celebrated qualification to Stage 3 on X with a confident message:
2-0! WE GOT YOUR PICK’EMS COVERED
Until Stage 3 now
The organization shared a victory graphic featuring Danil “donk” Kryshkovets after sweeping 9z and securing the first Stage 3 berth. 9z remained positive despite the defeat and thanked fans for their support:
We fell to Team Spirit in the 2-0 match of Stage 2. Tomorrow we’ll have another chance to make it into Stage 3.
The South Americans emphasized that their Cologne journey was not over and promised to return for another qualification attempt.
FUT survive G2 and book their ticket to Stage 3
The second qualification series of the evening proved far more competitive. FUT and G2 split the first two maps before Ancient became the decider.
FUT started strongly by winning Anubis 13-11, but G2 answered on Overpass with a convincing 13-7 victory. Everything came down to Ancient, where the Turkish organization delivered a dominant performance. G2 managed only four rounds as FUT closed the map 13-4 and secured the series 2-1.
Aulon “Krabeni” Fazlija was one of the key players in the victory, finishing with a 1.10 rating across the series. Dmytro “dem0n” Myroshnychenko also played an important role, while G2 relied heavily on Nikita “HeavyGod” Martynenko and Nemanja “huNter-” Kovač.
Historic achievement for FUT
The victory pushed FUT to a perfect 3-0 record and secured the organization’s first appearance in Stage 3 of an IEM Cologne Major. The result also moved the team into eighth place in the VRS standings.
G2 were denied direct qualification and fell into the 2-1 pool, where they will have two more chances to advance.
With Spirit and FUT becoming the first teams to secure Stage 3 berths, the battle for the remaining qualification spots in Cologne continues.
Team reactions
FUT celebrated one of the biggest results in the organization’s history. Coach coolio posted:
Stage 3 we are coming
Meanwhile, Laurentiu “lauNX” Țârlea wrote:
2-1 against G2. 3-0 in Groups and we go to Stage 3
The players and staff also shared a group photo with the FUT flag after securing qualification. G2, on the other hand, reacted to the loss with humor. The organization posted a popular meme showing a giant boulder rolling downhill with the caption:
Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck
Despite missing out on direct qualification, G2 still remain in the 2-1 pool and will have two more opportunities to reach Stage 3.
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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.
