TYLOO became the final team to qualify from Stage 1 of the IEM Cologne Major 2026 after defeating fellow Chinese side Lynn Vision 2-0 in the decisive 2-2 match. After a difficult start to the tournament and a trip through the elimination bracket, TYLOO held their nerve when it mattered most and booked the last available ticket to Stage 2.
Teams’ road through Stage 1
TYLOO opened the Major with a 6-13 loss to B8 but immediately recovered by defeating SINNERS 2-0. Their campaign became more complicated after a narrow 14-16 defeat to MIBR. However, TYLOO stayed alive by beating Sharks in the elimination match and completed their comeback with a 2-0 victory over Lynn Vision to finish Stage 1 with a 3-2 record.
Lynn Vision started with a loss to M80 but recovered by defeating HEROIC and Sharks to reach the 2-1 pool. Consecutive defeats against MIBR and TYLOO ultimately ended their run one victory short of Stage 2.
TYLOO survive the decider
With both teams entering the match at 2-2, the series was effectively a winner-takes-all battle. Lynn Vision chose Ancient, but TYLOO delivered a strong performance on the map and secured a convincing 13-5 victory. The second map, Inferno, proved more competitive, though TYLOO remained in control and closed it out 13-7 to complete the sweep.
Zero leads TYLOO to victory
Su “Zero” Jingshen produced the best performance of the series and was deservedly named Player of the Match. The Chinese rifler finished the two-map contest with a stellar 1.92 rating, 110.3 ADR and an impressive +9.52% swing. JamYoung also delivered another excellent showing with a 1.52 rating.
Reaction from the Teams
Both teams reacted to the result on social media after the match. ESL Counter-Strike congratulated TYLOO on completing a remarkable comeback, posting:
FROM 0-2 TO STAGE 2
Meanwhile, Lynn Vision shared a graphic showing the 0-2 defeat and acknowledged the end of their IEM Cologne Major 2026 run. Despite the loss, the Chinese squad finished Stage 1 just one series away from qualification, while TYLOO advanced to Stage 2 after winning three consecutive elimination matches.
Familiar rivals meet again
The two Chinese teams have built a long rivalry over the last year and entered the match with a nearly even head-to-head record. TYLOO had already defeated Lynn Vision earlier in 2026, and they once again proved to be the stronger side when the stakes were at their highest.
Final Stage 1 qualifiers confirmed
With this victory, TYLOO joined the list of teams advancing from Stage 1. Lynn Vision, meanwhile, became the final team eliminated from the opening phase of the Major. TYLOO’s remarkable recovery from a 0-1 start completed the Stage 1 picture and ensured that the Chinese squad will continue its journey at the Cathedral of Counter-Strike.
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.
