The elimination matches at IEM Cologne Major 2026 Stage 1 continued on June 4, and TYLOO managed to keep their tournament hopes alive. The Chinese squad defeated Sharks 2-1 in a hard-fought series and advanced to the 2-2 pool, while the Brazilian team saw its Major campaign come to an end.
Tournament context
Both teams entered the match with a 1-2 record, meaning the loser would be eliminated from the Major. TYLOO had recovered from an opening defeat to MIBR by beating SINNERS, while Sharks had started strongly with wins over HEROIC and M80 before consecutive losses to Lynn Vision and TYLOO’s compatriots. With Stage 2 on the line, every map carried enormous importance.
TYLOO started their visible Stage 1 run with a 6-13 loss to B8 on Mirage. After that, the Chinese squad suffered another defeat against MIBR on Nuke, falling into early danger. However, TYLOO recovered in the 1-2 pool with a 2-0 victory over SINNERS before surviving the elimination match against Sharks 2-1 to move into the decisive 2-2 bracket.
Sharks opened their run with a 13-10 win over HEROIC on Nuke and later defeat M80 13-6 on Mirage, reaching a 1-1 position. However, their momentum collapsed after a 5-13 loss to Lynn Vision on Overpass, followed by the 1-2 defeat against TYLOO that ended their IEM Cologne Major 2026 campaign.
Maps
The series began on Sharks’ pick, Nuke, where the Brazilians looked dominant and secured a convincing 13-6 victory. However, TYLOO quickly answered on Inferno. JamYoung and his teammates took control from the start and comfortably equalized the series with a 13-5 win.
The deciding map, Anubis, proved far more competitive. Sharks managed to stay close throughout most of the game, but TYLOO were stronger in the crucial rounds and closed the map 13-10, completing the reverse sweep and securing a 2-1 victory.
JamYoung dominates the server
Yi “JamYoung” Yang delivered another superstar performance and was deservedly named Player of the Match. Across the three maps, the Chinese rifler posted a remarkable 1.87 rating, 61 kills, 105 ADR and 88.3% KAST. His impact became especially important after the loss on Nuke, as he led TYLOO’s comeback on both Inferno and Anubis.
VRS implications
The victory brought valuable VRS points to TYLOO. The Chinese side gained 17 points and climbed four positions to world No.29, while Sharks lost 13 points and dropped to No.37.
Reactions from the teams
TYLOO celebrated the victory immediately on the organization’s official X account, posting:
IEM Cologne Major 2026. Map Nuke/Inferno/Anubis | BO3. TYLOO 2:1 Sharks.
The Chinese organization also shared a victory graphic featuring JamYoung after advancing to the 2-2 pool. Meanwhile, Sharks thanked their supporters and reflected on the experience despite the disappointing result.
Unfortunately it wasn’t our time, but we’ll learn from this and come back stronger.
The Brazilian organization also thanked everyone who supported the team throughout their Major journey.
What’s next?
TYLOO remain alive in the Swiss stage and will play one final 2-2 series for a place in Stage 2 of IEM Cologne Major 2026. For Sharks, the tournament comes to an end, but the Brazilians leave Cologne after showing that they are capable of competing with higher-ranked opposition.
Skin.Club Pick’em ChallengeВ
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.
