B8 and BetBoom First to Advance to IEM Cologne Major 2026 Stage 2

At the IEM Cologne Major 2026, the third round of Stage 1 has concluded. As a result, the first teams that have secured their spot in Stage 2 have been determined, along with two teams that have ended their run in the tournament.

B8 and BetBoom Advance to Stage 2

The Ukrainian team B8 became one of the first teams to advance to the next stage of the major. In a match with a 2:0 score, the team confidently defeated M80 with a 2:0 series score in a BO3.

Another ticket to Stage 2 was secured by BetBoom, which also went through the first stage without any losses. The Russian team defeated GamerLegion with a 2:0 score.

Gaimin Gladiators and SINNERS Exit the Tournament

The first participants to lose their chance to continue the fight were Gaimin Gladiators and SINNERS.

• HEROIC defeated Gaimin Gladiators — 2:0
• TYLOO overcame SINNERS — 2:0

Both teams finished Stage 1 with a 0:3 record, placing them in the 15th-16th positions.

Results of the Third Round Matches

Matches for Advancement to Stage 2 (2:0)

• B8 2:0 M80
• BetBoom 2:0 GamerLegion

Elimination Matches (0:2)

• HEROIC 2:0 Gaimin Gladiators
• TYLOO 2:0 SINNERS

1:1 Pool Matches

• MIBR 13:10 Liquid (Mirage)
• BIG 13:7 THUNDER dOWNUNDER (Inferno)
• NRG 13:10 FlyQuest (Mirage)
• Lynn Vision 13:5 Sharks (Overpass)

The next round will determine more participants for Stage 2, as well as new teams that will conclude their run in the first stage of the major. For Ukrainian fans, the highlight of the day was B8's successful advancement, as they went through Stage 1 without losses and will continue their fight in Cologne.