Counter-Strike will make its way back to Cologne in 2026 for yet another Major. ESL announced the tournament following the IEM Cologne 2025 Grand Final, and this iteration is not just an ordinary large arena event. It will mark the first CS2 Major of the 2026 season.

CS2, Skins, and Financial Flow

It has been a decade since Cologne last hosted a Major, and much has evolved since then. The game has transitioned from CS:GO to CS2. LAN events have expanded, the skin market has surged, and gambling has joined the fray. Most of the prize pool funds still go to the players, but the discreet funds come from activities occurring between matches.

This is where skin gambling platforms enter the picture. Users are no longer limited to buying and selling; they engage in rolling, crashing, trading, doubling, and watching. All of this revolves around in-game skins that, in some instances, surpass the value of real-world items.

ESL’s return to Cologne signifies more than just nostalgia. It demonstrates that CS2 remains at the forefront of the shooter genre and that the skin ecosystem is evolving alongside it. Not every competitor on stage will prioritize skins, but fans certainly do. Skins have transformed from mere additions to a critical component of what keeps audiences engaged in the scene.

Same Venue, New Era

The last occasion the Lanxess Arena hosted a Major was in 2016. Back then, CS:GO was still ascendant. SK Gaming took home the trophy, Twitch chat was a whirlwind, and HLTV was the central hub for all things CS. No one anticipated how long the game would endure.

In 2026, everything is amplified. The LAN arrangement is more polished, the production is crisper, and the prize pool is set at $1.25 million. The location remains unchanged. Cologne has consistently featured on the CS calendar with IEM Cologne happening annually, but returning as a Major shifts the perspective. Teams will view it as an opportunity to forge a legacy rather than merely another major event. Majors always carry significance, and with CS2, everyone starts anew.

32 Teams, Three Phases, and an Unmissable Audience

The format will mirror that employed at StarLadder’s Budapest Major, featuring 32 top teams, three phases, and playoffs in front of a live audience. There are still no updates regarding spectator access for the initial phases, but fans will undoubtedly tune in.

Cologne consistently draws crowds. Even during off-peak times for the game, the audience shows up. The Lanxess Arena buzzes with energy when the first map commences. You can sense the ground quake when a CT side seals a clutch, and the cheers echo even during eco rounds. Players have remarked that it’s one of the rare venues where the audience’s volume surpasses that of their headsets.

IEM Cologne Remains a Staple

This will be ESL’s 11th Major event. The most recent was in Rio in 2022. The game has evolved since then, yet IEM Cologne has consistently been present. It is the singular event that seems to naturally fit, no matter which version of the game is in play.

Every year, Cologne surprises with at least one unexpected twist. A team that no one anticipates excelling enhances its skills through preparation, or a favorite exits early. The format accommodates such surprises, and the audience magnifies every occasion. Even teams from lesser-known regions receive enthusiastic support here, which is rare in other venues.

Cologne as a New Beginning

Some events seem to conclude a chapter, but this will usher in a new one. Being the inaugural CS2 Major…