ESL announce the IEM Cologne 2026 Major will exclusively feature Bo3s in Stage Three

ESL have announced that Stage Three of the IEM Cologne 2026 Major will exclusively feature Bo3 matches, doing away within Bo1s entirely in the final Swiss stage before playoffs. The change comes as the community has been clamoring for many years for Valve and their partners to improve the Major format, with many feeling that Bo1 matches cheapen the experience for the game's most prestigious tournament.

While Bo1s will still be present in Stages One and Two, this compromise change will likely please fans and pundits alike as it will ensure that teams need to win at least three Bo3s to make their way into Major playoffs.

With the addition of Bo3s to Stage Three Swiss Stage, Stage Three has been extended to run from June 11th to June 15th, with ESL set to sell extra tickets for fans to attend the additional day.

As the grand finals of the IEM Cologne 2026 Major will also feature a Bo5 grand finals, this Major will feature a format in line with other top-tier events and should be the most rigorous test to date for determining a Major champion.