We are exceptionally hyped up for the IEM Cologne Major 2026, the crowning event of the current Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) esports season. With the Major Championship running from 2 to 21 June 2026, there are dozens of top-tier matches to look forward to, as the best 32 teams in the world converge on the Cathedral of Counter-Strike.

While we can't make it to Germany to watch the action live, and I assume many of our readers also won't be there in person, there's still a way to throw yourself straight into the action.

Last week, Valve unleashed the IEM Cologne Major 2026 Viewer Pass. You can now earn Tokens (and purchase more) to get some shiny items with signatures, as Valve has decided to make a change from the Souvenir/Capsules system of the past. Read the full post about the IEM Cologne Major 2026 Viewer Pass straight from Valve if you want to know more.

The Viewer Pass will set you back R164.49, and the Viewer Pass + 900 Tokens bundle is priced at R295.99 (with a little release discount). With that out of the way, the most exciting part of the Viewer Pass, for me at least, has always been the Pick'Em challenges, where gamers can predict the outcome of each stage, earning Tokens and bragging rights.

The ultimate goal is to earn the Diamond Coin for the event, a cosmetic item with great bragging rights potential. To get the Diamond Coin, you must complete all 11 Pick'Em challenges, effectively predicting most of the outcomes of the entire Major Championship. Each time your coin is upgraded, you also get 300 Tokens.

In any case, using feeling and some research, I've got my Pick'Ems to share for Stage 1 of the IEM Cologne Major 2026.

• Teams that go 3-0 predicted as GamerLegion and M80.
• Teams that go 3-1 and 3-2 predicted as NRG, TYLOO, B8, Team Liquid, MIBR, and BetBoom Team.
• Teams that go 0-3 predicted as Sharks Esports and THUNDER dOWNUNDER.

For reference, check out the Pick'Em challenges below.

• Activate your coin before the tournament is over.
• Place all ten (10) Pick’Em predictions for Stage 1 before it begins.
• Get five (5) correct Pick’Em predictions for Stage 1.
• Place all ten (10) Pick’Em predictions for Stage 2 before it begins.
• Get five (5) correct Pick’Em predictions for Stage 2.
• Place all ten (10) Pick’Em predictions for Stage 3 before it begins.
• Get five (5) correct Pick’Em predictions for Stage 3.
• Place all seven (7) Pick’Em predictions for the Playoffs Stage before it begins. 
• Get two (2) correct Pick’Em predictions for the Quarterfinals.
• Get one (1) correct Pick’Em prediction for the Semifinals.
• Get one (1) correct Pick’Em prediction for the Grand Final.

Coin upgrade levels (after Bronze) occur when you complete the following number of challenges.

• Silver – 4/11
• Gold – 8/11
• Diamond – 11/11

We are not responsible for you losing out on the Diamond Coin due to poor Pick'Em choices.

Header image via Valve.