B8 boost IEM Cologne Major hopes as Legacy close in on qualification after ESL Pro League run

B8 have significantly improved their chances of qualifying for the IEM Cologne Major, while Legacy are now on the brink of securing a spot after an impressive ESL Pro League Season 23 campaign.

With the April 6 Valve Regional Standings (VRS) cutoff approaching, the race for invitations to the IEM Cologne 2026 Major has intensified. Several teams are fighting for the final qualifying spots, and recent tournament results have reshaped the rankings dramatically.

Two teams have seen particularly significant movement: B8, who strengthened their chances through additional event participation, and Legacy, who surged up the rankings thanks to a deep ESL Pro League run.

B8 increase Cologne Major chances with additional LAN registration

Ukrainian squad B8 recently boosted their projected VRS position after registering for Parken Challenger Championship Season 3, a move that could prove crucial in the race for Cologne qualification.

The additional tournament provides B8 with another opportunity to accumulate valuable ranking points before the cutoff date. According to the latest projections, their chances of receiving a direct Major invite have increased considerably following the announcement.

The decision also intensifies the competition around the final European invite spots, where multiple teams remain within striking distance.

Teams currently battling around the qualification threshold include:

FaZe

Liquid

BIG

3DMAX

With so many teams clustered together in the rankings, even a single strong LAN result could decide who qualifies for Cologne.

Legacy almost secure Major spot after ESL Pro League breakthrough

While B8 are still fighting for qualification, Legacy have moved to the opposite end of the spectrum after their strong performance at ESL Pro League Season 23.

The Brazilian team:

Went 3-0 in Stage 1

Defeated NAVI

Reached the playoffs

Those results pushed Legacy significantly higher in the VRS standings, placing them on the verge of securing a Major invitation.

The team's improvement coincides with the addition of arT, whose aggressive in-game leadership has quickly impacted the roster.

Speaking about his new team environment, arT said:

“It’s been some time since I played against teams like this. The guys are very active and helpful in mid rounds.”

Legacy’s aggressive playstyle and renewed confidence have made them one of the biggest surprise contenders in the Major qualification race.

BIG surge into invite range after third 2026 title

Another team climbing the rankings is BIG, who recently won NODWIN Clutch Series 5.

The victory marked BIG’s third tournament title of 2026, following earlier wins at:

Roman Imperium Cup IV

United21 Esplay Challenge Season 1

Those results lifted the German squad into projected Cologne Major invite range, adding another competitor to the already crowded race.

Liquid attempt last-minute Major push

North American organization Liquid are taking a different approach: increasing their tournament volume in hopes of earning enough VRS points before the cutoff.

After an early elimination at ESL Pro League hurt their ranking, Liquid signed up for:

Roman Imperium Cup VI

DraculaN Season 6

The plan suffered a setback when NertZ was unable to attend Roman Imperium Cup VI due to travel issues.

As a result, NAVI’s jL stepped in as a stand-in for the event.

Acknowledging the stakes, jL wrote on X:

“I know how important VRS points are for them right now and I’ll do my absolute best.”

Americas race tightening behind Legacy

Legacy’s EPL run has almost guaranteed their position, but the Americas qualification race remains competitive.

Several teams have recently gained valuable VRS points, including:

9z, who won two LAN tournaments in a row

Sharks, who finished third at BetBoom Circuit X Pantanal Cuiabá

Marsborne, who reached the grand final of the same event

These results have significantly reshaped the regional standings heading into the final weeks of the qualification period.

Final weeks of the Cologne Major race

With the VRS cutoff on April 6, the coming tournaments will likely determine the final invite list.

Events such as Roman Imperium Cup VI are expected to play a major role because several teams still chasing Major qualification are participating, including:

Liquid

Ninjas in Pyjamas

BC.Game

M80

For teams around the invite threshold, every match and every additional LAN event could prove decisive.