The dust has settled on the biggest Counter-Strike tournament of the year, and HLTV has officially announced the Exceptional Valuable Players (EVPs) and All-Star lineup for the IEM Cologne Major 2026. While Falcons lifted the trophy and m0NESY claimed the tournament MVP award, several stars from across the playoffs also earned recognition for their outstanding performances throughout the Major.

The selections highlight not only the champions' dominance but also the consistency of elite performers who helped define one of the most competitive Majors in recent memory.

Quick Summary

• HLTV published its official EVPs and All-Stars for IEM Cologne Major 2026.
• Falcons won the Major after defeating FURIA in the grand final.
• m0NESY previously received the tournament MVP award.
• Multiple players from playoff teams earned EVP recognition.
• The All-Star lineup reflects the tournament's best performers by role and overall impact.

IEM Cologne Major 2026 EVPs and All-Stars announced

Following the conclusion of IEM Cologne Major 2026, HLTV released its traditional post-event honors, recognizing the tournament's standout performers beyond the MVP.

Exceptional Valuable Player (EVP) awards are reserved for players who consistently delivered elite performances throughout the event but narrowly missed out on the tournament's highest individual honor. Meanwhile, the All-Star team combines the best performers across roles to create a theoretical "dream lineup" of the event.

This year's selections reflect the competitive depth of the Major, where numerous players produced championship-level performances despite their teams falling short of lifting the trophy.

Falcons' championship run naturally resulted in multiple players receiving recognition, while standout individuals from other playoff contenders also secured places among the event's elite performers. According to HLTV, every selected player demonstrated exceptional consistency, impact in high-pressure matches, and strong individual statistics across the tournament.

What are EVPs?

EVP (Exceptionally Valuable Player) is an award presented by HLTV after major international tournaments.

Unlike the MVP award, which recognizes the single most influential player of the tournament, EVP honors multiple players who delivered elite performances but did not ultimately receive the MVP distinction.

Selection is based on a combination of factors, including:

• Individual performance throughout the tournament
• Consistency across multiple matches
• Playoff impact
• Statistical excellence
• Contribution to team success

There is no fixed number of EVP recipients, as selections depend entirely on tournament performance.

What is the All-Star Team?

HLTV's All-Star Team represents a hypothetical best lineup of the tournament.

Rather than selecting simply the five highest-rated players, the lineup attempts to balance roles while rewarding players who excelled in their respective positions.

The All-Star selection is intended as recognition of tournament excellence rather than an actual competitive roster.

Why these awards matter

Although the MVP trophy receives the most attention, EVP and All-Star selections carry significant prestige within professional Counter-Strike.

They are frequently referenced when evaluating:

• Player consistency over a season
• Individual legacy
• Awards discussions
• Historical tournament comparisons
• Future Top 20 rankings

For organizations, having multiple players recognized also reinforces the strength of an entire roster rather than relying on a single superstar.

Tournament Timeline

Date	Event
June 2, 2026	IEM Cologne Major Stage 1 begins
June 6–9	Stage 2 concludes
June 11–21	Stage 3 and Playoffs
June 21	Falcons defeat FURIA to win the Major
June 21	m0NESY named tournament MVP
June 25	HLTV publishes EVPs and All-Stars

Key Details

Item	Information
Event	IEM Cologne Major 2026
Tournament winner	Falcons
Runner-up	FURIA
MVP	m0NESY
Additional awards	EVP selections and All-Star Team
Award organizer	HLTV
Status	Official

Background

IEM Cologne Major 2026 marked the first Counter-Strike Major hosted in Cologne, combining the prestige of ESL's iconic venue with Valve's Major championship.

The tournament featured 32 teams competing across three Swiss stages before the playoffs at the LANXESS Arena. Falcons completed a memorable championship run by defeating FURIA in the grand final, while m0NESY captured his first MVP award of 2026 on the game's biggest stage.

Impact Analysis

The EVP and All-Star announcements provide another benchmark for evaluating the world's elite players after the season's most important tournament.

Several takeaways emerge:

• Falcons' title run translated into broad individual recognition.
• Strong playoff performances remained critical in award consideration.
• Consistency across the entire event continued to outweigh isolated standout matches.
• These honors may influence future discussions surrounding yearly player rankings, although they do not directly affect Valve Regional Standings or tournament qualification.

What Changes Now?

The publication of the EVP and All-Star teams effectively closes the competitive chapter of IEM Cologne Major 2026.

Attention now shifts toward the second half of the 2026 calendar, where players will look to build on their Major performances in upcoming international events.

Individual accolades earned in Cologne are also likely to strengthen players' resumes ahead of end-of-year award discussions.

What to Watch Next

Fans should keep an eye on:

• Falcons' attempt to maintain championship momentum.
• Whether m0NESY can convert his Major MVP into another dominant stretch of the season.
• How other EVP recipients respond at upcoming Tier 1 tournaments.
• The first major roster moves following the conclusion of the Major season.

Related Teams, Players and Events

Teams

• Falcons
• FURIA

Players

• m0NESY
• All officially selected EVP recipients (see HLTV announcement)

Event

• IEM Cologne Major 2026

FAQ

What is an EVP in Counter-Strike?

An EVP (Exceptionally Valuable Player) recognizes players who delivered elite tournament performances but were not selected as the MVP.

Who won IEM Cologne Major 2026?

Falcons won the tournament after defeating FURIA in the grand final.

Who received the MVP award?

HLTV awarded the MVP medal to m0NESY following Falcons' championship victory.

How is the All-Star Team selected?

HLTV selects the All-Star lineup based on tournament performance while considering player roles and overall impact rather than simply choosing the five highest statistical performers.

Do EVP awards affect Valve Regional Standings?

No. EVP and All-Star selections are editorial honors and do not influence Valve Regional Standings or Major qualification.