IEM Cologne Major: Best Photos So Far Capture BetBoom's Rise, 9z History and Playoff Emotions

The IEM Cologne Major has already produced some of the most memorable moments of the 2026 Counter-Strike season, and photographers on site have documented the highs and lows that define a Major championship.

From BetBoom's unexpected surge from Stage 1 to the playoffs to emotional exits and breakthrough performances, the tournament gallery offers a visual recap of how Cologne's first weeks unfolded before the action shifts to the packed LANXESS Arena.

 

Quick Summary

 

The Best Images of the IEM Cologne Major So Far Tell the Tournament's Story

HLTV released a curated collection of photographs highlighting the biggest moments from the opening three Swiss stages of the IEM Cologne Major. The gallery showcases celebrations, frustrations, eliminations and breakthrough performances that have shaped the event.

The images were captured by tournament photographers Josip "brcho" Brtan and Radosław "MAKKU" Makuch, with additional contributions from Danish "Nohte" Allana.

Several storylines stand out:

BetBoom's impressive run after beginning their campaign in Stage 1.

9z making history by becoming the first Spanish-speaking team to qualify for a Major playoff stage.

Emotional reactions from eliminated contenders.

Pressure-filled moments during decisive Swiss matches.

The gradual reduction of the field from 32 teams to eight playoff contenders.

Rather than focusing solely on highlight plays, the gallery emphasizes player emotions — relief, disappointment, celebration and exhaustion — which often become defining memories of Major tournaments.

 

Background: Why Cologne Matters

IEM Cologne has long been regarded as one of Counter-Strike's premier events and is frequently called the "Cathedral of Counter-Strike."

The 2026 edition marks an expanded Major format featuring:

32 invited teams;

Three Swiss stages;

An eight-team playoff bracket;

Playoffs held inside the LANXESS Arena in front of thousands of fans.

The tournament runs from June 2 through June 21, 2026.

For 2026, Stage 3 was also played entirely as best-of-three series, a notable format adjustment aimed at reducing volatility and rewarding consistency.

 

Why These Photos Matter

Esports photography often becomes part of Counter-Strike history.

Iconic images from previous Majors have immortalized championship wins, devastating losses and underdog stories.

This year's Cologne gallery already documents several moments that could remain relevant long after the event concludes:

BetBoom establishing themselves as a legitimate playoff threat;

9z breaking new ground for Spanish-speaking Counter-Strike;

Emotional reactions from favorites falling short;

The transition from the intimate Palladium setting to the spectacle of the LANXESS Arena.

Photos also help contextualize narratives that statistics alone cannot explain, showing how players respond under Major pressure.

 

Tournament Timeline

 

 

Key Details Table

 

BetBoom's Run Has Become One of Cologne's Best Stories

Among the most notable narratives documented in the gallery is BetBoom's journey.

The CIS organization started from Stage 1 and steadily progressed through the tournament, earning victories against multiple high-profile opponents.

Their path included wins over:

GamerLegion

Liquid

Falcons

Monte

BetBoom eventually secured a playoff spot and are scheduled to face Aurora in the quarterfinals.

Their unexpected rise has transformed them from an outsider into one of the event's most discussed teams.

 

Impact Analysis

The gallery reflects broader themes emerging from the Major.

Underdog stories still resonate

BetBoom and 9z demonstrate that Swiss systems can provide opportunities for teams outside the traditional elite.

Emotional content drives engagement

Tournament photography increasingly performs well across social media, helping preserve key moments and extend event visibility beyond live broadcasts.

Cologne remains Counter-Strike's benchmark

The move from the Palladium to LANXESS Arena continues to provide one of esports' strongest visual narratives, making Cologne particularly attractive for photographers and content creators.

 

What Changes Now

Attention shifts toward the playoff stage.

The atmosphere changes significantly as teams move from studio-like Swiss matches into one of Counter-Strike's most iconic arenas.

Pressure increases dramatically because:

Matches become single elimination.

Crowds are substantially larger.

Championship expectations intensify.

Every loss ends a team's Major campaign.

 

What to Watch Next

Several upcoming storylines are worth monitoring:

BetBoom vs Aurora

BetBoom's Cinderella run will face another major test against Aurora.

Spirit's title ambitions

Spirit remain among the tournament favorites entering playoffs.

Can 9z extend history?

The South American side has already made history and could further elevate Spanish-speaking Counter-Strike with another upset.

LANXESS Arena atmosphere

The first playoff matches will reveal how teams adapt to the arena environment.

 

FAQ

Why did HLTV publish a photo gallery from the IEM Cologne Major?

The gallery aims to showcase the emotional and memorable moments from the first three Swiss stages before playoffs begin.

Which team received significant attention in the gallery?

BetBoom is one of the most featured teams due to their run from Stage 1 into the playoffs.

What historic achievement did 9z accomplish?

According to HLTV, 9z became the first Spanish-speaking team to qualify for a Major playoff stage.

When do the playoffs start?

Playoff matches are scheduled to begin on June 18, 2026, at the LANXESS Arena.

Are more gallery updates expected?

Additional galleries and playoff coverage are likely as the tournament progresses, although future publications have not been officially confirmed.