NiKo Shares IEM Cologne Major 2026 Stage 1 Pick’Em Predictions: Full Picks, Teams and Analysis

Nikola “NiKo” Kovač has revealed his Pick’Em predictions for the opening stage of the IEM Cologne Major 2026, giving Counter-Strike 2 fans an early look at which teams he expects to survive the brutal Swiss stage.

The Team Falcons superstar shared his picks during a recent Bilibili livestream, backing GamerLegion and BIG to finish the first stage with flawless 3-0 records. His predictions quickly sparked discussion across the CS2 community ahead of one of the year’s biggest esports tournaments.

NiKo’s Full IEM Cologne Major 2026 Stage 1 Pick’Em

Teams Predicted to Go 3-0

• GamerLegion
• BIG

Teams Predicted to Advance

• BetBoom Team
• B8 Esports
• HEROIC
• TYLOO
• Team Liquid
• MIBR

Teams Predicted to Go 0-3

• Gaimin Gladiators
• THUNDERdOWNUNDER

The opening stage of the IEM Cologne Major 2026 will take place from June 2 to June 5 and feature 16 teams competing in a Swiss-system format. Eight teams will advance to Stage 2, while the remaining rosters will be eliminated.

According to ESL’s official tournament rules, advancement and elimination matches will be played as best-of-three series, while the remaining matches are best-of-one encounters — a format that often creates major upsets and unpredictable results.

Why NiKo Picked GamerLegion and BIG

NiKo’s decision to place GamerLegion and BIG in the 3-0 category reflects the recent form both teams have shown in international competition.

BIG have looked significantly improved since restructuring their lineup earlier this season, while GamerLegion continue to build a reputation as one of the most dangerous upset teams at international Counter-Strike events.

Analysts and fans have also highlighted the importance of strong preparation in Swiss-format tournaments, where momentum and map pool depth often determine survival.

Falcons Preparing for a Deep Cologne Run

Although Team Falcons will enter the Major in a later stage, the organization remains one of the biggest storylines heading into Cologne.

Earlier this year, NiKo stated that Falcons were steadily improving as a team, saying that “the progress is there” following the squad’s recent roster adjustments.

New Falcons addition Finn “karrigan” Andersen also described Cologne as a major focus for the team. In a recent interview, the veteran in-game leader explained that he wants Falcons to be “as ready as possible” for the tournament.

The addition of karrigan alongside NiKo has dramatically increased expectations around Falcons ahead of the second half of the CS2 season.

Gaimin Gladiators Among NiKo’s Biggest Risk Picks

One of the most surprising choices in NiKo’s Pick’Em predictions was placing Gaimin Gladiators in the 0-3 category.

The roster recently attracted major attention after signing Brazilian Counter-Strike veteran Fernando “fer” Alvarenga. Gaimin Gladiators officially announced the move by calling fer a “legend” as he returned to top-level competition.

Despite the signing, NiKo clearly remains unconvinced that the squad can compete consistently against stronger opposition at the Major.

FaZe Clan Miss the Major

Another major talking point surrounding IEM Cologne 2026 is the absence of FaZe Clan.

The legendary organization failed to qualify for the Major, marking one of the biggest disappointments of the CS2 season. Following the failed qualification campaign, karrigan admitted the result “left a scar” on him and said FaZe would need to rebuild and recover moving forward.

FaZe’s absence opens the door for several emerging teams to make deep tournament runs in Cologne.

IEM Cologne Major 2026 Viewer Pass and Stickers Released

Valve has already launched the official IEM Cologne Major 2026 Viewer Pass and team stickers ahead of the tournament.

As usual, Pick’Em predictions will play a major role in the Viewer Pass system, allowing fans to earn event coins and upgrade rewards throughout the Major.

Players must lock in their Stage 1 Pick’Em selections before the opening matches begin on June 2.

NiKo’s Pick’Em Could Influence the CS2 Community

As one of the most respected riflers in Counter-Strike history, NiKo’s predictions carry major weight within the competitive CS2 scene.

While Pick’Em challenges are notoriously difficult to perfect, many fans often use pro player predictions as guidance when making their own selections.

With several unpredictable teams entering Stage 1, the IEM Cologne Major 2026 Pick’Em challenge could become one of the hardest in recent Major history.