Reports suggest the IEM Cologne Major will introduce a new format

Hannah Marie ZT, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 13/11/2025

The 2026 IEM Cologne Major may make a significant change to Counter-Strike’s typical Major format. 

Reports suggest that ESL and Valve are considering removing best-of-one matches from the tournament entirely. 

Will the IEM Cologne Major cement the superiority of Bo3s?

Initially reported by Esports.net, sources suggest that Valve and ESL are considering a best-of-three format for all games in the IEM Cologne Major, except for the best-of-five Grand Final. 

This would mean the absence of any best-of-one matches. 

According to reports, ESL made this suggestion to Valve. However, it is unknown whether it will be approved. 

The value of best-of-one matches is a topic of hot debate. 

While a best-of-one can allow underdog teams to surge forward in a tournament, they are also easily swayed by luck. A few unexpectedly challenging rounds can send a consistent team swiftly down the ranks, whether truly deserved or not. 

Starladder’s upcoming 2025 Budapest Major retains the best-of-one system. Stages 1-3 will all feature Swiss Brackets, initially with best-of-one matches, transitioning to best-of-three matches only for elimination and promotion. 

If accepted by Valve and successful at the IEM Cologne Major, Counter-Strike could see the end of best-of-one matches in high-stakes competition entirely fade from significance. 

How might this change affect the Major schedule?

Given that the IEM Cologne Major is still some time away, we do not know the format and schedule details in full. However, some assumptions can be made based on the 2025 Major format. 

At the start of 2025, Valve expanded the Counter-Strike Major format to include 32 teams rather than the previous 24. The 32-team capacity will be repeated for Starladder Budapest. 

More teams mean more matches. 

Many of the early matches have been (and will be) best-of-one in 2025. This ensured that more games could be played per day of the tournament, likely facilitating the expansion of participating teams. 

However, if best-of-ones are to disappear for the 2026 IEM Cologne Major, it may be challenging to stick to 2025’s 32-strong team list.

Of course, a best-of-three lasts approximately three times longer than a best-of-one. Logistically, ESL and Valve might be thrown a loop. 

This raises two potential options. ESL and Valve could spread the IEM Cologne Major over more days than previous Major tournaments. Alternatively, they could revert to the previous 24-team capacity from pre-2025.   

Regardless, a best-of-three only format will likely strengthen competitive integrity, ensuring teams earn their wins outright, with less sway from luck. 

While an exciting concept for many, ESL and Valve have yet to confirm or scrap the proposition. 

However, it is an exciting prospect for Majors in the future. 

Hannah Marie ZT, Senior Editor

Hannah is a journalist specialising in the esports, gaming, and technology sectors. Working for outlets such as Dot Esports, Esports Insider, and of course ENUK, she has developed a love for wider esports, Apex Legends, and advocating for women's esports initiatives. You may have seen her at various esports and gaming events, including ALGS LANs, ESI London, EGX, and watch parties.

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