B8 Esports advanced to the second stage of the IEM Cologne Major, while Gaimin Gladiators were eliminated from the event
B8 Esports won their match at the IEM Cologne Major 2026 and advanced to the second stage of the tournament, while Gaimin Gladiators were eliminated from the event.
The Ukrainian team B8 Esports faced off against M80 and won 13-11 on the first map, Ancient, before closing out the second map, Inferno, 22-20 in overtime.
In a parallel match, Gaimin Gladiators faced off against HEROIC. The Brazilian team lost on Dust2 with a score of 5-13 and fell 6-13 on Inferno.
Thus, B8 Esports became the second team after BetBoom Team to advance to the second stage of the IEM Cologne Major 2026, while Gaimin Gladiators exited the event following SINNERS Esports.
The IEM Major 2026 is taking place from June 2 to 21 in Cologne, Germany. The tournament consists of four stages: Stage 1, Stage 2, Stage 3, and the playoffs. Thirty-two teams are competing for a prize pool of $1,250,000.
Photo — Stephanie Lindgren, BLAST.
