B8 Esports advanced to the third stage of the IEM Cologne Major 2026, while BIG was eliminated from the tournament

B8 Esports defeated BIG on the fourth day of the second stage of the IEM Cologne Major 2026.

The Ukrainians lost to BIG on the first map, Ancient, 7-13, but won the next map, Overpass, 13-6. On the decisive map, Dust2, Andrey “npl” Kukharsky’s team once again proved stronger than their opponents, securing a 13-8 victory.

Thus, B8 Esports advanced to the third stage of the IEM Cologne Major 2026, while BIG exited the tournament in 17th–19th place, earning $10,000 in prize money.

The IEM Cologne Major 2026 is taking place from June 2 to 21 in Germany. The tournament features 32 teams, of which only 8 will advance to the playoffs following three group stages. The total prize pool for the Major is $1,250,000.

Photo — Stephanie Lindgren, BLAST.