VRS Ranking Results and the Team List for IEM Cologne Major 2026

The updated Valve Regional Standings (VRS) ranking as of April 6 has determined the full list of participants for the IEM Cologne Major 2026. These results played a key role in distributing slots and shaping the final lineup of the tournament. Among the teams are both established favorites of the global scene and squads that seized their opportunity to qualify for the biggest event of the season.

Regional Slot Distribution for IEM Cologne Major 2026

Europe continues to dominate in terms of slot distribution, receiving 17 spots. This once again proves that the European region remains the strongest and most competitive.

Other regions received significantly fewer slots, though the competition there was no less intense. The Americas secured 10 spots, with consistent performances from leading Brazilian and North American teams. Asia rounds out the list with 5 spots — the region is still catching up to the leaders but continues to produce talented teams capable of pulling off upsets.

Who Made the List: Favorites and Surprise Teams

There were no surprises among the teams starting directly from Stage 3. Vitality, NAVI, PARIVISION, Aurora, Falcons, and MOUZ — these six European teams will begin their journey from the final stage. Thanks to their consistent performances on the tier-1 scene, they fully deserve their spots.

From the Americas, FURIA also advances directly to Stage 3. The eighth and final team in this stage is The MongolZ from Asia, completing the top eight of the tournament.

Teams Starting from Stage 2 and Stage 1

Overall, the list of participants looks quite expected. Despite disappointment from fans of certain teams, the VRS ranking reflects the current state of the global scene. With several months of preparation ahead, we will soon see whether the favorites can confirm their status and if newcomers can establish themselves among the elite of Counter-Strike.

FaZe Clan Miss Out: The Club Will Skip a Major for the First Time in History

The biggest surprise is that, for the first time in the organization’s history, FaZe Clan will miss a Major. Not long ago, they were finalists at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, where despite a poor start, they reached the grand final but lost to Vitality 1–3.

Since the start of 2026, the team’s form has significantly declined. At one point, the star-studded roster was forced to compete in tier-2 tournaments just to gather VRS points. However, even there they failed to succeed — constant losses and early exits ultimately ruined their chances.

The numbers speak for themselves: as of April 6, FaZe are ranked only 29th in the world and 22nd in Europe. With Europe receiving 17 slots for the Major, FaZe Clan were left far behind. Now fans will have to accept that the biggest tournament of the year will take place without one of the most decorated teams in the world.

Records and Legends: NAVI Make History Again

Against the backdrop of FaZe Clan’s absence, the success of Natus Vincere looks even more impressive. The Ukrainian organization remains the only team in the world that has not missed a single Major in the entire history of CS:GO and CS2. This is an incredible display of consistency that has lasted for over a decade.

Additionally, IEM Cologne Major 2026 will be special for two legendary players — apEX and Snax. They participated in the very first Major (DreamHack Winter 2013) and, 13 years later, will once again compete at the biggest tournament. It is a true example of longevity, as while many stars retire, they continue to perform at the highest level.

At the same time, this Major in Cologne will also be special for new teams. For the first time, THUNDERdOWNUNDER, Gaimin Gladiators, and SINNERS will compete at a tournament of this level. For them, it is a big step forward and a chance to prove themselves against the best teams in the world. It also shows that more and more new and promising teams are emerging on the scene.