Stage 3 of IEM Major Cologne 2026 is getting closer, which means that Pick’Ems are already open and you need to set correct picks for Stage 3! Today, CS.MONEY Blog analyzes who can you choose for Stage 3 Cologne Major Pick’Ems and tries to find the best options among best and worst teams. The third stage of the tournament begins on June 11, so there is some time to think about the decision before choosing teams for 3-0, 0-3 and 3-2 in the Viewer Pass.
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IEM Cologne Major 2026 Stage 3 Pick’Em Rules
Third and final group stage of IEM Cologne Major 2026 is significantly different from the previous two: there are no more bo1 matches; all matches are best-of-three. However, Stage 3 Pick’Ems remain the same and operate according to the old rules. If you’re still unsure how the Pick’Ems work, read here—we’ve explained everything thoroughly.
In Stage 3, which is played following the Swiss system, you need to pick:
- two teams to advance 3-0
- two teams to be eliminated 0-3
- six more teams to advance
As a reminder, green ticks for correct pick’em predictions in Stage 3, as in any other stage, can only be earned by pinpoint picks! So, if Vitality proceed 3-1, but your pick was 3-0, you won’t get a green tick! Although, of course, that’s highliy unlikely to happen.
IEM Cologne Major 2026 Stage 3 Best Pick’Ems to Choose
As usual, it’s best to put underdogs in the 0-3 slot. For 3-0, go with either the clear favorites (and there are a few of them this time) or inconsistent teams that can either massively overperform or completely fall apart.
Still, the most important part of the Pick’Em Challenge is predicting which teams will reach the playoffs with 3-1 and 3-2 records. That’s where accuracy matters the most. Also, don’t forget that we have our own event where you can make predictions for every match. Show that you’re the best predictor, complete challenges, and earn awesome skins! Click the banner and join the race!
So, here are Blog CS.MONEY’s Pick’Em predictions for Stage 3 of the IEM Cologne 2026 Major:
- To advance 3-0: Team Vitality, Team Spirit
- Advance: Falcons, NAVI, The MongolZ, FURIA, PARIVISION, FUT Esports
- 0-3 elimination: Legacy, B8
| 3-0 | 0-3 | 3-1/ 3-2 | 3-1/ 3-2 |
| Team Vitality | Legacy | Falcons | FURIA |
| Team Spirit | B8 | NAVI | PARIVISION |
| The MongolZ | FUT Esports |
Why these teams? Team Vitality are the clear favorites and look a level above everyone else. What else can you expect from arguably the strongest team in Counter-Strike history? For the second 3-0 spot, we’re going with Team Spirit. The team has found its rhythm, cruised through Stage 2 with ease, and not even the presence of Jab Jabych in the coaching role can slow the Dragons down.
As for the most likely 3-1 teams, NAVI, Falcons, and FURIA stand out as the main contenders. In fact, any of them could also be reasonable 3-0 picks, but a lot will depend on the round-two and, especially, round-three matchups.
As for the teams we expect to reach the playoffs with a 3-2 record, The MongolZ and PARIVISION are, on paper, weaker than the five teams listed above. However, they are still playoff-caliber teams when they play their best Counter-Strike.
Finally, we’re giving the last playoff spot to FUT Esports. This is a team that can catch opponents off guard. They’re young, confident, and capable of riding their momentum all the way through Stage 3.
As for the underdogs, we’re putting Legacy and B8 in the 0-3 category.
Legacy have looked weak throughout Stage 2, and it’s hard to see where a major improvement is going to come from.
B8 is having a great tournament so far. The Ukrainian team has climbed up all the way from Stage 1. However, Stage 3 will likely be a final stop, as the players are close to their current ceiling.
IEM Cologne 2026 Major Stage 3 Pick’Ems from Well-Known Community Figures
Almost all well-known community figures have picked two of the following three teams for their 3-0 predictions: Team Vitality, Team Spirit, and Falcons.
When it comes to the 0-3 picks, opinions are far more divided. B8 and Monte are the most common choices for this unwanted category, but some people have also highlighted PARIVISION, Legacy, and even Aurora Gaming.
As for teams advancing to the playoffs, there is strong confidence in NAVI, FURIA, and Falcons. FUT Esports is another team that appears in many predictions.
When Does IEM Cologne Major 2026 Stage 3 Start? When Do PickEms Close?
Pick’Ems can be placed up until the start of the first match of the stage, a few hours in advance. The final group stage of the Cologne Major will take place from June 11th to 15th, with the opening matches taking place on June 11th at 12:00 CEST.
Сообщение Guide: Stage 3 PickEms for IEM Cologne 2026 Major появились сначала на CS.MONEY Blog.