The IEM Cologne Major 2026 Stage 1 is set to kick off with an anticipated opening round match between BetBoom Team and Gaimin Gladiators on June 2, 2026, at 13:30 UTC.
This encounter marks the beginning of their journey in one of CS2's most prestigious tournaments. While the match is currently 0-0, early predictions from various sources suggest BetBoom Team might secure a 13-7 victory, showcasing superior experience and map pool depth.
The teams enter this Major with different expectations. BetBoom Team is considered one of the strongest contenders in Stage 1. Historically, in Dota 2, BetBoom Team holds a significant 17-4 head-to-head advantage over Gaimin Gladiators, though this statistic is from a different game and may not directly reflect their CS2 performance. This match will be a crucial test for both squads as they aim for a strong start in the tournament.