IEM Cologne 2026 becomes Counter‑Strike’s most‑watched event

IEM Cologne Major 2026 reached 76,200,000 hours watched before the Grand Finals, recorded on June 19, 2026, surpassing the previous high of 76,130,773 set at the Austin Major 2025. The total excludes viewers on Chinese streaming platforms and Steam TV.

Stage 3 matches at the German Major were played as best-of-three for the first time in Counter‑Strike history. That format produced more rounds and longer broadcasts. The event also used an expanded field and three consecutive 16-team Swiss stages, increasing the amount of live content available to viewers.

Regional broadcasts added to the totals. Russian-language coverage exceeded its Austin Major figures, and Spanish-language streams reached a new peak for Counter‑Strike esports. Playoff matchups kept teams with wide regional followings in contention, with notable viewing from European, Russian-speaking, Brazilian, Hispanic and Turkish audiences.

By hours watched, IEM Cologne 2026 joins the Austin Major 2025 and the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 as the three most-watched Counter‑Strike events. Prior to 2025, only the PGL Major Stockholm 2021 had exceeded 70 million hours.

The figure was recorded while the tournament remained in progress and was expected to rise as remaining matches were played. Additional viewership milestones and updates are available on the tournament’s official page.