The IEM Cologne Major 2026 Stage 2 achieved a peak viewership of over one million, representing a 30 % rise compared with the previous Major. This surge underscores the event’s growing popularity and the strong fan engagement that Stage 2 generated across the competitive Counter‑Strike: Global Offensive landscape.
Team Spirit dominated audience attention, averaging 401 285 viewers per match and peaking at 555 621 during its opening game against BB Team. G2 Esports, BB Team, FUT Esports and BIG followed closely, each securing Stage 3 qualification while drawing between 268 000 and 329 000 viewers per match. The consistency of these figures demonstrates that high‑profile teams continue to attract substantial live audiences, with many matches regularly surpassing half a million peak viewers.
Across the entire stage, total hours watched exceeded 15 million, with an average of 350 000 concurrent viewers per match. These metrics highlight sustained viewer interest throughout Stage 2, confirming that the tournament’s second phase maintained a high level of engagement from start to finish.
Collectively, the data reveal that IEM Cologne Major 2026 Stage 2 not only expanded its audience base but also reinforced the importance of marquee teams in driving viewership. The event’s success sets a benchmark for future majors, illustrating the potential for continued growth in global esports viewership.