Asia to lose their Stage 2 slot for IEM Cologne 2026 Major after dismal showing in Budapest

After an abysmal performance in the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, the Asian region will lose a Major spot going into 2026.

In the Budapest Major, Asia had a total of 6 spots - 4 for Stage 1, 1 for Stage 2, and 1 for Stage 1. However, since neither of Lynn Vision, Rare Atom, and The Huns were able to make it past the first Stage, Asia will not be getting a Stage 2 slot for the next Major, which is the IEM Cologne 2026 Major.

However, the silver lining for the Asian fans comes from The MongolZ, who were able to advance to Playoffs with a 3-1 score, meaning that the region will retain their single spot in Stage 3.

In total, Europe will walk into Cologne with 17 slots, the Americas with 10, and Asia with just five. The shift comes because Europe ended up gaining an extra place at Asia’s expense, courtesy of their strong showing in Budpaest, Hungary.

Here is how the region based distribution looks like for IEM Cologne 2026 Major: