Esports analyst Nikita "DaDte" Ziganshin exclusively for Esports.ru evaluated the performance of teams at IEM Cologne Major 2026. The expert also shared his opinion on the role of the coach in modern CS2 and the impact of individual play on team results.
Nikita "DaDte" ZiganshinThe absence of a coach didn't affect us much, except for the game against 9z, where live pauses were necessary. Otherwise, everything worked out quite well. The team is still well supported by communication with the coach outside of games, the bootcamp is yielding results. Spirit is not stronger than Vitality – the teams are currently at the same level of play.
Recently, ropz stated that CS2 is increasingly becoming an individual game, where even one player can determine the outcome of a map or a series. DaDte commented on how, under such conditions, the role of the captain remains crucial for the team's success.
Nikita "DaDte" ZiganshinIn CS2, a captain must achieve a rating of 0.95–1.05. The game allows you to prepare all rounds, as the duration of the game has decreased, giving you more focus on micro. The role is very important, as it was before, but now CS2 sometimes forces you to make highlights while being a captain.
IEM Cologne Major 2026 takes place from June 2 to June 21 in Cologne. A total of 32 teams from around the world are competing for the championship title and a prize pool of $1,250,000. The matches of the first three stages of the championship were held at the Palladium arena, while the decisive playoff matches will take place on the LANXESS Arena stage.
