The results of the StarLadder Budapest Major Stage 3 have determined the number of slots that will be available to each region in the next Major, set to be played in Cologne, Germany, in June 2026.
In total, there will be 17 slots for European teams, 10 slots for teams from the Americas region, and five slots for Asian teams. The distribution means that Europe gained one overall spot at the expense of Asia, thanks to the results in Hungary.
Stage 1 is expected to feature the standardized invite allocation, with Europe and the Americas getting six spots, and Asia four.
In Stage 2, Americas will take one spot away from Asia due to three Asian representatives in Budapest's first stage, namely Lynn Vision , Rare Atom , and The Huns , not able to progress.
Due to six European teams making the playoffs in Budapest, the region will receive six Stage 3 slots, while the Americas and Asia will receive one each, thanks to respective playoff appearances by FURIA and The MongolZ .
Provided Valve won't alter the rulebook, the slot distribution for the IEM Cologne Major is expected to be as follows: