Jame, one of Counter-Strike’s most recognizable AWPers, will not compete in back-to-back IEM majors. The veteran’s streak of consecutive major appearances has ended after paiN Gaming’s elimination at the IEM Cologne Major 2026, where the team finished 9th-11th following a 0-2 loss to Monte in Stage 2.
For a player who once hoisted a major trophy at IEM Rio 2022, the early exit represents a quiet but meaningful milestone.
What happened at IEM Cologne
paiN Gaming’s run at the fifth Counter-Strike 2 Major Championship was brief. The team, which qualified through the Americas VRS standings, managed to reach Stage 2 but hit a wall against Monte.
A 0-2 scoreline sent paiN packing with $10,000 from the Stage 2 prize pool.
