XANTARES aims for Major trophy in Cologne

XANTARES has never been shy about setting high expectations for himself and his team. The Turkish star, currently leading Eternal Fire’s charge in Counter-Strike 2, made a statement that will turn heads in the scene: «I think we can win» – referring to the Major trophy in Cologne. This is not just a casual remark from a player known for his explosive entry fragging; it’s a deliberate signal that Eternal Fire believe they have what it takes to beat the world’s best.

Cologne, of course, is hallowed ground for CS fans. The IEM Cologne event has long been regarded as one of the most prestigious tournaments outside of Valve’s Majors, often carrying the weight of a true championship. Since its inception in 2014, the event has seen legends like Fnatic, SK Gaming, and NaVi lift the trophy in front of thousands of passionate German fans. For XANTARES, a player who has competed on the biggest stages for years, this is not just wishful thinking – it’s a declaration of belief in his squad’s potential. The tournament’s venue, the LANXESS arena, holds a special aura that can either break a team or elevate them to greatness.

Eternal Fire’s Road to Cologne

Eternal Fire have been on an upward trajectory since the dawn of CS2. With XANTARES as their primary firepower, the Turkish mix has shown glimpses of brilliance at international events. They’ve beaten top teams like FaZe and Vitality in online and LAN settings, proving they can hang with the best. However, consistency has been their Achilles’ heel. A trophy at a tier-one event like IEM Cologne would be a massive breakthrough for the organization and Turkish CS as a whole, which has historically been underrepresented at the highest level of competition.

XANTARES himself is no stranger to deep runs. He has previously reached the playoff stages of several Majors and big LANs, often carrying his teams with explosive AWP and rifle plays. During his time with BIG, he helped the German organization reach the semifinals of the StarLadder Berlin Major in 2019, one of the best performances by a Turkish player in CS history. His experience will be crucial if Eternal Fire are to translate this confidence into a championship run. The team’s current roster includes veterans like MAJ3R, who brings tactical depth, and woxic, a former teammate of XANTARES from their days with Cloud9 and HellRaisers, creating a core that understands each other’s tendencies.

A Star’s Mindset

The «I think we can win» remark comes at a time when Eternal Fire are building momentum. With solid showings in qualifiers and recent tournaments like the ESL Pro League and BLAST Premier events, the team’s confidence is at a peak. XANTARES’s leadership is key; he is not only the main fragger but also the emotional engine of the roster. His belief in victory could be the extra push Eternal Fire need to break through the ceiling. In interviews, teammates have noted how XANTARES’s relentless positivity in practice and during matches lifts the entire squad, even after tough losses.

• XANTARES stated he believes Eternal Fire can win the Major trophy in Cologne, speaking with conviction about their chances.
• The event in question is IEM Cologne 2025, one of the most prestigious Counter-Strike tournaments, featuring a $1 million prize pool and top teams from around the world.
• XANTARES has been a top-tier player for years, previously representing BIG, Space Soldiers, and now Eternal Fire, with multiple top-eight Major finishes.
• Eternal Fire are aiming for their first major international title, representing Turkish CS on the global stage, and have been building their roster since early 2023.

IEM Cologne: A Legacy Tournament

IEM Cologne has a storied history dating back to 2014, with champions like Fnatic, SK Gaming, and NaVi lifting the trophy. Winning in Cologne is a career-defining achievement. For a player like XANTARES, who has come close but never clinched such a title, the hunger is palpable. The event traditionally draws massive crowds, with the iconic catwalk entrance and the roar of thousands of fans creating an atmosphere that few other tournaments can match.

Eternal Fire will face stiff competition from the world’s elite, including teams like FaZe, G2, Vitality, and NaVi, all of whom have deep rosters and recent success. But if XANTARES’s confidence is anything to go by, they are not coming to simply participate – they believe they can conquer. The team has been grinding practice matches in Europe, focusing on map pools and anti-strats specifically tailored to their expected opponents in Cologne.

With XANTARES’s confidence leading the charge, Eternal Fire are poised to make a deep run. The team’s belief is palpable, and Cologne could be the stage where Turkish Counter-Strike finally claims a global crown. For years, Turkish fans have waited for a moment like this, and XANTARES seems ready to deliver it.