With IEM Cologne 2026 just a week away, Valve has made major changes to the usual Counter-Strike Major shenanigans, with one of them being a massive shift in how players acquire Major stickers. It was earlier a game of chance, but the freshly minted token-based system has completely replaced the old capsule model, which removes the luck factor.
Stickers are not just in-game cosmetics, but they hold significance as they can become valuable assets for a plethora of reasons, as we have come to see from the past. Although some of it is still retained with the new system, we miss out on the joy of opening capsules. Given the crackdown on the gambling nature of said capsules, it is assumed that Valve’s new system ensures the game stays compliant with laws across several regions globally.
How to Purchase Stickers
If you are looking to purchase the Cologne 2026 stickers using tokens, then the steps are quite simple:
- Launch Counter-Strike 2 and open the IEM Cologne 2026 Major Hub from the main menu.
- Enter the “Major Tournament Items” or Sticker Shop section to browse available stickers.
- Choose the sticker you want, including team logos, player autographs, Paper, Holo, Foil, or Gold variants.
- Check the sticker’s token price, as prices change dynamically based on player demand.
- Add the selected stickers to your cart and review the total Cologne 2026 Token cost.
- Purchase additional tokens through Steam if your balance is insufficient.
- Complete the checkout process to instantly receive the stickers in your CS2 inventory.
- Earn extra Cologne 2026 Tokens through Viewer Pass rewards, Pick’Em challenges, and event coin upgrades.
To further remove the gambling nature and uncertainties surrounding this token, Valve has brought a buyer protection system. If a sticker price drops by more than 25 tokens within 24 hours of the purchase, then players will receive a token as a refund.
While many are sad that the developers have taken away the old unboxing system, on the other hand, this allows you the chance to grab a sticker of your choice. Maybe you might want one of your favourite players, or you might be looking to get one as an investment, and in both cases, the new system gives you the added flexibility.