Engin “Maj3r” Küpeli is 35 years old, which in esports years makes him roughly the equivalent of a 50-year-old NFL quarterback. And yet the Turkish-French in-game leader is proving that experience still matters, guiding Aurora Gaming through the early stages of the IEM Cologne Major 2026 with a string of convincing results.

Aurora has advanced to Stage 3 of the tournament, which runs from June 11 to June 21 in Cologne, Germany. The team has posted multiple 2-0 victories in early matches, a level of dominance that suggests this isn’t just a hot streak.

What’s happening in Cologne

The IEM Cologne Major is one of the crown jewels of the Counter-Strike calendar. Organized by ESL, the 2026 edition features 32 teams, a prize pool estimated between $1.17 million and $1.25 million, and an expanded format for its third stage, raising the stakes for teams that survive the earlier rounds. Aurora Gaming earned their spot through VRS ranking, which is the competitive qualification system that determines which teams deserve a seat at the table.

Aurora’s roster features some serious firepower alongside Maj3r. The team includes XANTARES and woxic, two seasoned Turkish players with reputations for explosive individual performances.

The veteran’s long road to this moment

Born on January 25, 1991, Maj3r has been competing professionally for years across multiple organizations. His career earnings in esports are estimated to exceed $180,000, a figure that reflects sustained relevance rather than a single breakout tournament.

What this means for Aurora’s future

Aurora Gaming currently operates without any cryptocurrency-related sponsorships or partnerships, which is worth noting given the broader trend of crypto companies investing in esports organizations over the past few years. The team’s identity is rooted squarely in traditional competitive gaming, and their current success is built on roster construction and tactical preparation.