Ismailcan “XANTARES” Dörtkardeş, one of the most mechanically gifted players in competitive Counter-Strike, has been spotted warming up on the IEM Cologne Major stage. The Turkish star, competing under the Aurora Gaming banner, is gearing up for what promises to be one of the most consequential tournaments of the year.

Aurora Gaming and the road through Stage 3

Aurora Gaming enters the IEM Cologne Major 2026 at Stage 3, which features Best-of-Three match formats in its later rounds.

The Aurora roster is far from a one-man show, though. Alongside XANTARES, the team fields MAJ3R, woxic, soulfly, and Wicadia, with Fabre serving as coach.

But XANTARES remains the gravitational center. Video coverage from ESL has specifically highlighted his warm-up routines, offering a glimpse into the preparation habits that fuel his performance.

Why XANTARES commands attention

His dedication to preparation has been a recurring theme in media coverage surrounding this event. Reports have noted his commitment to training routines alongside minor health concerns, a reminder that competing at the highest level of esports carries its own physical toll.

The warm-up footage from the Cologne stage is more than content filler. LAN environments introduce variables that online play does not, including different monitors, peripherals, and the ambient noise of a live arena.

The IEM Cologne Major 2026 format

The IEM Cologne Major 2026 features expanded formats compared to previous iterations of the tournament. The inclusion of Bo3 matches in later stages means teams cannot rely on single-map flukes to advance.

For Aurora, this format could be a double-edged sword. A roster with XANTARES and woxic has the individual talent to steal maps from anyone. But sustained success in Bo3s requires tactical discipline, something that will test Fabre’s coaching and MAJ3R’s leadership throughout the event.