“Yes, obviously” – Aurora Wicadia on if he’s happy with the IEM Cologne Major 2026 playoff bracket

Bruno Sobieraj Published June 17, 2026

IEM Cologne 2026 Major playoffs are fast approaching with Aurora being one of the first teams to take the stage. We had the chance to speak with one of their best CS2 players, Ali “Wicadia” Haydar Yalçın, on media day.

Wicadia shared valuable insight on their road to the playoffs, his role within the team, and the shape of the playoff bracket. Check out the full interview below.

Bruno: Hello Wicadia.

Wicadia: Hello.

Bruno: Congrats on making it to the playoffs. You had a good run through Stage 3 and you had a close match against Spirit.

What was that game like?

Wicadia: I think we started good on Dust, but on Anubis we relaxed a bit and that cost us the game, but still overall it was a good game for us to wake up, so we managed to qualify 3-1.

Bruno: You also played a good game against 9Z, you beat them quite comfortably, but they have been sort of a revelation of this Major.

What do you think about that game and their chances in the playoffs?

Wicadia: About that game I think we played good also, but they just played Spirit in the night, like it was a very long game and they were exhausted a bit I guess, it was hard for them, but still I think they are a really good team and they have a big chance to qualify for the Semi-Finals.

Bruno: You were the best performing player on your team in Stage 3.

Do you feel like you are sort of the main man that has to be carrying the team forward in these games?

Wicadia: No, actually I think everybody is doing what they need to do, so we are playing good as a team I think right now.

Bruno: soulfly has also been playing really well.

How has he evolved as a player in these last six months?

Wicadia: I think like he had to learn a lot of things in the same moment, so it’s a bit confusing for him, but as fast as he understands it’s good for us and right now he developed a lot in this tournament, so it’s good.

Can Aurora finally perfrom on the Major stage? Credit: © ESL

Bruno: You’re playing in the first match of the playoffs.

Do you like it that it’s the first game?

Wicadia: Last time we qualified for the Major it was last game I think, but right now it’s first, so let’s see, I don’t know.

What do you think about the bracket? Are you happy with how it turned out?

Wicadia: Yes, obviously.

Would you rather win this Major or Turkey win the World Cup?

Wicadia: Win this Major.

Bruno: Okay, thank you and good luck.

Wicadia: Thank you.

Read also: Valve updates Major item revenue distribution ahead of IEM Cologne 2026

Featured image credit: © PGL