IEM Krakow 2026 Enters Playoff Stage as Counter-Strike Elite Battle for $1.25 Million Prize

The TAURON Arena Krakow is hosting the playoff rounds of IEM Krakow 2026 from February 6-8, marking a new chapter for Poland's premier Counter-Strike tournament. The event, formerly held in Katowice, has relocated to Krakow's state-of-the-art arena where 24 elite teams are competing for a $1.25 million prize pool. The playoffs kicked off at 15:30 local time (CET) on Friday, February 6, with the grand final scheduled for February 8 to crown the first-ever IEM Krakow champion. The tournament represents the opening major championship of the CS2 competitive season, setting the tone for what promises to be an electrifying year of Counter-Strike esports.

The playoff bracket features some of Counter-Strike's most decorated organizations, though several big names fell short during the group stage. NAVI, FaZe Clan, and Astralis—three organizations with storied Counter-Strike legacies—were eliminated before reaching the playoffs, shocking fans and analysts who expected these powerhouses to contend for the title. Their early exits have opened the door for other squads to claim glory, with G2 Esports, MOUZ, FURIA Esports, Aurora Gaming, Team Spirit, and Team Vitality emerging as the primary contenders heading into the knockout rounds.

G2 Esports and MOUZ have been particularly impressive throughout the tournament, showcasing the tactical depth and individual brilliance that defines top-tier Counter-Strike. MOUZ's run has been especially notable, as the European roster has dispatched opponents with clinical precision. FURIA Esports represents Brazil's hopes in the competition, carrying the passion of South American Counter-Strike fans who have traveled to Krakow to support their team. Team Spirit, the Russian powerhouse, brings championship pedigree from their success in other esports titles, while Team Vitality's star-studded roster features some of the game's most mechanically gifted players.

IEM Krakow 2026 follows the classic IEM tournament structure that Counter-Strike fans have come to expect from ESL events. All playoff matches are contested as best-of-three series, with the exception of the grand final, which will be a best-of-five showdown to determine the champion. This format ensures that the winning team must demonstrate consistency across multiple maps and adapt to their opponent's strategies over an extended series. The prize pool distribution heavily favors the top finishers, with the champion set to claim a lion's share of the $1.25 million purse.

The relocation from Katowice to Krakow marks the beginning of a new era for Poland's signature Counter-Strike event. The TAURON Arena offers expanded capacity and improved facilities compared to previous venues, allowing ESL to create a more immersive experience for both live attendees and the millions watching online. The move reflects Counter-Strike's continued growth as an esport, with tournament organizers investing in bigger venues and larger prize pools to match the game's expanding global audience. Polish fans have embraced the change, packing the arena for the playoff rounds and creating an electric atmosphere.

As February 7 action unfolds, the remaining teams are one step closer to etching their names in Counter-Strike history. The champion will not only claim financial rewards but also earn crucial points in the ESL Pro Tour standings, positioning themselves favorably for future tournaments throughout 2026. With established favorites eliminated and new contenders rising, IEM Krakow 2026 has already delivered surprises and promises a thrilling conclusion as Counter-Strike's elite battle for supremacy in Poland.