Double-elimination tournaments always expose the true value of consistency. It is not enough to win a single map here — you have to endure the series and close the match at the decisive moment. It is in games like these that the difference between real contenders and teams forced to fight for survival is formed.
Tournament context
IEM Kraków 2026 Stage 1 is a ranked LAN stage of the Intel Extreme Masters series that directly affects the distribution of Valve Regional Standings (VRS) points. 16 teams compete in a double elimination Bo3 format: winners stay in the upper bracket and retain the right to one mistake, while a loss immediately sends a team to the lower bracket, where every match becomes an elimination match.
For 3DMAX, this was a chance to confirm their status as a stable top-15 roster and take a step deeper into the upper bracket. For FUT, it was an opportunity to challenge a favorite and avoid early pressure from the lower bracket.
read more
How the match unfolded — 3DMAX vs FUT
Score: 2:1 in favor of 3DMAX
- Ancient (FUT pick) — 16:13 FUT
FUT managed to convert their pick thanks to aggressive early-round play and consistent clutch performance. Krabeni and cmtry set the tempo in key rounds, which allowed the team to maintain their advantage even in a tense finish. The map was extremely competitive, but FUT closed it out through better economic control. - Anubis (3DMAX pick) — 16:13 3DMAX
On their own map, 3DMAX responded with the same level of confidence. Ex3rcice and Lucky consistently opened rounds, while strong discipline in late-round situations allowed the French lineup to swing the series back in their favor. FUT had chances for a comeback but lost several key clutches. - Dust2 (decider) — 13:5 3DMAX
The deciding map turned into a one-sided affair. 3DMAX completely controlled the tempo, won the duels, and quickly broke the opponent’s economy. FUT were unable to find a stable rhythm, and Dust2 was played under full domination by the French team.
Player of the Match — Aulon “Krabeni” Fazlija (FUT)
Despite the team’s loss, Krabeni was the most consistent player of the series.
- K–D: 55–56
- ADR: 82.2
- Rating 3.0: 1.18
Key impact: aggressive round initiation, stable entry-fragging, and maximum impact on Ancient, which allowed FUT to secure their pick and make the series highly competitive.
VRS results
- 3DMAX — +29 pt → approximately 1611 pt, maintaining a top-15 position and strengthening their chances for direct invites to major LAN tournaments.
- FUT — –12 pt → approximately 1521 pt, dropping outside the top-25 and increasing pressure in the fight for ranking stability.
For 3DMAX, this victory is a strategically important step in the battle for a stable place among the elite. For FUT, it is a serious blow to their ranking safety cushion.
What’s next?
3DMAX advance to the upper quarter-finals of IEM Kraków 2026 Stage 1. The team keeps the right to one mistake and continues their path to the later stages of the tournament from the most comfortable position possible.
FUT drop to lower round 1. Now every match for them is an elimination match. Any loss will mean the end of their tournament run.
read more
Match summary
3DMAX showed character and depth throughout the series. They lost the opponent’s pick, adapted, won their own Anubis, and completely dismantled FUT on the deciding Dust2. This victory highlights the consistency of the French roster and solidifies them as one of the main contenders for a deep run.
For FUT, the series is a clear signal: the potential is there, but without stability in decisive moments, the tournament path turns into a fight for survival through the lower bracket.
