FURIA became the first finalists of IEM Kraków 2026 after a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Team Spirit in the semi-final. Importantly, the series was defined not just by the scoreline, but by sharp momentum swings, high-pressure moments, and the decisive impact of Danil “molodoy” Golubenko when it mattered most.
Road to the semi-final — momentum against pedigree
Spirit entered the semi-final in strong form. Earlier in the tournament, they had secured convincing wins over Natus Vincere (2–0) and G2 Esports (2–1). As a result, their confidence was high. With donk and sh1ro consistently delivering firepower, Spirit looked ready to convert group-stage success into a grand final appearance.
FURIA’s path was different. Instead of relying on explosive moments, the Brazilian side focused on control. They claimed methodical victories over Astralis (2–1), NAVI (2–1), and Aurora (2–0). Over time, their structure tightened. While not flawless, their trajectory suggested a team growing more comfortable under pressure.
Mirage — overtime nerves, molodoy steps up (16:13)
The series opened on Mirage, FURIA’s pick, and immediately delivered playoff tension. Early on, a crucial 2v5 conversion from Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo and molodoy gave FURIA an early foothold on the T side. However, Spirit responded. Donk and sh1ro produced individual heroics and repeatedly dragged rounds back from the brink. As a result, the map went to overtime.
In extra rounds, composure proved decisive. Molodoy opened overtime with a high-pressure triple kill on Ramp. From there, FURIA capitalized and closed Mirage 16–13. Crucially, they denied Spirit early momentum.
Dust2 — Spirit strike back
Spirit answered decisively on Dust2. This time, their defensive reads were sharp. They repeatedly shut down FURIA’s attempts to pressure the B site. Although FURIA showed resistance — including a force-buy quad kill from KSCERATO — Spirit controlled the pace. Once on the T side, they converted efficiently. Ultimately, Spirit secured Dust2 and leveled the series.
At this stage, the balance of power appeared to shift.
Nuke — molodoy takes over (13:7)
The decider on Nuke belonged to molodoy. He set the tone immediately with a P250 triple. Shortly after, he added a crucial 1v2 clutch in the first gun round. From that point on, FURIA’s offense snowballed. They closed the half with a commanding 9–3 lead. Importantly, they repeatedly recovered from man disadvantages through crisp trades and confident mid-round calls.
Spirit attempted a late push on the T side. They briefly built momentum. However, every opening was met with a response. Molodoy delivered the final blows, sealing a convincing 13–7 win and sending FURIA to the grand final.
Player stats for the series
Player of the match — Danil “molodoy” Golubenko
Molodoy’s impact defined the semi-final. Whenever pressure peaked, he delivered:
- 65–44 K-D
- 89.1 ADR
- 72.9% KAST
- 1.36 rating
From overtime heroics on Mirage to total control on Nuke, his presence ensured FURIA always kept the upper hand.
Team performance — composure beats momentum
For much of the series, the semi-final resembled a clash of philosophies rather than a simple exchange of rounds.
FURIA played with patience. They rarely overcommitted, even when Spirit found early openings. As a result, their mid-round recovery stood out. They consistently turned disadvantageous situations into wins through calm trading and disciplined positioning. This approach proved especially effective on Mirage and Nuke.
Spirit, meanwhile, leaned heavily on individual initiative. Donk and sh1ro repeatedly created space with raw firepower. On Dust2, this approach paid off. However, in the most pressured moments — overtime on Mirage and the CT side on Nuke — Spirit struggled to convert momentum into control. Missed conversions and lost late-round duels proved costly.
VRS impact — FURIA take a decisive step forward
The win also carried ranking consequences.
- FURIA: +41 VRS points
- Spirit: −39 VRS points
As a result, FURIA strengthened their position among the season’s elite. They now enter the final as a clear title contender. Spirit’s loss, while costly, highlights how unforgiving playoff matches are at this level.
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What’s next?
FURIA advance to the grand final of IEM Kraków 2026. Notably, this marks their return to the biggest stage just three months after their previous finals appearance. In Sunday’s best-of-five, they will face the winner of the second semi-final between MOUZ and Team Vitality. For Spirit, the wait for another grand final continues. Their run in Kraków confirmed their ceiling. However, it also exposed the fine margins separating contenders from champions.
Ultimately, IEM Kraków 2026 once again proves one thing: in the playoffs, success belongs not to the loudest teams, but to those who make fewer mistakes when the pressure peaks.
