In this IEM Krakow 2026 Stage 1 Preview, Luis “peacemaker” Tadeu breaks down everything you need to know about the opening phase of one of the biggest Counter-Strike events of the year. From tournament format and dates to the updated map pool, Peacemaker explains why Stage 1 in Krakow is far more dangerous than it looks on paper, with eight spots in the main event and no room for early mistakes.
The preview focuses heavily on team form and roster changes, highlighting squads such as G2, PARIVISION, Aurora, paiN Gaming, Legacy, HEROIC, NIP, Liquid, and BC.Game. Peacemaker analyzes how recent results, stand-ins, and new lineups could impact performance in a stacked double-elimination BO3 bracket, where even established teams are forced to fight their way through.
Peacemaker also walks through the opening matchups, sharing early predictions and key storylines — including high-profile clashes like Aurora vs. PARIVISION, the uncertainty around Liquid and NIP, and whether underdogs like BC.Game can survive LAN pressure against stronger opposition. Special attention is given to which teams are best positioned to qualify and which ones could fall victim to the unforgiving format.
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Finally, the preview looks ahead to the main event, where the world’s elite already await. With teams like Vitality, Spirit, NAVI, FaZe, MOUZ, Falcons, The MongolZ, and FURIA waiting in Stage 2, Peacemaker outlines what Stage 1 teams must do to avoid early elimination and set themselves up for a deep run in Krakow.
