IEM Kraków 2026 marks the first real Tier-1 LAN checkpoint of the CS2 season. Stage 1 brings together teams with very different trajectories: established names looking to stabilize early, Tier-2 projects testing their ceiling, and newcomers facing their first serious pressure test.
With a new map pool, limited official matches played so far, and rosters still settling, this stage is less about reputation and more about structure, discipline, and mental resilience. Only eight of sixteen teams will survive. For the rest, the tournament — and potentially their early-season momentum — ends before the main stage even begins.
Format
Stage 1 of IEM Kraków 2026 is played offline in a studio environment, not in front of the arena crowd. The TAURON Arena Kraków will only be used later, during the playoff stage. The opening phase features sixteen teams competing in a double-elimination bracket, with all matches played as best-of-three series. Teams must win their way through the bracket to secure one of the eight available spots in the Group Stage. Two losses mean immediate elimination. There is no gradual build-up or room to experiment. From the first match onward, veto preparation, map-pool depth, and composure under pressure are decisive. Even without the arena atmosphere, mistakes are punished quickly, and early instability can end a run in a single day.
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Clear Favorites
Aurora Gaming, G2 Esports, 3DMAX, B8
These teams enter Stage 1 as the most reliable candidates to qualify. Some struggled at the first event of the year, while others skipped it entirely, but this stage is where they are expected to look far more composed.
The only notable concern is B8. The team fields a new AWPer with no offline experience, and debuting directly at a Tier-1 LAN — even in a studio — can lead to visible nerves. Outside of that, all four teams should have enough structure and firepower to move on.
Proven Momentum
PARIVISION arrive with momentum after winning a Tier-1 tournament earlier this year, and at this point that success cannot be dismissed as a fluke. The team demonstrated structure, confidence, and the ability to close key series.
Given that background, PARIVISION are expected to qualify. An early exit would raise the first serious doubts about their long-term stability.
Structural Upgrade
Team Liquid come to Kraków with a notable change: Krimbo replaces NAF. On paper, this should strengthen the team’s structure and mid-round decision-making — qualities that are especially valuable in a Bo3 studio environment. If the integration goes smoothly, Liquid should navigate Stage 1 without major issues.
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Tier-2 Core — Volatile but Capable
Passion UA, paiN Gaming, Astralis, GamerLegion, Legacy, Ninjas in Pyjamas. This group represents the most unpredictable part of the bracket. All of these teams are capable of qualifying, yet none come in with firm expectations. Several lineups feature recent roster changes, making it too early to judge their real level. A successful run would not be shocking — but neither would a quick exit.
HEROIC will compete without a dedicated AWPer, which could either limit their ceiling or unexpectedly reduce pressure. A more flexible, rifler-focused approach may help them in short Bo3 series. If they control tempo and keep their structure intact, a qualification run is realistic.
First Tier-1 LAN Test
FUT are a young but experienced online roster, entering their first Tier-1 LAN. The potential is clear, but how they adapt to the offline environment and pressure remains unknown. They are capable of surprising — but also one of the hardest teams to predict.
North American Projects
NRG, Legacy – both teams bring a distinct North American style, but recent results raise concerns. Legacy have struggled for form, while NRG added a relatively weak AWPer, limiting their overall ceiling. A deep run would be unexpected.
Long Shot
BC.Game secured their invite after signing the core of SAW, but the team completely collapsed in the closed qualifiers for IEM Rio. While offline play can sometimes change dynamics, expectations here remain low. Anything beyond a single upset would be a major surprise.
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Why Stage 1 Matters
Stage 1 is not about winning trophies — it’s about staying alive. This is the first S-Tier LAN of 2026, played with a new map pool and minimal official data. Even in a studio setting, there is no safety net and no time to grow into the event. For half of the teams, IEM Kraków 2026 ends before it ever reaches the arena. Those who advance carry momentum into the Group Stage — those who don’t start the season already chasing answers.
