In this video, shox breaks down Stage 1 of IEM Krakow 2026, analyzing which teams exceeded expectations and which ones left the tournament early with more questions than answers. As the first major Tier-1 LAN of the year, Stage 1 offered an early snapshot of where teams truly stand at the start of the 2026 season.
shox highlights the biggest surprises of the stage, including unexpected deep runs, standout individual performances, and young teams proving they can compete under pressure. He also looks at established squads that struggled to convert potential into results, discussing how roster changes, stand-ins, and early-season form played a role in their eliminations.
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With a focus on long-term trends rather than single results, shox explains what Stage 1 tells us about team identity, preparation, and endurance. His analysis sets the stage for the rest of IEM Krakow, outlining which storylines are worth following as the main stage unfolds and the 2026 competitive season truly begins.
