Double-elimination tournaments always highlight the value of every victory. One match can not only change a team’s mindset, but also determine their entire path through the tournament. These are exactly the kinds of series that separate teams aiming for a deep run from those who are forced to fight for survival right away.
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: a win in the upper bracket grants the right to one mistake, while a loss immediately sends a team to the lower bracket, where every match becomes decisive.
For Liquid, this series was a chance to cement themselves among the stable top-12 teams and confirm their readiness for the later stages. For Ninjas in Pyjamas, it was an opportunity to avoid early pressure from the lower bracket and keep control of their tournament path.
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How the match unfolded — Liquid vs Ninjas in Pyjamas
Score: 2:0 in favor of Liquid
- Nuke (NiP pick) — 13:6
Liquid completely outplayed their opponent on their own pick. They won most of the opening duels, maintained solid economic control, and did not allow NiP to impose an aggressive style. EliGE, ultimate, and NertZ consistently applied pressure in key areas of the map, while Ninjas in Pyjamas looked lost in positional play. After the side switch, any intrigue practically disappeared. - Mirage (Liquid pick) — 13:8
On their own map, Liquid further emphasized the difference in game structure. They read the opponent’s rotations well, worked effectively in mid, and consistently closed rounds in clutch situations. NiP stayed in the game thanks to individual moments from sjuush, but overall control of the series remained with Liquid until the very end.
Player of the Match — Jonathan “EliGE” Jablonowski (Liquid)
It was EliGE who became the key figure of this victory.
- K–D: 32–24
- ADR: 85.9
- Rating 3.0: 1.31
Key impact: stability in trades, confident opening frags, and control of the game tempo on both maps. His performance gave Liquid a solid foundation to comfortably convert their tactical advantage.
VRS results
- Liquid +24 pt → 1706 pt. Improved position in the world ranking and consolidation in the top-11 zone. The team strengthens its chances for direct invites to major LAN events.
- Ninjas in Pyjamas –9 pt → 1552 pt. Loss of part of their ranking buffer and a more difficult fight for a stable place in the top-20.
For Liquid, this is a step toward the status of a stable contender for playoffs at major tournaments. For NiP, it is a clear signal that their further path will come under maximum pressure.
What’s next?
Liquid advance to the upper quarter-finals of IEM Kraków 2026 Stage 1. They keep the right to one mistake and continue their fight for direct access to the later stages of the tournament without having to go through the lower bracket.
Ninjas in Pyjamas drop to lower round 1. Now every match for them is an elimination match. Any further loss will mean the end of their tournament run.
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Match summary
Liquid demonstrated complete tactical and in-game superiority. They confidently closed the series 2:0, outplaying NiP both on their pick and on their own map. This victory confirms Liquid’s status as one of the most stable teams of the tournament, while Ninjas in Pyjamas are now forced to begin the most difficult possible path through the lower bracket with no room for error.
