Double-elimination tournaments do not forgive inconsistency. At this stage, every series is either another chance to stay alive or the final full stop in the tournament run. This is where true team character is forged and the ability to perform under maximum pressure is revealed.
Tournament context
IEM Kraków 2026 is a ranking LAN stage of the Intel Extreme Masters series that directly affects the Valve Regional Standings (VRS). Sixteen teams compete in a double-elimination Bo3 format, where a loss in the lower bracket means immediate elimination from the tournament.
The Group B lower bracket semi-final was a survival match. For MOUZ, it was a chance to stay in the playoff race; for FaZe, it was the last opportunity to avoid an early exit from the event.
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How the match unfolded — MOUZ vs FaZe
Series score: 2:0 in favor of MOUZ
- Mirage (FaZe pick) — 13:5
From the opening rounds, MOUZ imposed strict map control. They won most of the opening duels, quickly broke FaZe’s economy, and did not allow their opponent to dictate the pace. FaZe looked disjointed, with no consistent answers in the mid-rounds. - Inferno (MOUZ pick) — 13:6
On their own pick, MOUZ looked even more confident. Clean rotations, disciplined defense, and aggressive moves at key moments completely neutralized FaZe’s attempts to get back into the game. The map was played under full MOUZ control with no real comeback chances.
Player of the Match — David “frozen” Čerňanský
- K–D: 30–19
- ADR: 92.5
- Rating 3.0: 1.28
Key impact: consistency in every phase of the round, effective play in open positions, and constant pressure on key areas of the map that set the tempo for the entire series.
VRS results
- MOUZ: +50 pt → 1785 pt. A significant rating boost and strengthened top-10 position. The team keeps its chances for a deep run and valuable ranking dividends.
- FaZe: –9 pt → 1749 pt. Loss of points and elimination from the tournament, negatively affecting their VRS position ahead of upcoming events.
For MOUZ, this result confirms their ability to withstand lower-bracket pressure. For FaZe, it is a painful exit after a series of inconsistent performances.
What’s next?
Lower final (Group B):
MOUZ vs Falcons — a match for a spot in the decisive phase of the group and the final step before the last stages.
FaZe end their run at IEM Kraków 2026 after the loss in the lower bracket semi-finals.
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Match summary
MOUZ showcased tactical discipline, strong individual form, and complete control of the series, closing out FaZe without a deciding map. This victory keeps MOUZ in the fight for top placements and VRS points, while FaZe leave Kraków after failing to handle the pressure of elimination matches.
