Sometimes a single comeback in a series changes not just the match result, but the entire dynamic of a tournament. These are the games that show who is capable of turning the tide at a critical moment and handling the psychological pressure of the LAN stage.
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, where upper bracket winners retain the right to make one mistake, while a loss sends a team to the lower bracket, where every match becomes an elimination match.
For NRG, this was a chance to secure a place in the middle of the top-20 world ranking and avoid the difficult path through the lower bracket. For B8, it was an opportunity to confirm their LAN consistency and maintain their position in the upper part of the rankings.
read more
How the match unfolded — NRG vs B8
Score: 2:1 in favor of NRG
- Dust2 (NRG pick) — 4:13
The series started disastrously for NRG. B8 immediately seized the initiative, dominated the opening duels, and completely destroyed their opponent’s economy. Fast executions and a clear attacking structure allowed the Ukrainian roster to close the map without real resistance. NRG looked lost and were unable to impose their own tempo. - Mirage (B8 pick) — 13:2
NRG responded as decisively as possible. Full map control, aggressive mid work from oSee and Sonic, and total superiority in retakes. B8 were given almost no space to set up their plays, and their economy collapsed already in the first half. The map became a one-sided domination by NRG. - Inferno — 13:11
The deciding map turned into a tense battle. B8 tried to apply pressure through tempo and fast trades, but NRG played more consistently in clutches and controlled key timings better. Several crucial rounds from oSee and bro allowed NRG to hold their advantage and close out the series.
Player of the Match — Josh “oSee” Ohm (NRG)
It was oSee who became the foundation of NRG’s victory in this series.
- K–D: 54–35
- ADR: 89.5
- Rating 3.0: 1.54
Key impact: Consistent firepower across all three maps, dominance in AWP duels, and decisive frags on Inferno. His confident performance was the main factor behind the comeback after the collapse on Dust2.
VRS results
- NRG — +26 pt → 1580 pt, a rise in the rankings and entry into the top-16 zone. (strengthening their chances for better seeding and direct invites to major LAN tournaments)
- B8 — –21 pt → 1708 pt, remaining in the top-20 but with a noticeable loss of ranking stability. (increased pressure in the fight to hold positions in the upper part of the standings)
For NRG, this victory became a major boost in their fight for a stable top-16 team status. For B8, it is a worrying signal that even small LAN instability comes at a high cost in VRS.
What’s next?
NRG advance to the upper quarter-finals of IEM Kraków 2026 Stage 1. The team keeps the right to one mistake and continues their fight for the later stages of the tournament through the upper bracket.
B8 drop to lower round 1. Now every match is an elimination match for them. Any loss will mean the end of their tournament run.
read more
Match summary
NRG failed at the start of the series but managed to completely turn it around. Their dominance on Mirage and cold-blooded play on Inferno showed their mental resilience and the depth of their team structure. B8 started brightly but were unable to maintain control at the decisive moment.
This victory makes NRG one of the most dangerous contenders in the upper bracket, while B8 are now forced to take the most difficult possible path through the lower bracket with no room for error.
