IEM Kraków 2026 reaches its final stretch with a blockbuster grand final: FURIA vs Vitality. Two teams that have gone through the toughest matches of the entire tournament meet in the decisive Bo5 series, where there is no room for mistakes and every map can become the turning point.
This final is a clash of styles and philosophies: FURIA with their aggressive, high-tempo Counter-Strike versus Vitality, the most structured team in the world, with a perfect balance between discipline and individual class.
IEM KRAKÓW 2026 — GRAND FINAL ON THE LAN STAGE
IEM Kraków 2026 is played in a LAN format with 16 teams, while the playoffs follow a single-elimination system. The grand final is played as a Bo5, where map pool depth, physical endurance, and the ability to adapt during the series come to the forefront.
For FURIA, this is a chance to cement their status as a team capable of winning on the biggest stages. For Vitality, it is an opportunity to confirm their dominance and their position as the world’s No.1 team.
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HEAD-TO-HEAD — AGGRESSION VS CONTROL
The head-to-head history between FURIA and Vitality is rich and intense. Their series often go deep into late rounds and are decided by small details.
FURIA take advantage through pace, sharp executions, and aggressive decisions, while Vitality systematically extinguish that pressure with elite game reading and economy control.
In a Bo5 final, this philosophical contrast is expressed at its peak.
CURRENT FORM
- FURIA — aggressive form and confidence in key matches
FURIA enter the final on a winning streak and are showing very confident Counter-Strike. FalleN has stabilized the team’s structure, yuurih and KSCERATO consistently win their duels, and YEKINDAR adds explosiveness in decisive moments. In a Bo5, FURIA are dangerous because they can sharply change tempo and break the opponent’s structure. - Vitality — a system machine with the highest ceiling
Vitality remain the benchmark of consistency. ZywOo is in exceptional form, apEX and flameZ provide tempo and discipline, while ropz adds composure in late rounds. Vitality rarely lose economic rounds and adapt excellently throughout a series, which is critical in a Bo5 format.
MAP POOL & VETO
Statistics over the last 3 months (FURIA | Vitality):
- Dust2: 71% | 89%
- Mirage: 58% | 75%
- Inferno: 70% | 64%
- Nuke: 89% | 44%
- Overpass: 57% | 88%
- Ancient: — | —
- Anubis: — | —
Expected veto:
- FURIA are very likely to remove Overpass — one of Vitality’s strongest maps with near-perfect tempo control.
- Vitality, in turn, may ban Nuke — a map where FURIA look extremely confident.
Likely picks:
- FURIA: Inferno or Nuke — maps where their aggression and mid-round decisions deliver maximum impact.
- Vitality: Dust2 or Overpass — comfortable maps for ZywOo and the team’s structured style.
Decider (4th–5th map): Mirage or Dust2 look like the most logical deciding maps, where individual star power can play a key role.
KEY DUELS
- KSCERATO vs ZywOo — consistency and impact versus the best player in the world
- YEKINDAR vs flameZ — aggression and tempo versus structured entry play
- FalleN vs apEX — experience and game reading in decisive rounds
In a Bo5 final, these duels will largely determine economy control and psychological advantage.
PREDICTION
FURIA have all the tools to force a very tough series: their map pool is deep enough, and the form of their key players allows them to take individual maps. However, Vitality look stronger in overall consistency, in-series adaptation, and late-round decision-making. In a Bo5 format, this usually becomes the decisive factor.
Predicted score: Vitality 3–2 FURIA
