IEM Kraków 2026 Stage 1 starts with the confrontation between FUT and 3DMAX — a match in which both teams open their LAN journey in a double elimination format. Here, every series in the upper bracket has strategic value: a victory provides room for mistakes and a comfortable position in the standings, while a loss immediately puts the team into survival mode.
For FUT, this is a chance to confirm their status as a squad capable of consistently passing the early rounds of major LAN events. For 3DMAX, it is an opportunity to prove that their experience and team coordination allow them to compete even in matches where they enter as underdogs.
IEM KRAKÓW 2026 STAGE 1 — THE START OF THE LAN JOURNEY
IEM Kraków 2026 Stage 1 is held in a LAN format with 16 teams and a double elimination system. All matches are played in a Bo3 format, where stability and control of the series tempo are decisive.
There are no “easy” opponents here: every map is a fight for bracket position, ranking points, and psychological advantage. For FUT and 3DMAX, this is a test of their readiness for a long tournament run from the very first match.
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HEAD-TO-HEAD — YOUTH VS EXPERIENCE
The history of head-to-head meetings between FUT and 3DMAX is minimal, which makes the match even more open to tactical surprises.
FUT traditionally rely on a fast pace and active firepower, while 3DMAX compensate for the lack of explosive firepower with experience, discipline, and strong economic reading.
This is a clash of two approaches: aggression and tempo versus patience and structured control.
CURRENT FORM
FUT — aggression and reliance on individual form
FUT approach the tournament as a team that is not afraid to take risks. They often play fast, actively take space, and try to break the opponent’s economy through strong early-round sequences. LauNX and dziugss set the attacking tempo, while Krabeni adds stability in key clutch situations.
In a Bo3 format, their style is dangerous but also vulnerable: if aggression does not bring results, the team can lose control of the series.
3DMAX — experience and tempo control
3DMAX build their game in a more measured way. They work well with the economy, know how to slow rounds down, and punish excessive opponent aggression. bodyy and Ex3rcice provide stability in positional play, while Lucky often becomes a key figure in AWP duels.
Their strength lies in their ability to adapt during the series and gradually “suffocate” an aggressive opponent.
MAP POOL & VETO
Statistics for the last 3 months (FUT | 3DMAX):
- Dust2: 44% | 0%
- Mirage: 82% | —
- Inferno: — | 50%
- Nuke: 100% | 33%
- Overpass: 75% | —
- Ancient: 67% | 40%
- Anubis: — | —
Expected veto:
- FUT will almost certainly remove Inferno — the map where 3DMAX look the most structured and comfortable in slow, positional play.
- 3DMAX are very likely to ban Nuke — FUT’s strongest map, where their aggression and defensive confidence bring consistent results.
Likely picks:
- FUT: Mirage — their most stable map, where the team can dictate the tempo and force mid-round duels.
- 3DMAX: Ancient — a platform for methodical play, position control, and long rounds.
Decider: Dust2 or Overpass look logical as the deciding maps. It is there that the difference in team styles is revealed most clearly: FUT’s fast decisions versus 3DMAX’s composure and discipline.
KEY DUELS
- lauNX vs bodyy — aggressive mechanics versus experience and positional stability
- dziugss vs Lucky — an AWP duel that can determine control of open areas
- Krabeni vs Ex3rcice — the battle for stability in clutch rounds
In a Bo3, these micro-duels often decide the fate of the economy and turn the series around.
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PREDICTION
FUT have a higher explosive potential and can quickly close maps through aggression. However, 3DMAX look like the more mature team in terms of series tempo control, economy management, and adaptation.
In a Bo3 format, this often becomes the decisive factor, especially if the match goes to a third map.
Predicted result: 3DMAX 2–1 FUT
