IEM Kraków 2026 Stage 1 opens with a clash between HEROIC and PARIVISION. Two teams start the tournament in a double elimination format, where every upper bracket match carries enormous strategic value. The winner gains a comfortable position and a margin for error, while a loss immediately forces a team into “survival” series in the lower bracket.
This match is especially important because of the different status of the teams. HEROIC are trying to prove that their updated roster is capable of consistently competing with top-tier opponents, while PARIVISION enter as the favorite and must show that their structured play and discipline are not just a temporary spike in form.
IEM KRAKÓW 2026 STAGE 1 — THE START OF THE LAN JOURNEY
IEM Kraków 2026 Stage 1 is played in a LAN format with 16 teams using a double elimination system. All matches are Bo3, where stability, endurance, and control of the series tempo are just as important as pure mechanical skill.
There are no “easy” matches here: every series shapes a team’s further path in the tournament. For HEROIC and PARIVISION, this is a chance to immediately set their own pace and lay the foundation for a deep run.
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HEAD-TO-HEAD — A NEW TEST OF STATUS
There is virtually no significant head-to-head history between HEROIC and PARIVISION, which makes this match even more interesting. PARIVISION approach the series as the more stable and systematic team, while HEROIC are still in the process of building their own identity. In matches like this, it is often not statistics that decide the outcome, but the ability to adapt quickly to the opponent’s style.
CURRENT FORM
HEROIC — searching for stability with a renewed roster
HEROIC have strong individual elements, but their overall form looks inconsistent. The team is capable of delivering strong maps, yet often loses control of a series due to sequences of mistakes in the mid-rounds. They lack system stability in difficult economic rounds and clear tempo control. In a Bo3 format, this becomes critical: any lost map sharply reduces room for maneuver.
PARIVISION — structure, discipline, and tempo
PARIVISION come into the match on a winning streak with a clearly built system. They manage their economy well, know how to close series without unnecessary risks, and show strong team synergy. Their confidence in mid-round and post-plant situations is especially noticeable.
MAP POOL & VETO
Statistics for the last 3 months (HEROIC | PARIVISION):
- Dust2: 40% | 100%
- Mirage: 83% | 75%
- Inferno: 67% | 50%
- Nuke: 33% | —
- Overpass: — | 67%
- Ancient: 60% | 71%
- Anubis: — | —
Expected veto:
- HEROIC will almost certainly remove Dust2, a map where PARIVISION show a maximum win rate and feel completely confident.
- PARIVISION are very likely to ban Mirage, one of HEROIC’s strongest maps, where they can impose tempo through aggressive mid control.
Likely picks:
- HEROIC: Inferno — a map where they can realize their strengths in position control and utility usage.
- PARIVISION: Ancient — one of the most stable maps in their pool, with a strong defensive side.
Decider: Overpass or Nuke look like logical candidates for the deciding map. On such maps, PARIVISION can gain an advantage through structure, but HEROIC are capable of compensating with individual clutch decisions.
KEY DUELS
- nilo vs nota — aggressive entry versus a stable anchor player
- Chr1zN vs xiELO — the battle for control of key map zones
- susp vs jame — a duel of tempo reading and timing
In a Bo3, these local confrontations often decide the economy of the series and control of the mid-round.
PREDICTION
HEROIC have the potential to create problems through individual moments and aggression, but PARIVISION look far more stable in game structure, map pool, and series control. In a Bo3 format, this almost always gives the advantage to the more systematic team.
Predicted score: PARIVISION 2–1 HEROIC
