In an elimination format, every series becomes the line between a chance and the end of the season. There are no excuses here — only cold control, discipline, and the ability to withstand the pressure of decisive rounds.
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. After the opening upper bracket matches, teams that suffer a loss move to the lower bracket, where every match means elimination in case of defeat.
This series was played in lower bracket round 2: the winner kept their chances of reaching Stage 2, while the loser finished their run at the tournament.
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How the match unfolded — BC.Game vs Ninjas in Pyjamas
Series score: 2:0 in favor of BC.Game
- Dust2 (BC.Game pick) — 13:7
BC.Game immediately imposed their tempo on their own map. The team consistently won opening duels, quickly broke the opponent’s economy, and did not allow Ninjas in Pyjamas to establish a positional defense. Map control and confident play in key rounds secured a comfortable lead even before the side switch. - Nuke (Ninjas in Pyjamas pick) — 13:9
A comeback was expected on NiP’s pick, but BC.Game looked far more structured. They responded intelligently to aggression, consistently held the A site, and won clutches at decisive moments. After an even first half, the series quickly came fully under BC.Game’s control.
Player of the Match — Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev (BC.Game)
The Ukrainian sniper became the decisive factor of the series.
- K–D: 41–28
- ADR: 93.9
- Rating 3.0: 1.42
Key impact: dominance in opening duels, consistent AWP work, and a decisive contribution in rounds with equal economy. It was his confidence that allowed BC.Game to maintain control on Nuke.
VRS results
- BC.Game: +32 points → 1515 points. An important rating gain and preserved chances in the fight for Stage 2.
- Ninjas in Pyjamas: –15 points → 1563 points. Loss of rating positions and an early end to their tournament campaign.
For BC.Game, this victory significantly strengthens their VRS position and opens the path to the next stage. For NiP, it is a painful hit to the rating and another unsuccessful LAN result.
What’s next?
BC.Game move on through the lower bracket and continue the fight for a spot in Stage 2 of IEM Kraków 2026. The team keeps their tournament life and a chance to secure themselves in the VRS contender zone for major events.
Ninjas in Pyjamas end their run at IEM Kraków 2026 Stage 1. The Swedish roster’s upcoming schedule will now be crucial for recovering their rating positions.
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Match summary
BC.Game delivered a mature and structured series without any dips throughout the match. They confidently closed both maps, not allowing Ninjas in Pyjamas to impose their own style of play. This victory keeps BC.Game’s chances for a deeper tournament run alive, while NiP leave Kraków without an opportunity to correct their mistakes in the lower bracket.
