Double-elimination tournaments quickly strip away illusions. A single matchday can completely shape the top of the group while simultaneously triggering a chain of survival matches. These are the stages that clearly show who truly controls the tournament and who is forced to fight for every next round.
Tournament context
IEM Kraków 2026 is a ranking LAN stage of the Intel Extreme Masters series that directly impacts the Valve Regional Standings (VRS). Sixteen teams compete in a double-elimination Bo3 format: a win in the upper bracket brings a team closer to the playoffs, while a loss sends them to the lower bracket with no margin for error.
The upper bracket semifinals of Group B determined not only the finalists but also the teams that would fall into the zone of maximum pressure in the lower bracket.
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How the match unfolded — Vitality vs 3DMAX
Series score: 2:0 in favor of Vitality
- Inferno (3DMAX pick) — 13:6
Vitality completely neutralized their opponent’s map choice. The French squad won the majority of opening duels, consistently broke 3DMAX’s economy, and prevented them from developing any attacking momentum. After the side switch, the map quickly came under full control of the favorites. - Dust2 (Vitality pick) — 13:6
On their own map, Vitality played even more aggressively. Precise timings, confident aim at long distances, and minimal mistakes in mid-round situations left 3DMAX with no chance of a comeback.
Player of the Match — Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut (Vitality)
- K–D: 37–18
- ADR: 98.1
- Rating 3.0: 1.60
Key impact: dominance in mid- and long-range duels, constant pressure in every phase of the round, and complete control over the tempo of the series.
How the match unfolded — Aurora vs MOUZ
Series score: 2:0 in favor of Aurora
- Dust2 (Aurora pick) — 13:7
From the opening rounds, Aurora set a high tempo, won key duels, and forced MOUZ to play with a limited economy throughout the map. Strong map control allowed Aurora to calmly close out the game. - Inferno (MOUZ pick) — 13:9
Even on their own pick, MOUZ were unable to establish stable control. Aurora read rotations better, punished aggression at the right moments, and gradually took over the initiative without allowing a turning point.
Player of the Match — Caner “soulfly” Kesici (Aurora)
- K–D: 27–21
- ADR: 82.5
- Rating 3.0: 1.29
Key impact: consistent performance in decisive rounds, high KAST, and confident control of key positions.
VRS results
- Vitality — –4 pt → 1981 pt. Despite the win, a minor rating adjustment due to opponent strength, but the team retains the No.1 position and full control of the situation.
- 3DMAX — –29 pt → 1677 pt. A significant loss of points and a drop in the rankings, greatly raising the stakes in the lower bracket.
- Aurora — +36 pt → 1772 pt. A major VRS boost and strengthened top-10 position, bringing the team closer to stable direct invites.
- MOUZ — –14 pt → 1788 pt. Loss of rating buffer and increased pressure ahead of an elimination match.
What’s next?
Upper final (Group B):
Vitality vs Aurora — a match for a direct playoff spot and maximum seeding advantage.
Lower semi-finals:
3DMAX vs Falcons — an elimination match.
MOUZ vs FaZe — another series with no room for error.
A loss in these matches will mean elimination from IEM Kraków 2026 Stage 1.
Match summary
Vitality and Aurora confidently confirmed their status as teams controlling the top of the bracket. Both squads won their series without a deciding map, demonstrating tactical discipline and strong individual form.
Now they will determine the group leader in the upper final, while 3DMAX and MOUZ are forced to fight for survival in the lower bracket, where any mistake will be fatal.
