The grand final of IEM Kraków 2026 delivered a decisive ending to one of the most competitive events of the season. Team Vitality defeated FURIA 3–1 in a best-of-five series, sealing the title behind an overwhelming individual performance from Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut. While FURIA entered the final with momentum and confidence, the series gradually turned into a showcase of Vitality’s control, structure, and star power — especially once the pressure peaked.
Road to the grand final — different paths, same destination
Vitality reached the final with clinical efficiency. Clean 2–0 wins over Aurora, 3DMAX, and MOUZ highlighted their control and consistency, allowing them to manage energy and arrive at the final fresh and composed.
FURIA took the tougher route. Narrow 2–1 victories against The MongolZ, NAVI, and Spirit showcased their resilience and confidence under pressure, but demanded far more emotional and tactical investment. Momentum carried them forward — but Vitality arrived with structure and stability on their side.
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Maps recap — control beats momentum
- Mirage (13:11 Vitality)
FURIA’s pick opened the series with tension. The Brazilian side stayed competitive throughout the map, but Vitality repeatedly denied late-round conversions. ZywOo’s impact in post-plant situations tilted key rounds and gave Vitality the early lead.
- Inferno (13:8 Vitality)
Vitality’s map pick turned into a statement. Their CT side shut down FURIA’s usual pace, while ZywOo and flameZ punished every timing window. FURIA struggled to establish economic stability, and the map slipped away quickly.
- Nuke (13:2 Vitality)
The series’ breaking point. Vitality dismantled FURIA from the opening rounds, racing to a lopsided half. ZywOo dictated the map entirely, while FURIA looked out of sync both tactically and mentally.
- Overpass (13:10 Vitality)
To their credit, FURIA fought back. The map was far closer, with YEKINDAR and KSCERATO finding openings in mid-rounds. Still, Vitality’s late-game discipline prevailed, closing the series without needing Anubis.
Player statistics for the match
Player of the match — ZywOo in carry mode
Across four maps, ZywOo delivered one of the most dominant grand final performances of the CS2 era:
- 90–41 K-D
- 101.0 ADR
- 80.7% KAST
- 1.66 rating
Whenever the series threatened to slow down or swing, Vitality’s superstar accelerated it back in their favor. From opening duels to late-round clutches, his presence defined the final.
Team performance — structure over firepower
Vitality approached the final with clear intent. Their setups were disciplined, rotations timely, and mid-round decisions consistently sharp. Even when FURIA found momentum, Vitality rarely panicked — instead resetting the pace and forcing mistakes.
FURIA’s strength throughout the tournament had been confidence and initiative, but in the final those traits ran into a wall. As the maps progressed, their executions became predictable, and economic pressure limited their options. Against a team as precise as Vitality, that margin proved fatal.
VRS impact — Vitality strengthen their grip on the top
The result carried immediate ranking consequences:
- Vitality: +7 VRS points
- FURIA: −44 VRS points
For Vitality, the win reinforces their position at the very top of the global hierarchy. For FURIA, the loss is costly — a reminder of how unforgiving grand finals are when margins disappear.
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What’s next?
Vitality leave Kraków not just with a trophy, but with momentum heading into the next phase of the season. Their system looks stable, their star is in peak form, and their confidence is unmistakable. For FURIA, the final still marks progress. Reaching the grand final confirms their return to title contention — but also shows how much sharper they must be to convert deep runs into championships.
IEM Kraków 2026 ends with a clear message: At the highest level, structure plus a generational superstar is a near-perfect formula — and right now, Vitality have both.
