IEM Kraków 2026 Stage 1 starts with the matchup between Passion UA and G2 — a match where the ambitions of an underdog immediately collide with the status of one of the loudest brands on the global scene. The double elimination format makes every series in the upper bracket critically important: a victory provides strategic comfort, while a loss automatically puts the team under constant pressure.
For Passion UA, this is a chance to make a loud statement on LAN and prove that their progress is not accidental. For G2, it is an obligation to confirm their class and show that the difference in status must be reflected on the server, not only in the rankings.
IEM KRAKÓW 2026 STAGE 1 — THE START OF THE LAN SEASON
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, composure, and smart veto management become decisive factors. There are no “free” series here. Every map is an investment in psychological advantage, and the start of the tournament often shapes the entire path a team will take through the bracket.
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HEAD-TO-HEAD — CLASS VS AMBITION
The history of head-to-head encounters is clearly in favor of G2. They have won more often thanks to a higher individual level and experience against various playstyles. Passion UA usually impose a fight through discipline and preparation, but against top opponents it is difficult for them to consistently maintain the pace throughout an entire series.
This is a typical clash of two worlds: the systematic work of an underdog versus the class and mechanics of an elite team.
CURRENT FORM
Passion UA — discipline and the desire to prove their level
Passion UA are gradually establishing themselves as a competitive roster on the tier-1.5 scene. They show decent structure, patient economic play, and the ability to punish opponents for mistakes. Kvem and JT provide stability in the middle of the map, while nicx and Grim are capable of taking initiative in clutch situations. However, the main issue remains the lack of experience against top-tier teams on LAN, where the price of every mistake doubles.
G2 — individual class and flexibility in play
G2 come into the match as the clear favorite. Their roster has enormous individual skill potential: huNter-, m0NESY, malbsMd, and HeavyGod are all capable of deciding rounds on their own. The team feels comfortable in the Bo3 format, reads opponents well, and adapts quickly between maps. Even when structure breaks down, firepower is what allows G2 to come back into a series.
MAP POOL & VETO
Statistics for the last 3 months (Passion UA | G2):
- Dust2: 50% | 50%
- Mirage: 25% | 50%
- Inferno: 67% | 50%
- Nuke: 33% | 0%
- Overpass: 40% | 0%
- Ancient: — | 2 maps
- Anubis: — | —
Expected veto:
- Passion UA will almost certainly remove Nuke — a map where they have limited confidence and which often becomes problematic against strong individual lineups.
- G2 are very likely to ban Overpass — a map where Passion UA can impose their tempo through structured play and zone control.
Likely picks:
- Passion UA: Inferno — their most stable map, well suited for positional play and team retakes.
- G2: Mirage — a comfortable arena for individual dominance and aggressive mid-control decisions.
Decider: Dust2 looks like the most logical deciding map. Both teams feel confident on it, but the advantage in raw firepower usually favors G2 in late-round situations.
KEY DUELS
- Kvem vs huNter- — stability and positional play versus pure mechanics
- Grim vs HeavyGod — the fight for initiative in mid-round timings
- nicx vs malbsMd — who better converts aggressive entries and opening duels
In a Bo3, these duels will determine whether Passion UA can keep the series economy on equal terms.
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PREDICTION
Passion UA are capable of putting up a fight through discipline and preparation, but the difference in individual class and LAN experience is too large. G2 have the advantage in map pool depth, veto flexibility, and the ability to decide key rounds through personal skill. In a Bo3 format, this is almost always the deciding factor.
Predicted result: G2 2–0 Passion UA
