The NRG vs B8 upper-bracket clash at IEM Kraków 2026 brings together two teams at different stages of development. NRG aim to prove their rebuilt lineup can perform consistently on LAN, while B8 look to confirm their growing maturity at major events. In a Bo3, this series will come down to structure, adaptation, and consistency across maps.
Current Form & Context
NRG come into this match with restrained but logical results. The loss to M80 exposed issues in map starts, but wins over Marsborne, Phoenix, and 9INE showed the team’s ability to adapt within a Bo3.
The key identity of NRG is structure. nitr0 continues to shape the pace without unnecessary risks, Sonic adds stability in trading situations, and oSee looks increasingly confident controlling AWP zones. The main driving force has been br0, who has consistently held a rating above 1.15 over the last three months and often delivers in clutch situations. NRG may not look explosive, but they are a team that forces opponents to play their version of Counter-Strike.
B8 arrive in Kraków with ambition, but their form remains inconsistent. Losses to NAVI and MOUZ highlighted recurring issues against highly structured opponents, where B8 often lose control by the mid-game. At the same time, wins over paiN, Falcons, and 3DMAX show that on a comfortable map, B8 can push the tempo even against stronger teams.
Key figures:
- npl — reliable in late rounds with strong game sense
- kensizor — the main tempo setter
- alex666 — a crucial CT anchor
B8’s main weakness is their dependence on strong starts. When the opening 6–7 rounds go poorly, the team frequently struggles to regain momentum.
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Head-to-Head — a fresh matchup
The teams have not faced each other before, adding an element of uncertainty. Stylistically, however, this looks like structure versus tempo, a matchup that tends to favor the more disciplined side in a Bo3 setting.
Map Pool & Veto Analysis (Bo3, last 3 months)
- Dust2: NRG 64% | B8 50%
- Mirage: NRG 64% | B8 50%
- Inferno: NRG 64% | B8 —
- Nuke: NRG 50% | B8 —
- Overpass: NRG 80% | B8 —
- Ancient: NRG — | B8 86%
- Anubis: not played by either team
Likely bans (1st phase)
- NRG remove Ancient — B8’s strongest map with an 86% win rate
- B8 remove Overpass — a map fully controlled by NRG (80% WR)
Likely picks
- NRG pick Mirage or Inferno – Maps where they look structured and manage economy well.
- B8 pick Dust2 – The one map where B8 can force open fights without heavy tactical pressure.
Most likely decider: Nuke or Mirage. Maps where discipline and mid-round decision-making are decisive — areas where NRG hold the edge.
Key Duels
- br0 vs npl
Stability versus stability. Whoever performs better in late rounds will dictate the series.
- oSee vs kensizor
AWP control against raw tempo. If oSee shuts down B8’s aggression, the series tilts quickly toward NRG.
- nitr0 vs B8’s pace
Whether B8 can break NRG’s default structure is the central tactical question of the match.
VRS Impact — pressure on both sides
NRG (#21, 1552 pts)
- +25 pts for a win
- –10 pts for a loss
B8 (#10, 1707 pts)
- +20 pts for a win
- –21 pts for a loss
For B8, this match risks a significant ranking drop. For NRG, it’s a chance to close the gap to the top 20.
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Prediction
B8 are capable of taking a map through tempo and a comfortable Dust2, but across a full Bo3 NRG’s structure and control look more reliable. If NRG avoid poor starts and chaotic force-buy situations, their late-round discipline should decide the series.
Expected Score: NRG 2–1 B8
B8 will create problems, but NRG appear better prepared for a long series under LAN pressure.
