IEM Kraków 2026 is the first full-scale S-Tier LAN event of the CS2 season and one of the most important early checkpoints of the year. Unlike experimental online formats, Kraków follows a classic Intel Extreme Masters structure, testing teams across multiple stages — from studio play to a packed arena. With a $1,000,000 prize pool, a new map pool, and 24 teams in attendance, this event is less about surprises and more about proving long-term readiness.
Format
IEM Kraków 2026 features 24 teams divided across multiple stages, gradually increasing both pressure and stakes. The tournament begins with Stage 1, played offline in a studio environment. Sixteen teams compete in a double-elimination bracket, with all matches played as best-of-three series. Only eight teams survive and advance further — for the rest, the tournament ends before reaching the main spotlight.
Those eight teams join the directly invited squads in the Group Stage, which uses a GSL-style double-elimination format. Each group contains eight teams, with all matches again played as Bo3. Group winners advance directly to the semifinals, while second- and third-place teams qualify for the quarterfinals as high and low seeds respectively. The tournament concludes with the Playoffs, held in front of a live audience at TAURON Arena Kraków. The playoff bracket is single-elimination: all matches are Bo3, except for the Grand Final, which is played as a Bo5.
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Prize Pool
The total prize pool of $1,000,000 USD is distributed based on final placement:
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1st place — $400,000
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2nd place — $180,000
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3rd place — $100,000
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4th place — $60,000
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5th–6th — $40,000
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7th–8th — $24,000
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9th–12th — $16,000
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13th–16th — $10,000
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17th–20th — $4,500
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21st–24th — $2,500
Beyond the money, Kraków also carries major ESL Pro Tour points and long-term prestige, making deep runs especially valuable early in the season.
Schedule (CET)
Wednesday, January 28 — Opening Round
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11:00 — Aurora Gaming vs GamerLegion
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11:00 — HEROIC vs PARIVISION
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13:30 — Astralis vs paiN Gaming
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13:30 — NRG vs B8
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16:00 — Legacy vs BC.Game Esports
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16:00 — FUT Esports vs 3DMAX
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18:30 — Team Liquid vs Ninjas in Pyjamas
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18:30 — Passion UA vs G2 Esports
Thursday, January 29 — Bracket Progression
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14:00 — Lower Bracket Round 1 #1
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14:00 — Lower Bracket Round 1 #2
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16:30 — Upper Bracket Quarterfinal #1
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16:30 — Upper Bracket Quarterfinal #2
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19:00 — Upper Bracket Quarterfinal #3
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19:00 — Upper Bracket Quarterfinal #4
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Friday, January 30 — Elimination Matches
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14:00 — Lower Bracket Round 1 #3
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14:00 — Lower Bracket Round 1 #4
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16:30 — Lower Bracket Round 2 #1
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16:30 — Lower Bracket Round 2 #2
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19:00 — Lower Bracket Round 2 #3
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19:00 — Lower Bracket Round 2 #4
Where to Watch
IEM Kraków 2026 will be broadcast live on ESL’s official Twitch and YouTube channels, alongside approved community co-streams and regional language broadcasts. All stages — including Stage 1 in the studio — will be fully streamed, while the playoffs will feature a live arena production with crowd, stage segments, and on-site analysis.
