The opening day of IEM Kraków 2026 Stage 1 delivered two very different series, as 3DMAX cruised past BC.Game in a one-sided upper bracket quarter-final, while Ninjas in Pyjamas survived a tougher-than-expected test against Passion UA in the lower bracket. One match highlighted a clear gap in structure and form, the other underlined the fine margins that often define early LAN eliminations. For 3DMAX, it was a statement of control. For NiP, a reminder that nothing comes easy at this stage of the tournament.
Road to the matchups — structure versus survival
BC.Game entered the upper bracket quarter-final still searching for consistency after recent roster changes. While the lineup carries name value and individual experience, their recent results hinted at unresolved structural issues, particularly against disciplined opponents.
3DMAX, by contrast, arrived as a well-drilled unit. Their recent LAN outings showcased strong fundamentals, clear role distribution, and an ability to punish mistakes efficiently — traits that made them clear favorites going into the series.
NiP came into the lower bracket round with expectations of control, built on LAN experience and a stable core. However, their recent form suggested vulnerability in extended series, especially when forced into scrappy, high-tempo Counter-Strike.
Passion UA, meanwhile, entered with little to lose. The mixed-nationality roster had already shown flashes of cohesion and individual confidence, making them a dangerous opponent in a do-or-die scenario.
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Overpass — 13:3. 3DMAX dismantle BC.Game
Overpass immediately exposed the gap between the two teams. 3DMAX dominated map control from the opening rounds, shutting down BC.Game’s T-side ideas and denying space across the map. BC.Game struggled to find impact in opening duels or mid-round adjustments, while 3DMAX methodically built momentum. The French side closed the map 13:3 without allowing the game to develop into anything competitive.
Anubis — 13:4. No room for recovery
Anubis followed the same script. BC.Game attempted to reset the series with more aggression, but it only played into 3DMAX’s hands. Strong utility usage, disciplined spacing, and confident trading allowed 3DMAX to pull away early. By the second half, the outcome felt inevitable. 3DMAX closed Anubis 13:4, completing a dominant 2–0 sweep and securing progression to Stage 2 without ever being tested.
Player of the match — Lucas “Lucky” Chastang
Lucky was untouchable across both maps:
- 2.02 rating
- 128.1 ADR
- 87.9% KAST
- +9.65% swing
His performance anchored 3DMAX’s dominance and ensured BC.Game never found a foothold in the series.
Overpass — 13:8. Passion UA strike first against NiP
The second match of the day opened with a surprise. Passion UA took control on Overpass, exploiting NiP’s slow rotations and punishing overextensions. Confident aim duels and well-timed aggression allowed them to build a lead and close the map 13:8. For NiP, it was an early warning sign. For Passion UA, a clear signal that the upset was on the table.
Nuke — 13:5. NiP respond with authority
NiP answered back decisively on their map pick. Nuke saw a return to structure, with improved communication and much tighter CT-side setups. Passion UA struggled to find openings, and their momentum quickly evaporated. NiP controlled the pace from start to finish, closing Nuke 13:5 and forcing the series to a decider.
Anubis — 13:10. Experience makes the difference
The deciding map delivered the most competitive Counter-Strike of the series. Both teams traded rounds deep into the halves, with Passion UA continuing to challenge NiP in aim-heavy engagements.
As pressure mounted, NiP’s experience proved decisive. Cleaner late-round decisions and better utility coordination allowed them to edge out key rounds and close Anubis 13:10, eliminating Passion UA from the tournament.
Player of the match — Kacper “xKacpersky” Gabara
NiP’s rifler delivered consistent impact across all three maps:
- 1.29 rating
- 81.9 ADR
- +3.68% swing
His stability helped NiP regain control when the series threatened to slip away.
Teamplay breakdown — control versus resilience
- 3DMAX’s victory was built on structure, discipline, and flawless execution. They punished every mistake and never allowed BC.Game to dictate the flow of the game.
- NiP’s win, by contrast, was about resilience. While far from perfect, they adapted under pressure and relied on experience to close a dangerous series against a fearless opponent.
VRS impact
- 3DMAX: +26 points — strengthening their position in the upper bracket
- BC.Game: −11 points — another setback during a difficult rebuilding phase
- Ninjas in Pyjamas: +25 points — valuable gain to stabilize their ranking
- Passion UA: −14 points — elimination despite a competitive showing
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Tournament implications
3DMAX advance to Stage 2 with momentum and confidence, having delivered one of the cleanest performances of the opening round. NiP survive and move on, but questions remain about their consistency as the competition intensifies. For BC.Game and Passion UA, IEM Kraków 2026 comes to an early end — one side outclassed, the other left wondering how close they were to something more.
The Stage 1 picture begins to take shape, with structure and composure once again proving decisive on LAN.
