Another busy day at IEM Kraków 2026 Stage 1 delivered two contrasting series. FUT advanced confidently in the lower bracket after a clean sweep over Legacy, while G2 survived a tense three-map battle against Liquid in the upper bracket, once again relying on late-round composure to close out a tight series on LAN. For FUT, it was a controlled and efficient performance. For G2, a hard-earned win that highlighted both their resilience and remaining inconsistencies.
Road to the matchups — control versus volatility
Legacy entered the lower bracket under pressure, still searching for consistency after a string of uneven performances. While individual moments were present, the team continued to struggle with mid-round coordination and closing potential against disciplined opposition.
FUT arrived with a clear identity built around structured defaults and strong trading. Their recent form suggested a team capable of punishing mistakes rather than forcing high-risk plays — an approach that proved effective throughout the series.
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Dust2 — 13:7. FUT take command early
On Dust2, FUT quickly established control. Strong opening duels and consistent long pressure allowed them to dictate the pace, while Legacy failed to convert early advantages into sustained momentum. As the map progressed, FUT’s defensive setups limited Legacy’s options, and the gap steadily widened. The map closed 13:7 with FUT rarely under real threat.
Ancient — 13:10. Discipline closes the series
Ancient proved more competitive, with Legacy briefly finding success through faster pacing and individual initiative. However, FUT remained composed in key moments. Cleaner late-round decisions and better utility usage allowed FUT to edge ahead whenever the score tightened. They closed Ancient 13:10, completing a composed 2–0 victory.
Player of the match — Dmytro “dem0n” Myroshychenko
FUT’s rifler delivered consistent impact across both maps:
- 1.63 rating
- 93.5 ADR
- 76.7% KAST
His ability to convert opening duels and stabilize late rounds ensured FUT never lost control of the series.
G2 vs Liquid — pressure decides the outcome
Liquid entered the upper-bracket quarter-final with confidence in their firepower. Across all three maps, they repeatedly found openings through aggressive duels and individual plays, keeping the series competitive until the very end. However, missed opportunities in late rounds ultimately proved decisive.
G2’s performance was far from flawless. They dropped Inferno convincingly and faced sustained pressure on the decider, but their experience on LAN allowed them to reset when it mattered most.
Mirage — 13:8. G2 set the tone
Mirage opened with G2 controlling the map through disciplined mid presence and solid CT-side setups. Liquid struggled to maintain economy, and G2 closed the opener 13:8 without allowing the map to spiral.
Inferno — 13:6. Liquid respond decisively
Inferno swung momentum sharply. Liquid played with confidence and pace, overwhelming G2’s defenses and denying space across the map. The result was a convincing 13:6 win that forced a decider.
Anubis — 16:14. G2 hold under pressure
Anubis delivered the closest Counter-Strike of the series. Both teams traded rounds deep into regulation, with Liquid repeatedly threatening to close the map. In the end, G2’s composure in late-round situations made the difference. Cleaner executions and clutch conversions allowed them to edge out a 16:14 win and secure the series.
Player of the match — Roland “ultimate” Tomkowiak
Despite Liquid’s elimination, ultimate stood out across all three maps:
- 1.52 rating
- 85.7 ADR
- +6.72% swing
His individual impact kept Liquid competitive throughout the series.
VRS impact
- FUT: +35 points — a valuable boost following a convincing win, helping the team strengthen their position in the race for consistent LAN invitations.
- Legacy: −19 points — a painful drop that highlights ongoing form issues and further complicates their ranking outlook.
- G2: +45 points — a significant jump after a hard-fought upper-bracket victory, improving their prospects for upcoming top-tier events.
- Liquid: −17 points — a modest but meaningful decline, reflecting the cost of a narrow loss in a series that could have gone either way.
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Tournament implications
FUT continue their lower-bracket run, reinforcing their reputation as a disciplined and reliable LAN team. Legacy exit Stage 1 early, with consistency remaining a key issue. G2 advance to Stage 2 after another high-pressure survival. Liquid drop to the lower bracket, carrying both positives from individual form and concerns about closing power.
IEM Kraków Stage 1 continues to reward structure, composure, and late-round clarity — margins remain thin, and mistakes are punished immediately.
