Another packed day at IEM Kraków 2026 delivered two very different stories in Group B. MOUZ moved forward with a calm and controlled 2–0 victory over NRG, while Aurora pulled off one of the most eye-catching results of the stage by eliminating Falcons in a tense three-map series. For MOUZ, it was businesslike efficiency. For Aurora, a statement win that reshapes expectations around Group B.
NRG vs MOUZ — stability versus disruption
NRG entered the upper-bracket quarter-final knowing they would need structure and discipline to challenge MOUZ. While individual firepower was present on paper, recent results had already exposed issues in mid-round coordination and late-round decision-making. Against a methodical opponent, those weaknesses were always likely to be tested.
MOUZ approached the series with a clear identity: slow the game down, trade efficiently, and avoid unnecessary risks. Their recent LAN form suggested a team comfortable playing from small advantages — and that approach translated cleanly into the server.
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Dust2 — 13:9. MOUZ control the tempo
NRG’s pick did not provide the breakthrough they hoped for. MOUZ quickly neutralized early aggression and consistently won mid-round exchanges, forcing NRG into predictable executes. As the half progressed, MOUZ’s discipline on rotations and post-plant setups widened the gap. NRG found occasional openings, but lacked the follow-through to build momentum. MOUZ closed Dust2 13:9 without ever losing grip on the map.
Ancient — 13:9. No space for a comeback
Ancient followed a similar pattern. NRG attempted to slow the pace and contest map control more deliberately, but MOUZ remained one step ahead in information plays and utility usage. Key late-round conversions once again favored the European side, and every attempt at a comeback was shut down quickly. Another 13:9 finish sealed a clean 2–0.
Player of the match — Lotan Spinx Giladi
Spinx delivered consistent impact across both maps:
- 1.44 rating
- 99.0 ADR
- 84.1% KAST
His reliability in decisive rounds ensured MOUZ never lost control.
Falcons vs Aurora — experience tested, composure rewarded
Falcons entered the matchup as favorites, but their series once again highlighted recurring issues. While individual quality surfaced in flashes, the team struggled to maintain structure when rounds slipped away.
Aurora played with a clear sense of timing. Rather than forcing duels, they focused on spacing, trading, and punishing overextensions — a game plan that paid off over three maps.
Anubis — 13:7. Aurora strike first
Aurora set the tone early on Anubis, consistently finding openings and denying Falcons room to recover economically. Falcons struggled to establish rhythm, often losing key fights before executes could develop. Aurora closed the opener 13:7 with confidence.
Mirage — 13:10. Falcons respond
Mirage was Falcons’ best showing of the series. Increased aggression and better tempo control allowed them to edge out tight rounds and regain momentum. The map remained close throughout, but Falcons managed to close it 13:10 and force a decider.
Inferno — 13:8. Aurora finish the job
Inferno proved decisive. Aurora looked more composed in late-round situations, repeatedly outmaneuvering Falcons on rotations and utility usage. Falcons found themselves reacting rather than dictating play, and Aurora capitalized to close the map 13:8 — and the series 2–1.
Player of the match — Caner soulfly Kesici
- 1.31 rating
- 83.9 ADR
- 78.1% KAST
A calm, consistent performance that anchored Aurora across all three maps.
VRS impact — rankings shift after Group B clashes
The results in Group B carried tangible consequences for the Valve Regional Standings.
- MOUZ gain +50 VRS points, strengthening their position inside the top tier and reinforcing their status as a stable playoff contender heading deeper into the event.
- NRG pick up only +3 points despite the loss, leaving them stranded in the lower half of the rankings with little margin for error going forward.
- Aurora secure a major boost with +60 VRS points, a result that significantly improves their ranking outlook and validates their recent upward trajectory.
- Falcons suffer a −21 point drop, a costly setback that adds further pressure to an already inconsistent start to the season.
With margins this tight, even a single series now carries long-term ranking consequences — and Kraków continues to reshape the VRS picture match by match.
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Tournament implications
- MOUZ advance deeper into the Group B upper bracket, reinforcing their image as one of the most structurally sound teams at the event.
- NRG drop into the lower bracket, where every match now becomes an elimination test.
- Aurora deliver a defining win that boosts both confidence and VRS momentum.
- Falcons exit the upper bracket early, raising fresh questions about consistency under pressure.
IEM Kraków 2026 continues to underline a familiar theme: teams that control space and late rounds survive — those who rely purely on firepower do not.
