The world’s esports elite arrives in Kraków

TAURON Arena Kraków becomes the battleground for the world’s top Counter‑Strike teams as they compete for one of the most iconic trophies in esports history. Intel Extreme Masters (IEM)—one of the longest‑running and most prestigious global esports tournament series—makes its debut in Kraków, marking the beginning of a new era for the competition.

After nearly two decades of history that began in Hanover, Germany, and after establishing a legendary legacy in Katowice, the event enters its next chapter with IEM Kraków 2026.

From 28 January to 8 February, the 24 strongest Counter‑Strike teams on the planet will battle in Kraków for one of esports’ most coveted titles, a $1.25 million prize pool, a place in the Hall of Heroes, and valuable points toward the ESL Grand Slam VI, which carries an additional $1 million reward. The final three days of the tournament—6 to 8 February—will take place live at TAURON Arena Kraków, where six qualified teams will compete in front of thousands of fans in the arena and millions watching online.

Bringing the ESL Pro Tour (EPT) championship to Kraków is a strategic move aimed at strengthening and accelerating the growth of the global esports community. The new host city allows more fans to experience the competition live while elevating the in‑arena experience for both spectators and players. With Kraków joining the ranks of legendary host cities, Intel® Extreme Masters continues to set global standards for elite Counter‑Strike competition.

Tournament Schedule & Format

Stage 1 (28–30 January)

• 16 teams compete for 8 spots in Stage 2.
• Double‑elimination format.
• All matches played in best‑of‑three.

Stage 2 (30 January – 3 February)

• 8 teams from Stage 1 join 8 directly qualified teams.
• Two groups of eight teams.
• Double‑elimination format.
• All matches played in best‑of‑three.
• Top 3 teams from each group advance to the playoffs.
• Group winners move directly to the semifinals.
• Second‑ and third‑place teams advance to the quarterfinals.

Playoffs (6–8 February)

• Single‑elimination bracket.
• Quarterfinals and semifinals played as best‑of‑three.
• Grand Final played as best‑of‑five.
• Participating Teams

Stage 1 Competitors

3DMAX, Astralis, Aurora Gaming, B8, BCG Esports, Complexity Gaming, FUT Esports, G2 Esports, GamerLegion, HEROIC, NRG, Ninjas in Pyjamas, PARAVISION, paiN Gaming, Passion UA, Team Liquid

Already Qualified for Stage 2

FaZe Clan, FURIA, MOUZ, Natus Vincere, Team Falcons, Team Spirit, Team Vitality, The MongolZ

On‑Site Experiences

Visitors attending TAURON Arena Kraków from 6 to 8 February will enjoy a wide range of attractions*:

• Intel Zone – hands‑on access to the latest games and hardware, live panels, tech talks, and influencer meet‑ups between matches.
• Acer Booth – a 2v2 challenge zone where duos compete for prizes using the same hardware as the pros at IEM Kraków.
• ESL Shop – exclusive IEM Kraków and ESL merchandise, Kolex cards, team jerseys, and more.
• DHL – special rewards and experiences through !DHLDrop for both in‑arena and online fans.
• ZOWIE Booth – test pro‑grade peripherals and take part in 1v1 duels against influencers.
• City of Kraków Booth – on 7–8 February, the grand finals of the Kraków Schools League in Brawl Stars will take place here. The winning team will earn a fully equipped computer lab for their school.

Where to Watch

The live broadcast will be available on the ESL Counter‑Strike Twitch and YouTube channels, as well as through official broadcast partners.

For more information and the latest updates on IEM Kraków 2026, visit the official website and follow ESL Counter‑Strike on X, Facebook, and Instagram.

*Activities and details are subject to change.