Cyber Ninja: Keeping an Eye on IEM Kraków 2026 Matches

Today marks the start of the first major LAN tournament of 2026 in Counter-Strike 2 — IEM Kraków 2026. From January 28 to February 8, twenty-four of the world’s best teams will compete for a $1,000,000 prize pool. The final matches will take place at TAURON Arena Kraków (which is within our delivery zone).

Tournament Format

It’s worth noting that this year the championship is being held in Kraków for the first time — previously, its “home” arena was the Spodek Arena in Katowice. The tournament format, however, remains almost unchanged.

First, 16 teams will compete in the Play-In stage, from which only the top eight will advance.

They will then join the invited teams in the group stage. From each group, three teams will qualify for the playoffs, while the group winners will secure direct spots in the semifinals.

The playoffs will follow a standard single-elimination bracket, with best-of-three matches up to the final and a decisive best-of-five grand final.

A third-place match is also scheduled.

Who to Root For?

NAVI, Passion UA, Ninjas in Pyjamas, B8 — teams featuring Ukrainian players. All of them are capable of surprising performances, even though they are not considered the main tournament favorites.

FUT Esports — the former Natus Vincere academy roster with two Ukrainian players, now representing a Turkish organization.

BC.Game — the legendary return of one of the world’s best snipers, Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev, to the big stage. Will he be able to climb the podium once again?

Team Vitality — last year’s best team, eager to continue their winning streak.

Watch the Matches with Ninja Sushi

We know: watching spectacular tournament matches is even better with Ninja Sushi. To make your choice easier, we’ve prepared three themed options — though nothing stops you from experimenting and building your own perfect set.

Eco Buy (for one)

Classic Philadelphia roll with salmon, salmon nigiri, and a 0.5 L Coca-Cola

Force Buy (for two)

Green Dragon roll, Yamamoto roll, Oreo dessert, and two 0.5 L Coca-Colas

Full Buy (for a group)

Set No. 15, chicken sushi burger, Pistachio dessert, and four 0.5 L Coca-Colas

Ninja Sushi Delivery Zone in Kraków

Ninja covers the entire city center and delivers even to more remote areas. So if you’re planning a trip to TAURON Arena, rest assured — you won’t be left without delicious rolls, signature sushi burgers, and other Asian dishes.

Order to your hotel or straight to the venue during breaks between maps.

Where to watch?

Офіційна трансляція англійською мовою

Трансляція українською мовою від Maincast

Match schedule for January 28

14:00 — Astralis vs paiN Gaming

14:00 — NRG vs B8

16:00 — FUT vs 3DMAX

16:00 — Legacy vs BC.GAME

18:30 — Liquid vs Ninjas in Pyjamas

18:30 — Passion UA vs G2

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