Astralis Dominate paiN Gaming in IEM Kraków 2026 Opener
The IEM Kraków 2026 Play-In stage kicked off on January 28, 2026, showcasing top-tier Counter-Strike 2 action as 16 teams battled for eight coveted spots in Stage 2. Among the standout performances, Astralis displayed dominance against Brazil's paiN Gaming, securing a decisive 2-0 victory in their opening match.
The series began on Overpass, where Astralis overcame an early deficit to claim a 13-7 win. They carried that momentum into Dust2, closing out the series with a 13-10 victory. New addition Gytis “ryu” Glušauskas proved to be a critical asset, delivering a stellar 1.59 rating and leading the tournament in round impact.
Map Scores
- Overpass: 13-7 (Astralis)
- Dust2: 13-10 (Astralis)
Despite roster changes in the offseason, including the additions of Vinicius “vsm” Moreira and Guilherme “piriajr” Barbosa, paiN struggled to maintain consistency against a well-coordinated Astralis. The Danish squad's disciplined CT side proved too much for paiN, setting Astralis up for a promising run in the Play-In stage of this CS2 tournament.
NRG Shock B8 in a Thrilling Three-Map Series
In another upper bracket highlight, NRG Esports delivered a surprising 2-1 victory over B8. The match began with B8 dominating Dust2, taking the map 13-4. However, NRG bounced back with an emphatic 13-2 win on Mirage, followed by a nail-biting 13-11 triumph on Inferno to seal the series.
NRG's Josh “oSee” Ohm was instrumental in their comeback, posting exceptional stats across the final two maps and clutching key rounds on Inferno. While B8's young talent, including Mykhailo-Nazarii “segukawa” Bybel, showed promise, they ultimately fell short in critical moments. The upset now positions NRG favorably in the upper bracket as they aim to secure a Stage 2 berth.
IEM Kraków 2026 Play-In Format
The Play-In stage, running until January 30, is part of the prestigious Intel Extreme Masters circuit. Using a double-elimination format, all matches are best-of-three, giving teams a second chance to advance. Eight teams from the Play-In will join eight pre-seeded teams in Stage 2, where the competition will intensify as squads vie for ranking points and a share of the prize pool.
This stage features a mix of established organizations and rising contenders, making it a prime event for CS2 esports fans and those exploring CS2 betting opportunities. Platforms like CS2bet.io are a great resource for tracking matchups, analyzing team performance, and placing informed bets on CS2 matches.
What’s Next for Astralis and NRG?
With their commanding win, Astralis head into their next upper bracket match brimming with confidence, aiming to secure a spot in Stage 2. Meanwhile, NRG will look to build on their momentum and avoid slipping into the lower bracket as the competition heats up.
Elsewhere in the Play-In, fan-favorites like Liquid, Aurora, Ninjas in Pyjamas, and PARIVISION are battling for survival, ensuring plenty of action for both viewers and CS2 gambling enthusiasts. Stay tuned for live updates, results, and analysis on CS2bet.io as the IEM Kraków 2026 Play-In unfolds.