Astralis and NRG Make Waves at IEM Kraków 2026 Play-In Stage
The first day of the Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Kraków 2026 Play-In Stage delivered electrifying Counter-Strike 2 action, as 16 teams battled in a double-elimination bracket to secure a coveted spot in Stage 2. Held on January 28, this event is already shaping up to be a crucial chapter in CS2 esports for the season.
Astralis Dominate paiN Gaming in Opening Match
Astralis wasted no time making their presence felt, taking on Brazilian squad paiN Gaming in an upper bracket best-of-three. The Danish powerhouse showcased their trademark coordination and tactical prowess to secure a clean 2-0 victory.
- Map Scores: Dust2 (13-10), Overpass (13-7)
- Star Player: New signing Gytis “ryu” Glušauskas led the charge with a remarkable 1.59 rating, the highest of the tournament so far.
Astralis started slowly on Overpass but quickly turned the tide, using disciplined CT-side holds to neutralize paiN’s aggression. Their dominance continued on Dust2, where their strategic depth left paiN struggling to keep up. Despite notable offseason roster changes, including the additions of Vinicius “vsm” Moreira and Guilherme “piriajr” Barbosa, paiN couldn’t match Astralis’ consistency.
NRG Stun B8 with a Hard-Fought Upset
In a thrilling encounter later in the day, NRG Esports overcame tournament favorites B8 in a 2-1 series. The back-and-forth battle kept fans on the edge of their seats:
- Dust2: B8 secured a dominant 13-4 win.
- Mirage: NRG roared back with a commanding 13-2 victory.
- Inferno: NRG edged out B8 13-11 to clinch the upset.
American AWPer Josh “oSee” Ohm proved instrumental for NRG, delivering clutch plays and stellar performances on Mirage and Inferno. While B8’s young roster, led by academy talent Mykhailo-Nazarii “segukawa” Bybel, showed potential, they faltered in critical moments, allowing NRG to capitalize and advance in the upper bracket.
IEM Kraków 2026: Event Format and Stakes
The Play-In Stage, running through January 30, sees 16 teams competing for eight spots in Stage 2, where they will join eight seeded teams for further group-stage action. All Play-In matches are best-of-three, ensuring every team has a fair shot in the double-elimination format. With ranking points, prize money, and bragging rights on the line, the competition is fiercer than ever.
As one of the marquee events in the Intel Extreme Masters circuit, IEM Kraków 2026 is a significant milestone for teams looking to assert their dominance in the evolving Counter-Strike 2 esports landscape.
What’s Next for Astralis and NRG?
After their strong opening match, Astralis will aim to maintain momentum in their next upper bracket series, with a Stage 2 berth firmly in their sights. Meanwhile, NRG will look to build on their upset victory as they continue to navigate the unpredictable upper bracket field.
Fans can anticipate more high-stakes CS2 matches in the coming days, with top organizations like Liquid, Ninjas in Pyjamas, Aurora, and PARIVISION also vying for advancement. Whether you’re a die-hard Astralis fan or rooting for an underdog, this is a prime opportunity to engage in CS2 betting and test your predictions on match outcomes.
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