FUT Esports Eliminate Legacy at IEM Kraków 2026
On January 29, 2026, FUT Esports delivered a stunning upset during the Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Kraków 2026 Stage 1 by eliminating Legacy in a decisive 2-0 lower-bracket series. This performance not only showcased FUT’s potential in the competitive Counter-Strike 2 scene but also highlighted some early struggles for the Brazilian squad heading into 2026.
Map 1: Dominance on Dust2
The series kicked off on Dust2, a map renowned for its balanced layout and tactical opportunities. FUT Esports wasted no time in asserting their dominance. Key players Dmytro “dem0n” Myroshnychenko and Laurențiu “lauNX” Țârlea spearheaded their campaign with multiple multi-kill rounds, dismantling Legacy’s defenses. FUT’s aggressive CT-side strategies and disciplined utility usage kept Legacy on the back foot, closing the map with a commanding 13-7 victory.
Map 2: Closing the Series on Ancient
Moving to Ancient, Legacy initially showed signs of life on their CT side by securing several pivotal mid-rounds. However, FUT’s core trio of dem0n, lauNX, and Aulon “Krabeni” Fazlija responded with consistent clutch plays and superior mid-round reads. Even a brilliant 1v3 clutch by Legacy’s Lucas “lux” Meneghini couldn’t shift the momentum back in their favor. FUT closed out the map 13-10, sealing their 2-0 victory and sending Legacy packing from the tournament.
Legacy’s Early Struggles in 2026
This result marks a rocky start to the year for Legacy, who had shown promise in late 2025 with victories like their CS Asia Championships win and a second-place finish at PGL Bucharest. However, their form has dipped significantly in 2026, including a third-place finish at the BetBoom RUSH B Summit following losses to MIBR and Sharks. Their roster, featuring vinicius “n1ssim” Pereira, Guilherme “saadzin” Pacheco, Eduardo “dumau” Wolkmer, Lucas “lux” Meneghini, and Bruno “latto” Rebelatto, entered IEM Kraków as the #20-ranked team on the HLTV leaderboard but failed to live up to expectations.
FUT Esports Advance with Momentum
For FUT Esports, this victory represents a critical boost in their campaign. Emerging from the lower bracket, they now face the loser of the Team Liquid vs. G2 Esports match for a shot at advancing to Stage 2 — the main event bracket of IEM Kraków. A spot in Stage 2 would place them among the final eight teams competing for valuable ESL Pro Tour (EPT) points and a share of the tournament’s $1 million prize pool.
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