G2 Triumphs Over Passion UA to Wrap Up Day One of IEM Kraków 2026
The first day of IEM Kraków 2026 concluded with a thrilling series as G2 Esports secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory against Passion UA. Despite an opening-map loss on Overpass, G2 rebounded with commanding performances on Dust2 and Mirage, cementing their position as early contenders in this prestigious Counter-Strike 2 tournament.
Match Recap: G2 vs Passion UA
Stage 1 – Day One Results (Bo3)
- Overpass: Passion UA 13–8 G2
- Dust2: G2 13–6 Passion UA
- Mirage: G2 13–3 Passion UA
Passion UA caught G2 off guard on Overpass, leveraging sharp mid-round calls and impactful plays from Grim and Kvem. However, G2 adapted quickly, showcasing superior map control and teamwork on the remaining maps to seal the series.
Key Moments and Map Highlights
Overpass – Passion UA Strikes First
Passion UA set the tone early, securing the first map with well-coordinated strategies. A standout moment came with hallzerk’s ninja defuse, denying G2 the chance to push the game into overtime. This upset win gave Passion UA an early edge in the series.
Dust2 – G2 Regains Momentum
G2’s dominant rifling on Dust2 turned the tide. Players like MATYS and malbsMd consistently won their duels, leaving Passion UA struggling to hold their defensive setups. G2’s aggressive but calculated approach on the T-side secured a comfortable victory.
Mirage – A One-Sided Finish
G2’s momentum carried into Mirage, where they overwhelmed Passion UA. malbsMd set the pace early, while MATYS and huNter- delivered standout performances. Passion UA managed only three rounds as G2 closed the series in dominant fashion.
Player Ratings and MVP
| Rank | Player | Team | HLTV 3.0 Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MATYS | G2 | 1.42 |
| 2 | malbsMd | G2 | 1.24 |
| 3 | HeavyGod | G2 | 1.18 |
| 4 | Grim | Passion UA | 1.16 |
| 5 | huNter- | G2 | 1.10 |
Series MVP: MATYS
MATYS earned the MVP title for his consistent impact across all three maps, proving instrumental in G2’s comeback.
Looking Ahead: G2’s Path in IEM Kraków 2026
With this victory, G2 takes a promising step toward Stage 2 qualification. Their strong showing on Dust2 and Mirage highlights their adaptability and team depth, making them a favorite in upcoming CS2 matches. Fans and analysts on CS2bet.io will undoubtedly keep an eye on their progress as they aim for the championship.
Betting Insights on CS2bet.io
As the action at IEM Kraków 2026 continues, CS2 betting enthusiasts can explore odds and expert predictions for all the remaining CS2 tournaments. Visit CS2bet.io to stay updated on the latest matches, player stats, and betting insights.
Event Overview
- Stage 1: January 28–30
- Stage 2: January 31 – February 3
- Playoffs: February 6–8
- Venue: TAURON Arena, Kraków
- Prize Pool: $1,222,000
This marks ESL’s first Polish Counter-Strike 2 LAN event, featuring a packed international roster and intense competition.