IEM Kraków 2026 Day 3: Stage 2 Qualification Battle
The final day of Stage 1 at IEM Kraków 2026 is set to deliver intense action as teams compete for the remaining spots in Stage 2. With six critical matchups scheduled for January 30, the pressure is on for these Counter-Strike 2 squads to perform or face elimination.
Stage 1 Format and Stakes
The opening phase of IEM Kraków 2026 features a 16-team double-elimination bracket. Only the top eight teams will progress to Stage 2, where the competition heats up with group stages leading into the playoffs in February. Stage 1 runs from January 28 to 30, making Day 3 the last chance for teams to secure their place.
Key Day 3 Matchups
Upper Bracket Final
- Astralis vs NRG: The day begins with a high-stakes clash in the upper bracket final. The winner will earn a direct spot in Stage 2, while the loser will drop into a lower-bracket decider later in the day.
Lower Bracket Showdowns
- GamerLegion vs HEROIC: Both teams are in a do-or-die situation, with survival in the tournament hanging in the balance.
- BC.Game vs Ninjas in Pyjamas: With s1mple leading BC.Game’s charge, this matchup promises high drama as both teams fight for one of the last Stage 2 slots.
- paiN vs Aurora: Aurora, struggling to find form early in 2026, faces a tough test against paiN in this elimination match.
- FUT vs Liquid: FUT looks to continue their underdog story by taking on Liquid. The winner advances, while the loser heads home.
Upper/Lower Bracket Crossover
- The loser of the Astralis vs NRG matchup will meet the winner of GamerLegion vs HEROIC in the final elimination match of the day. The victor will secure the last Stage 2 qualifying spot.
Storylines to Watch
This stage of the tournament has already delivered thrilling moments. Teams like PARIVISION have secured their Stage 2 spot with a noteworthy win over Aurora, showcasing the fierce competition. Meanwhile, G2 forced Liquid into the lower bracket with a strong upper-bracket performance. These narratives set the stage for an exciting Day 3.
As one of the first premier Counter-Strike 2 tournaments of the year, IEM Kraków 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark event in the CS2 esports calendar. The double-elimination bracket has already proven to be a thrilling format, and with Stage 2 on the horizon, every match counts.
CS2 Betting Insights on CS2bet.io
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What’s Next?
As Day 3 unfolds, the final Stage 2 spots will be claimed, setting the stage for an even more competitive group phase. Stay tuned for more updates, match previews, and betting tips as CS2 tournaments continue to bring excitement to the esports scene.