NAVI’s Thrilling Victory Over PARIVISION at IEM Kraków 2026
On January 31, 2026, Natus Vincere (NAVI) kickstarted their Intel Extreme Masters Kraków 2026 journey with an electrifying 2-1 victory over PARIVISION in the Stage 2 upper-bracket opener. This win not only ended PARIVISION’s unbeaten streak but also marked a much-needed resurgence for the legendary Ukrainian Counter-Strike 2 squad.
Match Recap: A Best-of-Three Battle
The series began on Dust2, PARIVISION’s map pick, where NAVI’s defensive side quickly surged to a 5-0 lead. Although PARIVISION managed a comeback—highlighted by Vladislav “xiELO” Lysov’s crucial three-kill—NAVI’s experience sealed a narrow 13-11 win.
Next up was Anubis, where PARIVISION displayed excellent A-site hits and dominated the first half. NAVI, however, adapted their strategies in the second half, forcing the game into overtime. Despite Andrey “BELCHONOKK” Yasinskiy’s heroic plays, NAVI edged out a nail-biting 19-16 victory, thanks to their precise utility usage and disciplined retakes.
The decider on Ancient proved to be less competitive. PARIVISION initially gained momentum, but NAVI’s star player, Drin “makazze” Shaqiri, delivered an exceptional performance with 137.5 ADR, leading his team to a commanding 13-5 win and securing the series.
Key Players and Team Context
NAVI’s triumph over PARIVISION represents a significant shift in their 2026 Counter-Strike 2 campaign. After a disappointing start to the year, including an early exit at the BLAST Bounty season, this victory has restored faith in their potential. Valeriy “b1t” Vakhovskiy was a standout performer, recording the highest ADR of the series and showcasing why he remains one of CS2’s top riflers.
For PARIVISION, this loss comes after an impressive run that saw them claim the BLAST Bounty Winter 2026 title and defeat top teams like Team Spirit, FURIA, and The Falcons. Despite the defeat, their strong showing against NAVI solidifies their status as a rising power in CS2 esports.
IEM Kraków 2026: Tournament Format
The IEM Kraków 2026 features a GSL-style group stage with 16 teams divided into two groups. All group stage matches are best-of-three, with the top three teams from each group advancing to the playoffs. Group winners secure a direct spot in the semifinals, while second and third-place teams battle it out in the quarterfinals.
NAVI’s victory now places them in the upper bracket of Group A, giving them a strong chance to progress further in the tournament.
CS2 Betting Insights with CS2bet.io
As NAVI regains momentum, fans and bettors alike are eager to see how they perform in upcoming CS2 matches. This thrilling opener sets the stage for more intense action in CS2 tournaments. If you’re looking to stay updated on the latest matches or explore CS2 betting opportunities, CS2bet.io offers expert analysis, live odds, and more to enhance your CS2 gambling experience.
Will NAVI continue their resurgence, or will other teams rise to the challenge? Stay tuned for more updates from IEM Kraków 2026!