Ninjas in Pyjamas Secure Crucial Win Over Passion UA at IEM Kraków 2026
The Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Kraków 2026 tournament, hosted in Kraków, Poland, featured a thrilling elimination match on January 29, 2026. Swedish CS2 powerhouse Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP) overcame Ukrainian roster Passion UA in a dramatic best-of-three (BO3) series, winning 2-1 to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Match Recap: From Setback to Triumph
The series kicked off on Overpass, where Passion UA controlled the tempo with impeccable defensive plays. Their coordinated setups and sharp CT-side strategies left NiP struggling to find their footing, ultimately conceding the map 13-8.
Facing an early exit, NiP regrouped on Nuke and displayed why they remain a top contender in CS2 esports. Dominating from the T-side, they carried their momentum through the map to secure a commanding 13-5 victory. cairne emerged as the standout player, leading the scoreboard and anchoring NiP's offense.
The deciding map, Anubis, was a nail-biter. Despite a valiant effort from Passion UA to mount a comeback, NiP's composure under pressure and strong post-plant discipline sealed a 13-10 win, securing their survival in the lower bracket.
Key Performers and Lineups
Ninjas in Pyjamas:
- cairne: The MVP of the series, crucial in both fragging and leadership.
- xKacpersky: Delivered high-impact plays, particularly on Nuke.
- Snappi, r1nkle, sjuush: Provided solid support in pivotal moments.
Passion UA:
- Kvem, Grim, hallzerk, JT, nicx: Showed flashes of brilliance, especially on Overpass, but fell short in closing out crucial rounds.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
This hard-fought victory allows NiP to advance to the next round of the IEM Kraków 2026 Stage 1 Lower Bracket, where they will face BC.Game. Having already fallen to Team Liquid earlier in the tournament, NiP has little room for error as they look to qualify for the next stage of the competition.
For Passion UA, this loss marks the end of their IEM Kraków 2026 journey. Despite their elimination, they demonstrated potential with a strong showing on Overpass and moments of brilliance throughout the series. Their performance here could serve as a valuable learning experience for future CS2 tournaments.
Betting Insights for CS2 Fans
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