Ninjas in Pyjamas Survive Lower Bracket Clash Against Passion UA
At the Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Kraków 2026, Swedish esports powerhouse Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP) kept their tournament hopes alive by defeating Ukrainian roster Passion UA in the lower bracket. The high-stakes CS2 match took place on January 29, 2026, during Stage 1 Play-in Lower Bracket, Round 1, resulting in a 2-1 victory for NiP in an intense best-of-three series.
Match Recap: A Comeback Story for NiP
The series kicked off on Overpass, where Passion UA took control early. Their cohesive CT-side defense and calculated strategies stifled NiP’s offensive efforts, leading to a 13-8 win for the Ukrainian squad. NiP faced mounting pressure to avoid elimination but showed resilience in the next map.
On Nuke, NiP shifted gears entirely. Dominating from the outset with strong T-side executions, they carried their momentum through the second half, securing a decisive 13-5 victory. Star player cairne was instrumental, delivering consistent impact throughout the map.
The decider took place on Anubis, where both teams battled fiercely. NiP built an early lead, but Passion UA fought back valiantly. However, NiP’s composure in post-plant scenarios and defensive setups under pressure closed out the map at 13-10, securing their place in the next round.
Key Performers and Lineups
Ninjas in Pyjamas:
- cairne: The standout performer of the series, leading NiP’s offensive charge.
- xKacpersky: Delivered impactful rounds, particularly on Nuke.
- Snappi, r1nkle, sjuush: Crucial contributions in pivotal rounds.
Passion UA:
- Kvem, Grim, hallzerk, JT, nicx: Showcased individual skill and tactical plays but fell short in consistency.
What’s Next for NiP?
With this crucial win, NiP moves forward in the IEM Kraków 2026 lower bracket and will face BC.Game in their next match. Their earlier loss to Team Liquid placed them in a precarious position, but their performance against Passion UA has reignited their CS2 tournament campaign. For fans and bettors alike, this sets up an intriguing clash as NiP fights to advance further in the competition. For those following the action closely, platforms like CS2bet.io provide detailed match analysis and CS2 betting opportunities for upcoming games.
Heartbreak for Passion UA
Passion UA’s journey at IEM Kraków 2026 ends here. Despite their early dominance on Overpass and moments of brilliance throughout the series, they were unable to maintain momentum against NiP. Their tactical approach and individual talent remain promising, and fans can look forward to their future appearances in CS2 tournaments.
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