Vitality Dominate 3DMAX to Reach IEM Krakow 2026 Playoffs
Team Vitality have officially booked their place in the playoffs of IEM Krakow 2026 after a commanding 2-0 victory over 3DMAX in the Group B upper-bracket semi-final. The win ensures Vitality will take the stage at the iconic TAURON Arena, while 3DMAX are relegated to the lower bracket despite a strong tournament run leading up to this match.
Map Results: Vitality’s Clean Sweep
Vitality left no room for error, taking both maps with identical scorelines of 13-6, showcasing their dominance throughout the series:
- Inferno (3DMAX pick): 13-6
- Dust2 (Vitality pick): 13-6
Despite 3DMAX winning the pistol rounds on both maps, Vitality’s superior mid-round decision-making and economy management allowed them to quickly regain control and close out each map decisively.
flameZ Shines on Inferno
Inferno proved to be a showcase for Shahar “flameZ” Shushan, who delivered an exceptional performance. With a staggering 1.91 rating, 111 ADR, and success in seven out of eight opening duels, flameZ was pivotal in Vitality’s early dominance. 3DMAX struggled to convert their early advantages, often faltering in crucial mid-round situations, allowing Vitality to build an unassailable lead on the CT side.
ZywOo’s Brilliance on Dust2
The second map, Dust2, saw another star performance, this time from Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut. ZywOo was unstoppable in the first half on the T side, racking up 14 kills, four opening duels, and an impressive 127 ADR. Vitality surged to a 9-3 lead by halftime, effectively securing their victory.
A crucial turning point came when 3DMAX won the second pistol round, only for Dan “apEX” Madesclaire to respond with a stunning FAMAS 4K on the A site. This play shattered 3DMAX’s economy and momentum, sealing their fate on Dust2.
3DMAX’s Strong Run Ends
Though 3DMAX’s upper-bracket journey has come to an end, their performance at IEM Krakow 2026 was commendable. They secured impressive victories against teams like FUT Esports, BC.Game, and FaZe Clan. However, their struggles against Vitality have become a recurring theme; this marks their third consecutive series loss to Vitality without winning a single map.
Reflecting on their challenges, 3DMAX’s Alexandre “bodyy” Pianaro commented earlier in the tournament: “We are leveling up, but we are definitely still looking for a system and a way to play.” He also acknowledged the difficulty of maintaining consistency with their aggressive playstyle, stating, “This kind of style is hard to consistently replicate.”
Vitality Eye the Championship
With their playoff spot secured, Vitality look poised to make a deep run in the tournament. The team has shown significant improvement this season, focusing on handling the pressure of high-stakes matches. Lotan “Spinx” Giladi recently addressed this in an interview, saying, “We need to get used to more pressure than usual… it’s an easy excuse, at least for now.”
As the playoffs approach, fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Vitality can maintain their momentum and claim the IEM Krakow 2026 title.
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