The IEM Krakow Counter-Strike tournament is poised to make its debut, succeeding the renowned IEM Katowice event, featuring a massive prize pool and a fresh setting. Twenty-four elite teams from across the globe have confirmed their participation, all vying for a share of the impressive $1.25 million fund. The competition will unfold in two distinct stages, culminating in the grand playoffs at the expansive Tauron Arena. Fans can anticipate intense competition and strategic gameplay as teams battle for supremacy and significant financial rewards.
Esports Elite Converge for IEM Krakow in Poland
Commencing on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the inaugural Counter-Strike arena competition of the year, IEM Krakow, is scheduled to captivate esports enthusiasts. This prestigious event marks a significant transition, taking the mantle from Poland's historically significant IEM Katowice and relocating to the larger city of Krakow, where it will be hosted at the state-of-the-art 15,000-seat Tauron Arena.
The tournament features the world's top 24 Counter-Strike teams, as determined by the Global VRS rankings on January 5th. Eight of these formidable teams have earned direct placement into Stage 2, while the remaining sixteen will embark on their journey through a rigorous double-elimination bracket in Stage 1. Among the notable teams competing in Stage 1 are Astralis, Aurora, B8, BC.Game, FUT, GamerLegion, HEROIC, Legacy, Liquid, Ninjas in Pyjamas, NRG, Passion UA, paiN, PARIVISION, G2, and 3DMAX.
A key development impacting the Liquid roster is the absence of Canadian rifler Keith "NAF" Markovic, who will not participate due to urgent family matters. He will be temporarily replaced by Germany's Karim "Krimbo" Moussa, who previously played for BIG. The opening matches will see Aurora clashing with GamerLegion, while HEROIC faces PARIVISION, fresh off their 3-0 victory over Team Falcons in the BLAST Bounty Winter championship in Attard, Malta. GamerLegion also announced the promotion of Adrian "imd" Pieper from interim to full-time head coach. Stage 2 matches are set to take place from January 31st to February 3rd, with the thrilling playoff rounds scheduled for February 6th to 8th at the Tauron Arena.
The prize money distribution is substantial, with the champions taking home $460,000 and the coveted ESL Grand Slam Championship title. The second-place team will receive $216,000, followed by $131,000 for third place, and $85,000 for fourth. Teams finishing 5th-6th will each earn $61,000, while 7th-8th place secures $38,000. Further down the rankings, 9th-12th place will receive $23,000, 13th-16th place $10,000, 17th-20th place $4,500, and 21st-24th place $2,500.
Krakow's rich history in esports includes hosting a PGL Major Counter-Strike event in 2017. Michal Blicharz, VP of Product Development at ESL FACE IT Group, expressed his excitement about the move, highlighting Intel Extreme Masters' enduring legacy and its continuous evolution. He emphasized that the new chapter in Krakow would offer an even grander scale for players and fans alike, building upon nearly two decades of iconic esports moments.
The relocation of this premier Counter-Strike event to Krakow's larger venue underscores the growing scale and popularity of esports. The significant prize pool and the participation of top-tier teams reflect the intense competition and high stakes involved. This tournament not only provides a platform for exceptional talent to shine but also reinforces the importance of strategic adaptation, both for teams adjusting to new rosters and for organizers embracing larger, more accessible venues. The continuous evolution of these events highlights the dynamic nature of esports, promising more exciting and impactful tournaments for the global gaming community.