The team list for IEM Kraków 2026 is here!

The team list for IEM Kraków 2026 is here!

The year 2026 in global esports begins with an earthquake, and its epicenter is in Poland. The organizers of one of the most prestigious tournament circuits have revealed all their cards. We have learned the full list of 24 formations that will take part in the upcoming IEM tournament in Kraków. This is an event that electrifies fans not only because of the location but primarily because of the incredibly strong lineup.

In Tauron Arena, we will see the absolute cream of the crop of Counter-Strike 2. From HLTV ranking dominators, through super-teams built for millions of dollars, to dark horses from distant regions of Asia or South America. The organizers have divided the competition into two stages: Stage 1 (preliminary phase) and Stage 2 (group stage). Let's take a closer look at who will fight for the lion's share of the over $1.2 million prize pool.

The elite of global CS2 - 8 teams invited directly to Stage 2

The eight highest-ranked teams in the ESL and Valve Regional Standings received the privilege of starting the tournament from the main group stage. This means we will see them in action only after the preliminary qualifiers end. This group includes current giants of the scene who have proven their superiority in recent months.

Here is the full list of teams in Stage 2 (ranking place in brackets):

1. Team Vitality (#1): The French organization occupies the leader's chair. ZywOo invariably shines in the roster, supported by apEX, ropz (transfer!), flameZ, and mezii. The coach remains XTQZZZ.

2. FURIA (#2): Brazilian sensation as the runner-up. The roster is a mix of legend and new blood: FalleN, yuurih, KSCERATO, and... YEKINDAR and molodoy! This is one of the most interesting international mixes.

3. Team Falcons (#3): The Saudi organization has built a monster. NiKo, m0NESY, TeSeS, kyxsan, and kyousuke under zonic's eye are candidates for gold.

4. MOUZ (#4): Youth and talent. Siuhy... no, wait, Brollan is in charge at MOUZ? No, it's Brollan, torzsi, Spinx, Jimpphat, and xertioN forming this roster.

5. Natus Vincere (#7): Major title defenders. Aleksib still leads iM, b1t, and w0nderful, and the new addition is makazze.

6. Team Spirit (#8): Russian machine with donk, sh1ro, magixx, zont1x, and tN1R.

7. FaZe Clan (#5): Karrigan does not lay down his arms. In his army are frozen, Twistzz, broky, and a new talent - jcobbb. The coach is the Polish legend, NEO.

8. The MongolZ (#6): Asian powerhouse that broke into the top 10. bLitz, Techno, mzinho, 910, and cobrazera prove that Mongolia is not just a curiosity.

The presence of The MongolZ and FURIA in the top 8 at the expense of European brands is proof of the globalization of the scene at IEM tournaments.

Stage 1 - full list of 16 contenders fighting for promotion

However, the real slaughter will take place in Stage 1. As many as 16 teams will fight for only 8 places rewarded with promotion to the main tournament. The list of participants in this phase is impressive and includes brands that would have been sure favorites to win the entire tournament not long ago.

Full list of Stage 1 teams:

1. G2 Esports (#9): Great reconstruction. huNter-, malbsMd, SunPayus, HeavyGod, and MATYS. The coach is sAw.

2. Aurora (#10): Turkish-Russian mix? In the roster, we see MAJ3R, XANTARES (yes, he left Eternal Fire!), woxic, soulfly, and Wicadia. This looks like a Turkish super-team in Aurora's colors.

3. B8 (#11): Ukrainian formation with headtr1ck, npl, and kensizor.

4. 3DMAX (#12): French solidity with bodyy, Maka, and Lucky.

5. paiN Gaming (#13): Brazilians with biguzera and nqz at the helm.

6. Astralis (#14): Danish reconstruction. HooXi (former G2 IGL!) leads phzy, jabbi, Staehr, and ryu.

7. Team Liquid (#15): North American organization with a Polish heart. NAF, EliGE, NertZ, siuhy (IGL), and ultimate (sniper).

8. Passion UA (#16): Footballer Zinchenko's team? Roster includes hallzerk and Grim.

9. Legacy (#17): More Brazilians, with dumau and latto in the roster.

10. HEROIC (#18): European mix with xfl0ud, nilo, and Chr1zN.

11. PARIVISION (#20): Jame time! Jame, BELCHONOKK, xiELO, nota, and zweih.

12. GamerLegion (#21): Janusz "Snax" Pogorzelski in action! He is accompanied by REZ, Tauson, PR, and hypex.

13. Ninjas in Pyjamas (#23): Snappi leads sjuush, r1nkle, cairne, and Polish talent xKacpersky.

14. BC.Game (#26): Hottest debut. s1mple, electroNic, MUTiRiS, aragornN, krazy. Coach: TaZ.

15. FUT Esports (#27): European mix with dem0n and lauNX.

16. NRG (#30): Return of the American brand. nitr0, Sonic, oSee, br0, and Jeorge.

Most interesting rosters in Stage 1 - G2, Liquid, and BC.Game debut

The preliminary phase promises to be exciting due to the debuts of new rosters. G2 Esports, after losing its biggest stars, bet on an international collective with MATYS and malbsMd. Will huNter- handle the leader role without his cousin?

Team Liquid looks even more interesting. EliGE's return to Liquid is a story that writes itself, but for Polish fans, the most important thing is siuhy's presence in command and ultimate on the sniper rifle. This is a roster that has the potential to win the entire tournament but must fight in the qualifiers.

However, all eyes will be on BC.Game. A project where TaZ (as a coach) joins forces with s1mple and electroNic, supported by the core of Portuguese SAW (MUTiRiS, aragornN), is the biggest mystery of this IEM. Will the NAVI legend return to form after a break?

Poles at IEM Kraków - who will you can cheer for in Tauron Arena?

Although a fully Polish team is missing from the list, there will be no shortage of red and white accents in Kraków. Polish fans will have someone to support in the fight for the cup.

Our representatives:

• Kamil "siuhy" Szkaradek (Team Liquid): The brain of operations in one of the world's largest organizations.

• Roland "ultimate" Tomkowiak (Team Liquid): A sniper who has a chance to shine in front of his home crowd.

• Janusz "Snax" Pogorzelski (GamerLegion): A veteran who can still "eat" opponents. He plays alongside the Swedish legend, REZ.

• Kacper "xKacpersky" Gabara (Ninjas in Pyjamas): A young talent who got a lifetime opportunity in the legendary Swedish (now international) organization.

• Wiktor "TaZ" Wojtas (BC.Game): A coach who will lead s1mple.

• Filip "NEO" Kubski (FaZe Clan): Coach of one of the best teams in the world, who will start the competition from Stage 2.

• imd (GamerLegion): Polish coach supporting Snax.

Prize pool and tournament system - what is at stake?

The stakes at IEM Kraków 2026 are gigantic. In addition to prestige and Intel Grand Slam points, teams are fighting for huge money.

Financial and organizational details:

• Prize pool: $1,222,000.

• Number of teams: 24 (8 in Stage 2 + 16 in Stage 1).

• Location: Kraków, Poland.

Tournament schedule - when to watch matches?

Fans must reserve time at the turn of January and February. Esports emotions will be dosed in two stages.

Key dates:

• Stage 1 (Preliminary Phase): January 28 - January 30, 2026.

• Main Tournament (Stage 2 and Playoffs): January 31 - February 8, 2026.

Summary - are we in for a tournament of surprises?

Looking at the list of participants, IEM Kraków 2026 promises to be an unpredictable tournament. Stage 1 is so heavily stacked that the elimination of favorites like G2, Liquid, or Astralis is a real scenario. On the other hand, rested giants led by Vitality and Falcons await in Stage 2. For Polish fans, it will be a holiday - regardless of whether they cheer for Snax, siuhy, or simply good Counter-Strike.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about teams at IEM Kraków 2026

1. How many teams will perform at IEM Kraków 2026?

A total of 24 teams will take part in the tournament, divided into two competition stages.

2. Who plays in the new G2 Esports roster?

The new G2 roster is: huNter-, malbsMd, SunPayus, HeavyGod, and MATYS.

3. Which team is s1mple playing for now?

CS legend s1mple represents the BC.Game organization, where he plays alongside electroNic.

4. Will Polish teams play in the tournament?

There is no fully Polish team, but many Poles play in foreign squads, including siuhy (Liquid), Snax (GamerLegion), or xKacpersky (NiP).

5. Which teams are invited directly to Stage 2?

8 teams were invited to Stage 2: Vitality, FURIA, Falcons, MOUZ, FaZe, The MongolZ, NAVI, and Spirit.

6. Who is the coach of FaZe Clan?

The coach of FaZe Clan is the Polish legend, Filip "NEO" Kubski.

7. Which team does NiKo play for now?

NiKo, along with m0NESY, moved to Team Falcons.

8. Does XANTARES still play for Eternal Fire?

No, XANTARES appears in the roster of the Aurora team on the participant list.

9. When does the Stage 1 phase begin?

The Stage 1 phase begins on January 28, 2026.

10. What is the main prize in the tournament?

Teams are fighting for a share of the prize pool amounting to $1,222,000.