IEM Krakow 2026: Tournament Preview, Schedule, and Fantasy Guide

Jan 23 - 8:11 PM

Gear up for IEM Krakow 2026! Explore the full team list including FURIA and Vitality, check the schedule, and join the ClutchKing fantasy league today.

Get ready for the roar of the Polish crowd as the world’s elite Counter-Strike teams descend on the TAURON Arena for a monumental showdown.

The Polish Powerhouse Returns

The Counter-Strike circuit returns to one of its spiritual homes in Poland for IEM Krakow 2026. From January 28 to February 8, 2026, the TAURON Arena Kraków will shake with the energy of thousands of fans witnessing the highest level of tactical FPS gameplay.

This isn't just another stop on the calendar; it is a battle for supremacy early in the 2026 season. With a massive roster of 24 teams, the format will demand consistency and resilience. The event kicks off with intense group stages before transitioning to the high-stakes arena playoffs, where legends are made and rosters are tested to their limits.

Pro Tip: Polish crowds are notorious for their volume. Expect momentum to shift heavily during arena matches based on fan favorites and underdog stories.

Key Contenders & What to Expect

The competition field is stacked, but the rankings heading into Krakow tell a fascinating story. The battle for the trophy will likely center around a few juggernauts who have separated themselves from the pack.

The Heavy Hitters

According to current tournament rankings, FURIA enters as the #1 seed. The Brazilian squad has evidently hit a massive stride, looking to cement a global era. Right on their heels are Team Vitality and Falcons, ranked #2 and #3 respectively. This sets up a potential clash of styles: FURIA’s aggressive spacing against the structural discipline of the European powerhouses.

The Dark Horses

Keep an eye on The MongolZ. Sitting at rank #8, they have consistently proven they can punch above their weight class and disrupt the European hierarchy. Furthermore, MOUZ (Rank #6) and FaZe (Rank #7) are teams that thrive in stadium environments; you can never count them out when the pressure mounts.

Participating Teams

IEM Krakow 2026 features a massive 24-team lineup. Below is the confirmed list of competitors attending the event, ordered by their current standing.

The Top 10 Seeds:

FURIA
Vitality
Falcons
Spirit
Natus Vincere (NAVI)
MOUZ
FaZe
The MongolZ
Aurora
B8

The Challengers:

Legacy (Rank 11)
G2 (Rank 12)
Liquid (Rank 13)
3DMAX (Rank 14)
Astralis (Rank 15)
PARIVISION (Rank 16)
HEROIC (Rank 17)
paiN (Rank 18)
FUT (Rank 19)
Ninjas in Pyjamas (Rank 20)
Passion UA (Rank 21)
NRG (Rank 23)
GamerLegion (Rank 24)
BC.Game (Rank 92)

Logistics: How to Watch

For fans who cannot make the trip to Kraków, the action will be broadcast globally.

Dates: January 28, 2026 – February 08, 2026
Venue: TAURON Arena Kraków, Poland
Streaming: Matches will be live on the official ESL/IEM Twitch and YouTube channels.
Time Zone: Central European Time (CET).

Expect marathon broadcasts during the initial days as dual streams cover the group stage matches.

Join the Action: Fantasy League

Watching the headshots is thrilling, but managing your own dream team adds a whole new layer of excitement. Will you pick the consistent fraggers from Vitality or gamble on an AWPer from The MongolZ?

Don't sit on the sidelines—build your roster now!

IEM Krakow 2026 Fantasy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. When does IEM Krakow 2026 start? The tournament officially begins on January 28, 2026, and concludes with the Grand Final on February 8, 2026.

2. Where is the tournament being held? The event takes place in Poland at the TAURON Arena Kraków, a venue famous for its incredible esports atmosphere.

3. Which team is the favorite to win? Based on current rankings entering the event, FURIA is the #1 seed, followed closely by Vitality and Falcons. However, in CS2, the gap between the top 5 teams is often razor-thin.

4. Is there a fantasy league for IEM Krakow? Yes! You can draft your team and compete against other fans. Visit the IEM Krakow 2026 Fantasy page to set your lineup before the first match starts.

Key Takeaways

Massive Scale: 24 teams are competing in Poland over 12 days of action.
Top Dogs: FURIA, Vitality, and Falcons are the top three seeds to watch.
Underdogs: Keep an eye on The MongolZ and Aurora to upset the bracket.
Play Along: Enhance your viewing experience by creating your fantasy roster on ClutchKing.