B8 are eliminated from IEM Krakow 2026: defeat to paiN in the decisive Stage 1 match

The Ukrainian team B8 have ended their run at IEM Krakow 2026 Stage 1, losing in a decisive match to the Brazilian squad paiN Gaming. The series was tense and competitive, but in the key moments it was paiN who looked more confident, securing a 2–0 victory and keeping their chances of reaching the main stage alive.

Map veto:

1. paiN removed Ancient
2. B8 removed Nuke
3. paiN picked Dust2
4. B8 picked Mirage
5. paiN removed Overpass
6. B8 removed Anubis
7. Inferno was left over

Dust2 (16:12 paiN)

The first half on Dust2 was evenly contested. Both teams showed solid play and were unwilling to give up easy rounds. B8 managed to take the lead on the T side, going up 11:9 after a five-round streak, but paiN were able to reach map point. B8 still managed to win a crucial round to force overtime, where unfortunately they fell short, losing 16:12.

Mirage (13:10 paiN)

On Mirage, paiN displayed a certain level of dominance, jumping out to a 6:0 lead, with the first half ending 7:5 in their favor. In the second half, the Ukrainian side managed to regain control of the situation, closing the gap to 10:11, but paiN confidently took the final two rounds to close the series 2–0.

Match MVP

Based on the match results, the best player was snow, who finished the series with a 1.35 rating.

B8 fall in a hard-fought decisive match against paiN and exit IEM Krakow 2026 Stage 1 in 15–16th place, earning $2,500 in prize money. paiN remain in the tournament and will still have a chance to qualify for the main stage. IEM Krakow 2026 Stage 1 runs from January 28 to 30, where only 8 of the 16 teams advance to the main event.