NiP edge out Passion UA in a decisive match and continue their run at IEM Krakow 2026
1090The Ukrainian squad Passion UA came close to victory in a hard-fought series against Ninjas in Pyjamas at IEM Krakow 2026 Stage 1, but ultimately fell short. The teams traded map picks, and the outcome was decided on Anubis, where NiP proved more composed in the crucial moments and kept their chances of reaching Stage 2 alive.
Map veto:
- Passion UA removed Ancient
- Ninjas in Pyjamas removed Inferno
- Passion UA picked Overpass
- Ninjas in Pyjamas picked Nuke
- Passion UA removed Mirage
- Ninjas in Pyjamas removed Dust2
- Anubis was left over
Overpass (13:8 Passion UA)
Passion UA started strong on their own map pick with a streak of three rounds, after which NiP managed to seize the initiative and take the lead in the first half, 7:5. After the side switch, Passion UA delivered a very solid CT-side performance, conceding only one round and closing Overpass with a 13:8 victory.
Nuke (13:8 NiP)
NiP confidently opened their map pick, showcasing a strong T side in the first half, where they allowed their opponents to win only two rounds and went into halftime with a comfortable lead. After the break, Passion UA tried to mount a comeback, starting the second half with a three-round streak, but were unable to fully turn the game around. NiP quickly regained control of the map and calmly closed Nuke 13:8.
Anubis (13:10 NiP)
On the decisive Anubis, NiP once again imposed their pace and secured the overall victory. The first half was closely contested, but NiP held a slight edge and finished it 7:5. After the side switch, Passion UA attempted to take over the initiative and get back into the game, however NiP were sharper in the key rounds and sealed the map with a 13:10 scoreline.
Match MVP
The MVP of the match was cairne, who finished the series with a 1.34 rating.
#13
Liquid30.01.26 13:00Bo30:2
#46
FUT EsportsIEM Kraków 2026 Stage 1
#16
Astralis30.01.26 13:00Bo31:2
#95
NRG EsportsIEM Kraków 2026 Stage 1
#8
Aurora30.01.26 10:30Bo32:2
#14
paiN GamingIEM Kraków 2026 Stage 1
#90
BC.Game Esports30.01.26 10:30Bo32:0
#23
NiPIEM Kraków 2026 Stage 1
#18
GamerLegion30.01.26 08:00Bo32:0#15
HeroicIEM Kraków 2026 Stage 1#21
Legacy29.01.26 13:00Bo30:2#46FUT EsportsPassion UA were very close to winning in what was an almost even contest, but their run at IEM Krakow 2026 Stage 1 comes to an end as they finish in 13–16th place, earning $2,500 in prize money. NiP, meanwhile, continue their fight for a spot in Stage 2. IEM Krakow 2026 Stage 1 runs from January 28 to 30, with only 8 of the 16 teams advancing to the main stage.
1305fauesde
FUT Esports defeat Team Liquid and advance to Stage 2 of IEM Krakow 2026FUT Esports swept Team Liquid at IEM Krakow 2026 Stage 1, with strong CT-side performances and cmtry earning MVP honors.1297fauesdeAstralis defeat GamerLegion and advance to Stage 2 of IEM Krakow 2026Astralis secured a clean 2–0 victory over GamerLegion at IEM Krakow 2026 Stage 1, with jabbi earning MVP honors and the team moving on to Stage 2.1192fauesdeAurora confidently defeat paiN and advance to Stage 2 of IEM Krakow 2026Aurora eliminate paiN Gaming from IEM Krakow 2026 as MAJ3R earns MVP honors and leads his team to a clean 2–0 victory and Stage 2 qualification.1756fauesdeBC.Game knock NiP out of IEM Krakow 2026 and advance to Stage 2BC.Game eliminate Ninjas in Pyjamas from IEM Krakow 2026, closing the series 2–0 as s1mple shines and leads his team into Stage 2.973fauesdeNRG defeated Astralis in a close series to advance to Stage 2 of IEM Krakow 2026After a close battle across Mirage, Overpass, and Inferno, NRG eliminate Astralis from Stage 1 contention and move on to Stage 2 of IEM Krakow 2026.1263fauesdeGamerLegion defeated HEROIC in an elimination match at IEM Krakow 2026 Stage 1HEROIC exit IEM Krakow 2026 Stage 1 after a 0–2 loss to GamerLegion, who advance in the lower bracket and continue the fight for the main stage.62stawraith
Natus Vincere defeat Aurora Gaming to win ESL Pro League Season 23The match turned out to be tense but ultimately controlled by NAVI, who secured the championship with a 3-1 victory. 36fauesdeAstralis defeat FUT to secure third place at ESL Pro League Season 23Astralis claim third place at ESL Pro League Season 23 after beating FUT 2-1. phzy leads the Danish squad with a standout performance in the bronze match.313fauesdeNAVI defeat FUT and advance to the ESL Pro League S23 Finals grand finalNatus Vincere advance to the ESL Pro League S23 Finals grand final after beating FUT 2–1. iM shines as MVP while NAVI dominate Mirage and Dust2.118stawraithAstralis eliminate Spirit to reach ESL Pro League Season 23 semifinalsThe Danish squad delivered a confident performance across two maps to secure a spot in the tournament semifinals, where they will face Aurora.72fauesdeFUT upset MOUZ and advance to the ESL Pro League Season 23 semifinalsFUT defeat MOUZ 2–1 in a tense ESL Pro League Season 23 Finals series. Jimpphat was named MVP despite the loss, while FUT move on to the semifinals.62fauesdeAurora defeat Legacy and advance to the ESL Pro League Season 23 semifinalsAurora beat Legacy 2–1 at the ESL Pro League Season 23 Finals after a decisive win on Inferno. MAJ3R became the MVP with 82.9 ADR and a 1.37 rating.
