IEM Kraków 2026 Playoffs Begin as Counter-Strike 2 Elite Compete for $1.25 Million EPT Winter Championship

The Intel Extreme Masters tournament reaches its playoff stage on Friday, February 6, as the world's elite Counter-Strike 2 teams converge on the TAURON Arena in Kraków, Poland, for the EPT Winter Championship. Six teams have advanced through the grueling group stage that began on January 28, and they now compete for their share of a massive $1.25 million prize pool along with crucial ESL Grand Slam points. The playoffs feature a single-elimination bracket with best-of-three quarterfinals and semifinals, culminating in a best-of-five grand final on Sunday, February 8. This marks a historic shift for the prestigious IEM series, which relocates from its traditional Katowice venue to Kraków after 13 years of Counter-Strike competition in the Silesian city. ESL Gaming announced the surprise move to Kraków earlier in 2025, bringing the tournament to the TAURON Arena, a venue that has proven popular with the passionate Polish Counter-Strike fanbase. The atmosphere in Kraków has been electric throughout the group stages, with Polish fans creating one of the most intimidating home-court advantages in competitive esports. Team Spirit enters the playoffs as the overwhelming favorite to lift the trophy, having dominated the group stage with clinical precision. The Russian-based organization has showcased the tactical depth and individual skill that made them one of Counter-Strike 2's most feared teams. Their playoff run begins at 15:30 local time (CET) on Friday, and expectations are sky-high that they will continue their dominant form through to the grand final. Spirit's blend of veteran experience and young talent has made them nearly unbeatable in recent weeks. The single-elimination format adds incredible pressure to every match, as one loss sends teams home without the championship. Several dark horse contenders have emerged from the group stage, including teams that struggled early but found their rhythm as the tournament progressed. The best-of-three quarterfinal and semifinal format demands consistency and map pool depth, while the best-of-five grand final will test endurance and mental fortitude as much as raw skill. Strategic adaptation will be crucial as teams study opponents' tendencies and prepare counter-strategies. The tournament represents one of the most significant Counter-Strike 2 competitions of the early 2026 calendar, serving as a measuring stick for teams' form heading into subsequent majors. Beyond the substantial prize money, teams are competing for ESL Grand Slam points, which contribute to qualification and seeding for future elite events. The EPT Winter Championship trophy has become one of the most coveted prizes in competitive Counter-Strike, carrying prestige that extends far beyond the monetary rewards. With the playoffs commencing Friday afternoon in Kraków, the Counter-Strike community turns its attention to three days of intense competition that will crown the EPT Winter Champion. The single-elimination bracket ensures every round delivers maximum drama, with no second chances for teams that fall short. As Team Spirit looks to validate their favorite status and challengers seek to pull off upsets, the TAURON Arena will witness some of the highest-level Counter-Strike 2 gameplay of the year, with everything on the line and the roaring Polish crowd providing an unforgettable backdrop.