FURIA Upset Team Spirit to Reach IEM Kraków 2026 Grand Final

FURIA Esports stunned the Counter-Strike 2 world on February 7, 2026, defeating heavily favored Team Spirit 2-1 in a dramatic semifinal at Intel Extreme Masters Kraków. The Brazilian squad's victory at the iconic Polish venue sends them through to the grand final of one of CS2's most prestigious tournaments, while the defending champions Spirit will compete for third place.

The best-of-three series delivered everything fans could hope for in a semifinal clash. Map one went to overtime as both teams traded rounds in a tense back-and-forth affair, with FURIA ultimately claiming the opening map. Team Spirit, the reigning champions and one of the tournament favorites, responded with composure to even the series at 1-1, setting up a decisive third map on Nuke. The series began at 17:45 Moscow time and kept viewers on the edge of their seats throughout.

FURIA's performance on the decider map Nuke proved to be the difference. The Brazilian squad completely dominated the final map, showcasing exceptional tactical preparation and individual skill. Their terrorist-side execution in the first half was particularly impressive, building an insurmountable lead that Spirit couldn't overcome despite their best efforts on their own T-side. The comprehensive nature of FURIA's Nuke performance demonstrated the team's evolution and preparation coming into this crucial match.

The victory represents a monumental achievement for FURIA, who entered the tournament as underdogs compared to established powerhouses like Team Spirit, MOUZ, and Vitality. The Brazilian organization had previously defeated Aurora in the quarterfinals to reach the semifinals, building momentum through the playoff bracket. This semifinal upset ranks among the biggest results in FURIA's CS2 history and continues Latin America's proud Counter-Strike tradition on the global stage.

Team Spirit, who had edged out G2 in a grueling three-map quarterfinal series to earn their semifinal berth, will now face the loser of the MOUZ versus Vitality semifinal in the third-place match. FURIA awaits their grand final opponent, with the championship match scheduled for February 8. The winner will claim one of CS2's major titles and significant prize money from the tournament's substantial prize pool. IEM Kraków 2026, running from January 28 through February 8, has delivered exceptional Counter-Strike action, and FURIA's Cinderella run ensures the grand final will be must-watch viewing for esports fans worldwide.