Aurora qualify for IEM Kraków playoffs after decisive win over MOUZ

Aurora Esports have secured a spot in the IEM Kraków 2026 playoffs after defeating MOUZ 2-0 in the Group B upper-bracket decider, booking their place at the arena stage in front of a live Polish crowd.

The Turkish-led roster closed out the series with 13-9 victories on Dust2 and Inferno, guaranteeing at least a quarter-final appearance and keeping their run for a direct semi-final berth alive.

MAJ3R and soulfly power Aurora past MOUZ

Aurora’s qualification was driven by strong individual performances from MAJ3R and soulfly, who consistently delivered in high-pressure moments across both maps.

MAJ3R finished the series as Aurora’s most impactful player, posting a 1.29 rating overall and dominating Dust2 with a 1.48 rating, where his mid-round calling and clutch conversions repeatedly stalled MOUZ’s momentum.

soulfly continued his impressive rookie run at the event, topping the scoreboard on Inferno with a 1.33 rating and ending the series on 1.24 overall.

The duo sealed the match with a decisive 2v4 force-buy clutch on Inferno, shutting down MOUZ’s late comeback attempt and confirming Aurora’s playoff qualification.

Dust2: Aurora pull away after tight first half

Aurora opened the series with a fast 5-0 T-side start on Dust2 before MOUZ responded with a six-round streak of their own. The first half ended evenly, but Aurora took full control after the break, winning six consecutive rounds on the CT side to reach map point.

Despite a late individual effort from MOUZ, Aurora’s double-AWP setup proved too strong, closing the map 13-9.

Inferno: Force-buy clutch seals playoff berth

Inferno followed a similar script. After trading early rounds and pistols, Aurora built a commanding lead and raced to 12-4, putting themselves one round away from the playoffs.

MOUZ mounted a brief comeback with four straight rounds, but Aurora responded immediately. A low-economy round turned into the series-defining moment, as MAJ3R and soulfly converted a 2v4, ending the map 13-9 and sending Aurora to the arena stage.

What Aurora’s win means for Group B

With this victory:

Aurora advance directly to the IEM Kraków playoffs

They will face Team Vitality in the Group B final, where a win would grant a direct semi-final seed

MOUZ drop to the lower bracket and will fight for survival against the winner of FaZe vs. BC.Game

Under the tournament format, only group winners advance straight to the semi-finals, while second- and third-place teams must start in the quarter-finals.

Aurora’s momentum building at IEM Kraków

Aurora’s playoff qualification caps off a strong tournament run so far:

They entered Stage 2 after a convincing 2-0 win over paiN Gaming

Followed it up by sending Team Falcons to the lower bracket

Now defeat a top-tier opponent in MOUZ to secure arena play

Recent interviews from the event highlighted improved team atmosphere and confidence following Aurora’s roster adjustments, with players pointing to better cohesion and renewed motivation inside the lineup.

IEM Kraków 2026 playoffs await

Aurora will now prepare for their biggest test yet — a clash with Vitality for a direct path to the semi-finals and a chance to play in front of a packed TAURON Arena Kraków crowd.

If their current form continues, Aurora are shaping up to be one of the most dangerous dark horses of IEM Kraków 2026.