Falcons Survive Early Kraków Elimination Threat With Hard-Fought Victory Over NRG at IEM Kraków 2026

Falcons Survive Early Kraków Elimination Threat With Hard-Fought Victory Over NRG at IEM Kraków 2026

At the Intel Extreme Masters Kraków 2026 — one of the most significant Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) events of the early 2026 season — Falcons kept their tournament hopes alive by edging past NRG Esports in a tense lower-bracket encounter. Despite featuring one of the highest-profile rosters present in Kraków, Falcons’ performance was far from convincing, requiring a three-map battle to secure a 2–1 win over their North American counterparts. 

The clash, which took place on February 2, 2026, saw Falcons — often ranked among the top CS2 teams globally — face off against NRG, a squad that has endured a mixed run of form leading into the tournament. According to ranking data, Falcons entered the match as substantial favorites, sitting near the top of international standings, while NRG hovered outside the top 25. 

Dominant Start on Inferno

Falcons stamped their authority early on Inferno, the first map of the series, producing a dominant performance that at times bordered on clinical. The European side controlled tempo and utility usage with precision, dismantling NRG’s defense and wrapping up a 13–5 victory. Crucially, Falcons’ star players — especially Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov and Maxim “kyousuke” Lukin — made impactful plays on offense, consistently finding openings and multi-kill situations that swung rounds in their favor. 

Inferno’s result suggested that Falcons could roll through NRG without much trouble; however, the rest of the series told a different story.

NRG Responds on Ancient

On Ancient, NRG flipped momentum completely. After a slow start, the North American side launched an impressive offensive that saw them dominate in key moments and secure an 11–13 win. Exceptional individual performances from NRG players, including strong rifle work and strategic execution, put Falcons under sustained pressure.

Throughout Ancient, NRG’s defense was especially resilient, stifling Falcons’ attacks and converting advantageous situations into round wins. This map demonstrated why NRG — despite their underdog tag — should not be underestimated, particularly when allowed to dictate pace and leverage utility against top teams. 

Decider on Dust2: Falcons Prevail

With the series tied 1–1, the contest moved to Dust2, a map known for its fragility and momentum swings. Falcons began slowly, initially struggling to find rhythm and conceding several early rounds. NRG, buoyed by their Ancient performance, looked poised to force an upset.

However, a series of clutch moments — particularly by m0NESY, whose multi-kill contributions turned the tide — helped Falcons stabilize and reverse their fortunes. Once they seized map control, the momentum fully shifted in their favor. Falcons’ tactical discipline in the later stages, combined with opportunistic aggression, carried them to a 13–9 victory in the deciding map. 

Key Performers and Tactical Notes

Across the series, individual performances were a major talking point. While m0NESY frequently showed flashes of brilliance — especially on Dust2 — NRG’s Josh “oSee” Ohm was statistically one of their most effective players throughout the match. Reports highlight that oSee posted one of NRG’s strongest overall ratings at Kraków, distinguishing himself as a consistent fragger despite the team’s elimination. 

For Falcons, tactical flexibility sometimes appeared lacking outside their preferred map setups. Although they excelled on Inferno and eventually on Dust2, the team’s offense on Ancient was less convincing, allowing NRG to rebuild confidence and sustain pressure. Observers reflecting on the contest noted that Falcons’ inability to close out maps quickly could be a concern if they advance deeper into the bracket against higher-tier competition. 

NRG’s Kraków Run Ends

The loss marks the end of NRG’s journey at IEM Kraków 2026, finishing them in the 13–16th place range after a disappointing lower-bracket exit. NRG had earlier made strides by advancing from Stage 1, which included wins over teams like Astralis and B8, but were unable to string together enough momentum to proceed past the Stage 2 elimination rounds. 

Despite exiting early, NRG’s showing — particularly on Ancient — drew positive reactions from segments of the CS2 community. Comments across social channels expressed optimism about NRG’s competitive potential, praising their tactical adaptability and willingness to challenge top teams even when significant underdogs. 

What’s Next for Falcons

With the victory over NRG, Falcons now move forward within the lower bracket of IEM Kraków. Their next opponent is set to be 3DMAX, a team they will face in a continuation of the elimination rounds. While the win keeps their hopes alive, Falcons’ inconsistent form — alternating between dominant and pedestrian segments — suggests they will need to refine their approach if they intend to make a deeper run and contend for one of the coveted playoff spots.