G2 Esports Dominate The MongolZ 2–0 to Kick Off IEM Kraków 2026 Group Stage

G2 Esports Start IEM Kraków Group Stage With Convincing 2–0 Win Over The MongolZ

At the Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) Kraków 2026 Group Stage (Stage 2) in Poland, G2 Esports opened their campaign with a strong 2–0 victory over The MongolZ in the Group A upper-bracket quarterfinal on January 31, 2026. This result keeps G2 on track for a deep run and advances them into the upper-bracket semifinals.

Match Format & Picks

• The best-of-three series saw G2 remove “Nuke”, The MongolZ remove “Anubis”, G2 pick Dust2, and the MongolZ pick Ancient.

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Map Breakdown & Key Performances

Map 1 — Dust2: G2 Triumph 13–2

G2 immediately set the tone, dismantling The MongolZ on Dust2.

• Nemanja “huNter-” Kovač starred early, especially on the T-side with a 2.35 rating, +12.03 ADR, and a 17-5 kill score, helping G2 to a dominant half and ultimately to a 13–2 win.

• Álvaro “SunPayus” García also contributed heavily.

Map 2 — Ancient: Tight Finish, G2 Close It Out 13–11

G2’s advantage continued on Ancient, but this map was more contested:

• The MongolZ jumped to an early 3–0 lead and later led 11–7 after winning a second pistol round.

• G2 responded with discipline and clutch moments, including a decisive 1v2 by SunPayus in Round 23, eventually sealing 13–11 and the match.
  The result ensured no need for a third map.

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Storylines & Context

G2’s Path Into Stage 2

G2 carried momentum from Stage 1, where they secured wins against Passion UA and Liquid, earning their spot in the Group A upper bracket.

What’s Next for G2

With this win, G2 advances to face the winner of FUT Esports vs FURIA for a spot in the IEM Kraków playoffs. The loser of that match will drop to face The MongolZ in the lower bracket.

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IEM Kraków 2026 Overview (Context)

The event runs from January 28 to February 8, 2026, featuring a $1 million-plus prize pool and a packed group stage involving top global teams.

January 31 Group Stage schedule also included top draws such as Natus Vincere vs PARIVISION, Team Spirit vs Astralis, and Team Vitality vs BC.Game Esports.

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Player Notes

• huNter- delivered a standout performance, leading G2’s offense comfortably on Dust2.

• SunPayus’s clutch in the second map proved pivotal as G2 fought back from deficit.

• For The MongolZ, 20-year-old Anarbileg “cobrazera” Uuganbayar was making his debut on Mongolia’s premier roster at a global event.