G2 Esports Overcome FUT to Secure IEM Kraków 2026 Playoffs Spot

G2 Esports Overcome FUT to Secure IEM Kraków 2026 Playoffs Spot

In their first official appearance of 2026, G2 Esports have clinched a spot in the IEM Kraków 2026 playoffs by edging past FUT Esports with a 2–1 victory in the Upper Bracket Semi-Final of Group A.

Series Breakdown

• Map 1 — Mirage: FUT delivered a strong start, managing to take the opening map 13–9 after turning the half around from an early deficit.

• Map 2 — Dust2: G2 responded with a convincing 13–9 win, asserting control on defense and forcing a decider.

• Map 3 — Ancient: The decider was closely contested, but G2 capitalized on a pivotal anti-eco round to pull ahead and complete the series 13–9.

G2’s Form & Context

After choosing to skip the BLAST Bounty tournament earlier this year, G2’s roster — led by veteran Nemanja “huNter-” Kovač — has regained momentum. Their Kraków campaign opened with a win over The MongolZ, and this latest result moves them into the playoff stage.

FUT Esports’ Road to This Match

FUT had a more varied path to this Upper Bracket Semi-Final:

• They started Stage 1 with a surprising 2–0 victory over FURIA, showcasing resilience against tough competition.

• Despite an early loss to 3DMAX, FUT rebounded with key wins over Legacy and Team Liquid, then knocked over FURIA in Stage 2 to remain in contention.
  Their run was halted by G2 in this encounter, but they will stay in the lower bracket and now face the winner of PARIVISION vs Astralis for a chance to keep their Kraków run alive.

What’s Next

G2 will face either Spirit or Natus Vincere (NaVi) for a chance to book a direct berth into the semifinal stage of the playoffs, keeping them in strong contention for deep runs at the event.