IEM Kraków 2026 Stage 1 Day 2 Matchups Set: Aurora vs PARIVISION Lead Qualification Battles

The IEM Kraków 2026 Stage 1 Day 2 matchups have been officially confirmed, with eight teams entering either qualification matches for Stage 2 or do-or-die elimination series. After an action-packed opening day, the tournament now splits into upper- and lower-bracket games, where every result directly impacts the race for a top-16 spot at one of Counter-Strike’s most prestigious events.

Aurora vs PARIVISION Headline Stage 1 Day 2

The standout matchup of the day sees Aurora face PARIVISION in an upper-bracket qualification match. The winner will secure an early place in Stage 2 of IEM Kraków, while the loser drops into the lower bracket.

Aurora began their campaign with a confident win over GamerLegion, while PARIVISION advanced after a hard-fought three-map series against HEROIC. The matchup also comes amid renewed optimism around Aurora’s roster, following recent changes.

Speaking to HLTV earlier in the event, Aurora AWPer woxic highlighted the team’s improved atmosphere:

“Now it feels like everyone looks more happy about what they are doing.”

That momentum will be tested against a disciplined PARIVISION side that has already shown resilience under pressure.

Liquid vs G2: Stand-In Story Continues

Another key Day 2 series features Team Liquid against G2, with Liquid continuing their run at IEM Kraków using Krimbo as a stand-in for NAF, who is absent due to urgent family matters.

Liquid opened the tournament with a convincing victory over Ninjas in Pyjamas, immediately putting themselves in position to qualify despite the roster disruption. The organization previously stated:

“Our full support is with him and his family during this time, and we kindly ask that his privacy be respected.”

The clash against G2 will be Liquid’s toughest test so far and a major indicator of how far the lineup can realistically go in Kraków.

s1mple’s BC.Game Look to Break Through

BC.Game, led by s1mple, will face 3DMAX in another upper-bracket qualification match. The project has quickly become one of the most discussed storylines of Stage 1, combining experienced veterans with developing talent.

After BC.Game’s opening victory, aragornN described the mindset inside the team:

“Every game is going to be like a final for us.”

He also emphasized the value of playing alongside proven champions:

“It’s really good for us to learn with the guys that already won everything.”

A win over 3DMAX would mark a significant step toward validating the roster’s long-term potential.

Astralis vs NRG Close Out Qualification Matches

The final upper-bracket matchup sees Astralis take on NRG, with both teams aiming to avoid the lower bracket and lock in a Stage 2 appearance. With limited margin for error, this series is expected to be one of the most tactical contests of Day 2.

IEM Kraków 2026 Stage 1 Day 2 – Full Match Schedule

Upper Bracket (Qualification Matches)

• Aurora vs PARIVISION

• BC.Game vs 3DMAX

• Liquid vs G2

• Astralis vs NRG

Lower Bracket (Elimination Matches)

• paiN vs B8

• Ninjas in Pyjamas vs Passion UA

• Legacy vs FUT

• GamerLegion vs HEROIC

Teams that lose their lower-bracket matches will be eliminated from IEM Kraków 2026.

Why Stage 1 Matters at IEM Kraków

IEM Kraków marks a new chapter for ESL’s flagship Polish event, following the move from Katowice. Stage 1 (Jan 28–30) determines which teams advance to Stage 2, where elite rosters await. From there, only the best will reach the playoffs at the TAURON Arena.

With qualification pressure already mounting, Day 2 is set to define the tournament’s early hierarchy — and potentially produce the first major upsets of IEM Kraków 2026.