paiN Eliminate B8 to Progress in IEM Kraków 2026 Stage 1 Lower Bracket

paiN Eliminate B8 to Progress in IEM Kraków 2026 Stage 1 Lower Bracket

paiN Gaming have knocked B8 out of IEM Kraków 2026 following a 2-0 victory in the Stage 1 lower bracket, securing their spot in the next round of the lower bracket.

The Brazilian side showed strong reads and momentum across both maps in their best-of-three clash, taking the series without needing a decider. The defeat marks the end of B8’s run at the Kraków LAN event, with the CIS-based squad finishing in last place of their bracket.

Map Breakdown

• Dust2: paiN picked their preferred map, where they built an early lead and controlled the pace throughout, ultimately closing out a 16-12 win.

• Mirage: The second map saw paiN continue their dominance, with key individual showings helping secure a 13-10 victory to seal the series.

Player Performances

• João “snow” Vinicius led the series with a 1.35 rating, emerging as paiN’s top performer on Mirage.

• Lucas “nqz” Soares also impressed with consistent contributions in opening duels.

• For B8, Andrii “npl” Kukharskyi was one of the few players to find some impact, but the team struggled to find overall rhythm.

Roster & Context

B8 entered Kraków amid roster uncertainty — the organization had previously listed AWPer Daniil “headtr1ck” Valitov for transfer as they trial other options, including promoting Mykhailo-Nazarii “segukawa” Bybel, who ultimately featured in the match but struggled to make an impact.

Tournament Implications

• The loss eliminates B8 from IEM Kraków 2026.

• paiN advance to face their next opponent in the lower bracket’s second round.

Prior to this match, paiN had opened their tournament campaign with a defeat to Astralis, falling 2-0 in their first Stage 1 match. That result demonstrated inconsistencies early in the event, but their performance against B8 showed improved execution.

Elsewhere at IEM Kraków 2026, other teams have mixed outcomes:

• NRG eliminated another lower bracket contender by defeating B8 earlier in Stage 1 before their loss to paiN.

• Team Liquid, Parivision, and BC.Game also recorded early victories in their respective Stage 1 matches.

Summary

• Event: IEM Kraków 2026 – Stage 1 Lower Bracket

• Result: paiN 2–0 B8

• Outcome: B8 eliminated; paiN progress in lower bracket

• Key Performers: snow, nqz (paiN)