sh1ro stars as Team Spirit edge G2 to secure IEM Kraków semi-final spot

04.02.2026 - 07:16

sh1ro stars as Team Spirit edge G2 to secure IEM Kraków semi-final spot

Team Spirit booked a direct spot in the IEM Kraków 2026 semi-finals after narrowly defeating G2 Esports in a tense 2–1 series. Powered by a dominant showing from sh1ro, Spirit prevailed on Anubis (13–8), fell on Overpass (8–13), and finally closed out Dust2 in overtime (16–13) to top their group.

The win allows Spirit to skip the quarter-finals and wait in the last four, while G2 are forced into a tougher playoff path.

sh1ro delivers a statement series at IEM Kraków

sh1ro was the undisputed centerpiece of the match, producing what HLTV described as a “masterful” performance across the opening five halves of the series. His impact peaked on Dust2, where he posted a 20–5 K-D in the first half, repeatedly shutting down G2’s mid control and anchoring Spirit’s early lead.

Spirit looked in full control at 8–4, but the match quickly turned after the side switch.

G2 fight back as SunPayus and HeavyGod push Spirit to the limit

SunPayus sparked G2’s comeback with key AWP picks on the CT side, helping his team surge ahead to 11–8. When Spirit reached match point, HeavyGod delivered one of the highlights of the tournament — an MP9 1v2 clutch to force overtime.

However, once the match reached extra rounds, Spirit regained composure.

donk closes the door in overtime

In overtime, donk took over the late-round fights, finding crucial multikills to swing momentum back in Spirit’s favor. G2 struggled to convert man advantages, and Spirit closed the decider 16–13, sealing their place in the semi-finals.

Map-by-map breakdown

Anubis — Spirit dominate CT side

Spirit built a commanding CT half behind sh1ro and donk, limiting G2’s attacking options. A brief second-half response from G2 was cut short when tN1R secured a decisive 1v2 clutch to close the map.

Overpass — G2 strike back

Overpass belonged to G2, who consistently punished Spirit’s defaults. Despite several clutch attempts from Spirit players, G2 maintained control and evened the series at 1–1.

Dust2 — chaos, clutches, and overtime

Dust2 featured explosive individual performances on both sides, with sh1ro’s first-half dominance countered by SunPayus’ CT resurgence. HeavyGod’s clutch forced overtime, but Spirit ultimately prevailed.

Verified post-match reaction

After the match, sh1ro commented on the tense finish and Spirit’s preparation:

“It was very tense, especially on Dust2. In overtime it became easier — G2 started making mistakes and we managed to close it.”
(via Team Spirit Telegram, translated)

He also confirmed that Anubis was a prepared pick rather than a surprise.