Publication date: 17 Jul 2025
Intel Extreme Masters Katowice (Intel Extreme Masters Kraków), one of the most prestigious and exciting eSports tournaments in the world for CS:GO. It is preparing for its grand event again in the new season. This year, the best teams and players from all over the world are expected to participate, who will gather in Poland to fight for the champion’s title.
2026 IEM Katowice (IEM Kraków)
One of the most famous eSports tournaments, IEM Katowice, will change not only its format but also its city in 2026. This year, the event will be held under a new name, IEM Kraków, and will be held for the first time in the Tauron Arena in Krakow. The tournament will be held from January 27 to February 8, 2026, and the final matches, from February 6 to 8, will gather thousands of spectators in the stands.
The tournament will feature 24 of the world’s strongest CS2 teams. First, they will play the Play-In stage, then the group stage with a double elimination system. The six best teams will advance to the playoffs, where they will compete in a single elimination format.
The tournament’s prize pool will be about $1.25 million, and top teams such as Team Vitality, FaZe Clan, Natus Vincere, G2 Esports, Team Spirit, MOUZ and others are already expected to participate. Main favorite is Team Vitality, the winner of IEM Katowice 2025, where player ZywOo was recognized as MVP.
IEM Kraków 2026 promises to be a new stage in the history of the CS scene, preserving the atmosphere of the legendary Katowice, but in an updated and larger format.
History of the IEM Katowice Esport Event (Intel Extreme Masters Kraków)
IEM Katowice has a rich history, starting with its first edition in 2013. This tournament quickly gained popularity and became one of the most anticipated events in esports. Every year it attracts thousands of spectators and millions of online broadcasts.
Since its inception, IEM Katowice has offered a wide range of disciplines, including such popular games as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, League of Legends, Dota 2 and StarCraft II. Annually, the tournament develops new formats and innovative solutions to meet the needs and expectations of players and spectators.
Results and winners of previous seasons
Over the years, IEM Katowice has produced many unforgettable moments and epic battles. The greatest teams and players in esports have fought for the championship title and rewards that have come to symbolize excellence and success.
The past seasons of IEM Katowice saw impressive results such as several Fnatic victories in CS:GO, SK Telecom T1 dominance in League of Legends and Ilya “Lil” Ilyuk’s prowess in Dota 2. Each year brought new heroes and new stories of great victories.
| Year | Venue | Results |
| 2025 | Katowice, Poland | 1st – Team Vitality
2nd – Team Spirit |
| 2024 | Katowice, Poland | 1st – Team Spirit
2nd – FaZe |
| 2023 | Katowice, Poland | 1st – G2
2nd – Heroic |
2027 IEM Kraków
Although the details of the 2027 tournament are still unknown, it is clear that Intel Extreme Masters Kraków will continue to surprise and delight esports fans. The tournament plans to expand its audience by adding new disciplines and improving interaction with viewers. It is already safe to say that IEM Kraków 2027 will be another milestone in the history of esports.
Keep an eye on the dates of esport tournaments and other sporting events in our Sporting Events Calendar.
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