IEM Katowice 2026

Katowice continues its legacy as CS2's premier stage—bo5 finals, double-elimination playoffs, and the brightest talent from every region.

Overview

Dates: March 20 – April 2, 2026

Location: Spodek Arena, Katowice, Poland

Prize Pool: $1,500,000

Format: Group stage (best-of-3), followed by double-elimination playoffs with best-of-5 finals.

Matches (chronological)

  • March 20: Visa Atlantis vs. Aurora Royals – Upper-bracket quarterfinals
  • March 22: Ember Division vs. Northern Echo – Lower-bracket decider
  • March 28: Upper-bracket semifinal 1 – Rising Storm vs. Mamba Clan
  • March 30: Lower-bracket final – Mamba Clan vs. Aurora Royals
  • April 1: Grand Final – Winners of the upper and lower brackets

Expected Winners & Contenders

The tournament favorites include Natus Vincere, G2 Esports, and FaZe Clan. Watch for emerging squads that excel on Vertigo and Anubis.

Key Storylines

  • A return to major LAN play for s1mple after a short rest period.
  • BLAST Premier winners FaZe Clan testing new strat supplements on Overpass.
  • Northern Echo seeking first PGL-style title with a revamped coach roster.