Passion UA reverse-swept by G2 in opening match at IEM Krakow 2026
Passion UA were the last NA side to take to the server on the first day at IEM Krakow Stage 1. They were tasked with taking on G2, who are getting their season started with this match in Poland.
Passion chose to begin the series on Overpass, which meant that G2 started on the preferred CT side. G2 got off to a 5-0 lead, but Passion UA clawed back, cutting the deficit to 7-5 at halftime. Passion UA looked to take advantage of their defensive side, which they did, taking a 10-8 lead after six rounds in the second half. Passion closed the game out with aplomb, winning 13-8 thanks to a Håkon "hallzerk" Fjærli ninja defuse to end the map.
G2 looked to bounce back on Dust2, with both sides going back and forth in the early rounds. G2 managed to gain an advantage at the end of the first half, leading 8-4. G2 kept that momentum in the second half, despite losing to a Glock eco round. They would convert the 13-6 map win with ease to force the Mirage decider.
G2's strong offense propelled them to a 5-1 lead on the third map, where they would maintain the course and take a 9-3 lead after the first period of the deciding map. G2 held strong on the CT side, dispatching of Passion UA by an anti-climactic 13-3 score.
G2 were led on the server by Matúš "MATYS" Šimko, who totaled 43 frags and a 1.42 rating in the three-map series.
Passion UAG2| Passion UA |
K - D | +/- | ADR | KAST | Rating 3.0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Michael 'Grim' Wince |
45 - 37 | +8 | 76.6 | 66.1% | 1.16 |
 Håkon 'hallzerk' Fjærli |
35 - 36 | -1 | 68.1 | 66.1% | 1.05 |
 Johnny 'JT' Theodosiou |
25 - 38 | -13 | 57.6 | 67.9% | 0.76 |
| Nick 'nicx' Lee |
26 - 40 | -14 | 50.8 | 62.5% | 0.70 |
 Vladyslav 'Kvem' Korol |
28 - 39 | -11 | 59.9 | 66.1% | 0.68 |
| G2 |
K - D | +/- | ADR | KAST | Rating 3.0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Matúš 'MATYS' Šimko |
43 - 32 | +11 | 81.3 | 82.1% | 1.42 |
 Mario 'malbsMd' Samayoa |
37 - 38 | -1 | 77.4 | 76.8% | 1.24 |
 Nikita 'HeavyGod' Martynenko |
40 - 32 | +8 | 79.0 | 78.6% | 1.18 |
 Nemanja 'huNter-' Kovač |
38 - 29 | +9 | 63.1 | 78.6% | 1.10 |
 Álvaro 'SunPayus' García |
31 - 28 | +3 | 55.3 | 73.2% | 0.98 |
Passion UA now have their backs against the wall when they face elimination tomorrow v. NIP. G2 will face Liquid, with the winner advancing to the IEM Krakow Main Event.
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