NiP slår Passion UA i en avgjørende kamp og fortsetter sin reise under IEM Krakow 2026

The Ukrainian squad Passion UA came close to victory in a hard-fought series against Ninjas in Pyjamas at IEM Krakow 2026 Stage 1, but ultimately fell short. The teams traded map picks, and the outcome was decided on Anubis, where NiP proved more composed in the crucial moments and kept their chances of reaching Stage 2 alive.

Map veto:

1. Passion UA removed Ancient
2. Ninjas in Pyjamas removed Inferno
3. Passion UA picked Overpass
4. Ninjas in Pyjamas picked Nuke
5. Passion UA removed Mirage
6. Ninjas in Pyjamas removed Dust2
7. Anubis was left over

Overpass (13:8 Passion UA)

Passion UA started strong on their own map pick with a streak of three rounds, after which NiP managed to seize the initiative and take the lead in the first half, 7:5. After the side switch, Passion UA delivered a very solid CT-side performance, conceding only one round and closing Overpass with a 13:8 victory.

Nuke (13:8 NiP)

NiP confidently opened their map pick, showcasing a strong T side in the first half, where they allowed their opponents to win only two rounds and went into halftime with a comfortable lead. After the break, Passion UA tried to mount a comeback, starting the second half with a three-round streak, but were unable to fully turn the game around. NiP quickly regained control of the map and calmly closed Nuke 13:8.

Anubis (13:10 NiP)

On the decisive Anubis, NiP once again imposed their pace and secured the overall victory. The first half was closely contested, but NiP held a slight edge and finished it 7:5. After the side switch, Passion UA attempted to take over the initiative and get back into the game, however NiP were sharper in the key rounds and sealed the map with a 13:10 scoreline.

Match MVP

The MVP of the match was cairne, who finished the series with a 1.34 rating.

Passion UA were very close to winning in what was an almost even contest, but their run at IEM Krakow 2026 Stage 1 comes to an end as they finish in 13–16th place, earning $2,500 in prize money. NiP, meanwhile, continue their fight for a spot in Stage 2. IEM Krakow 2026 Stage 1 runs from January 28 to 30, with only 8 of the 16 teams advancing to the main stage.