ESL FACEIT Group, a leading esports and entertainment company in the video game industry, has announced the relocation of one of the world's most prestigious esports tournaments, Intel Extreme Masters (IEM), from Katowice to Kraków, Poland. IEM Kraków, which will take place on February 6-8, 2026, at Tauron Arena, will mark a new chapter in the 19-year history of the tournament, which began in Hannover, Germany, in 2006.

The event will bring together thousands of fans from around the world to enjoy live CS2 matches of the highest level. The competition will feature 24 of the best teams competing for a prize pool of $1,250,000 and one of the most prestigious trophies in esports, continuing the tradition of the oldest professional esports tournament.

Tournament relocation and plans for the future

Relocating the ESL Pro Tour Championship to Krakow is a logical step in the tournament's development, as the esports community increasingly wants to see Counter-Strike in the world's largest arenas. The new location, Tauron Arena, one of the largest arenas in Poland, will accommodate significantly more spectators than in previous years and provide a unique fan experience that will take esports events to a new level.

As part of a multi-year agreement, EFG and the city of Krakow plan to make IEM Krakow a regular event on the global esports calendar, which will be an important step for the development of esports in the region. The tournament will begin on January 27, 2026, when teams will compete for six spots in the playoffs, with the final days from February 6 to 8 taking place live at Tauron Arena in front of thousands of spectators.

Krakow Mayor Aleksander Miszalski said:

Kraków is a city proud of its royal history, but simultaneously open to the future and innovation. The global reach of Intel Extreme Masters Kraków is a chance to present Kraków to new audiences as an ideal destination for business, tourism, and investment.

Aleksander Miszalski

Opportunities for fans and tournament details

Fans will have the opportunity to get close to the IEM trophy even before the tournament begins: from May 30 to June 2, 2025, the trophy will be on display at Galeria Krakowska, one of the city's largest shopping centers. On June 8, 2025, the trophy will be available to visitors to the Krakow City Hall during an open house, after which it will remain there for two weeks for viewing.

These events are designed to generate interest in the tournament and give fans the opportunity to feel connected to the legendary event even before its official start.

At IEM Kraków, 24 CS2 teams will compete for six spots in the playoffs, and the total prize pool of $1,250,000 makes this tournament one of the most attractive on the esports calendar. In addition to financial rewards, the winners will receive one of the most prestigious trophies in esports, symbolizing the long-standing legacy of IEM.

The tournament promises not only exciting matches, but also an unforgettable experience for spectators, as the organizers plan to take the staging of esports events to a new level with the use of modern technology and spectacular shows.

Significance for esports and the city

The relocation of IEM to Krakow not only underscores ESL FACEIT Group's ambition to expand the geography of its events, but also demonstrates the city's readiness to host large-scale international events. Krakow, known for its rich history and cultural heritage, has every chance of becoming a new center for esports in Europe, attracting thousands of tourists and contributing to economic growth.

The organizers also note that the new location will improve the infrastructure for esports events, ensuring com