After 13 straight years of epic Counter-Strike battles in Katowice, the iconic Intel Extreme Masters event is packing up and heading to a new home. Starting in 2026, Kraków will host IEM, marking the end of an era and the start of something fresh and engaging for the esports scene.
IEM Katowice has been a staple since 2013, with the legendary Arena Spodek witnessing countless unforgettable moments. However, the ESL FACEIT Group announced that the tournament would relocate to Kraków, which is less than 100 km away. The new venue? The TAURON Arena, which nearly doubles the capacity of the Spodek, promises a bigger crowd and a livelier atmosphere.
IEM Kraków will debut in February 2026, bringing a fresh vibe while staying close to its roots. The organizers stated that this move is a “natural evolution” to meet the Counter-Strike community’s growing demands and deliver a top-tier live experience that pushes esports production further.
ESL FACEIT Group and Kraków city officials have signed a multi-year deal to make IEM Kraków a recurring fixture on the global esports calendar. That means fans can expect this event to grow and thrive in the new location for years.
Remember Team Vitality’s last IEM Katowice triumph earlier this year? They snagged the $400,000 grand prize and went on a historic winning streak, bagging multiple significant titles, including IEM Melbourne and Dallas, plus the ESL Grand Slam. The $1.25 million prize pool for IEM Katowice kicks off on January 27, 2026, with the playoffs happening live from February 6 to 8.
So, are you ready to check out the new IEM Kraków scene? Will the bigger arena and fresh location improve the vibe?
