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Goodbye Spodek! IEM Krakow to Replace Katowice Starting 2026
One of the most prestigious and longest-running tournament circuits of all time, the Intel Extreme Masters (IEM), will be expanding to a new host city. Starting in 2026, Krakow will take the torch as the new Polish host of IEM, replacing Katowice.
One for the History Books: IEM Katowice Retires!
The retirement of Katowice as the host marks the end of an era for Counter-Strike esports.
"For almost two decades, Intel Extreme Masters has built a heritage full of emotional and defining moments in esports history. From the early days in Hannover to the rise of new legends in Katowice, every stop along the way has left its mark on our legacy"
— Michal Blicharz, VP of Product Development at ESL FACEIT Group
Over 13 years, the prestigious IEM Katowice title saw countless champions rise and fall. Team Vitality’s 2025 victory in Katowice will be forever remembered as the final team to host the IEM trophy in the iconic Spodek Arena.
(credits: Helena Kristiansson // ESL)
A New Chapter: IEM Krakow
With 13 years of unforgettable Counter-Strike moments, the Spodek Arena’s era will come to a close. Now, the TAURON Arena will host the Playoffs of the inaugural IEM Krakow, set for February 6th-8th. Cited as the natural evolution of the tournament, this new venue promises a “larger audience and a world-class in-arena experience that continues to push the boundaries of live esports production.”
"Today, as we begin a new chapter of this story, we look forward to continuing it with the world’s best gamers and esports fans, as they add new pages to it in Kraków, on a bigger scale than ever before,”
— Michal Blicharz, VP of Product Development at ESL FACEIT Group
The tournament itself will kick off on January 27th, featuring 24 of the world’s best Counter-Strike teams battling for a spot in the Playoffs. Only six will advance to compete for a massive $1,250,000 prize pool in the TAURON Arena.
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Featured image credit: ESL // Intel Extreme Masters
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