IEM Kraków 2027: CS2 Championship Dates, Arena and Prize Pool

NEW FORMAT | GAMING & ESPORTS EVENTS 2027

27 January–7 February 2027; arena playoffs 4–7 February | TAURON Arena Kraków, Poland

New Format previews the upcoming event, its significance and the stories to follow. Details are accurate to the latest official announcements available on 6 November 2026.

Kraków prepares for elite Counter-Strike

Intel Extreme Masters Kraków 2027 runs from 27 January to 7 February, with the public arena playoffs scheduled for 4–7 February at TAURON Arena Kraków. The organiser describes the event as an EPT Championship played entirely on LAN.

Prize money and competitive stakes

ESL lists total winnings of $1.25 million, split between prize money and club rewards. A 24-team field and a high-pressure arena stage make this a major early-season test for the Counter-Strike 2 elite.

What to watch in CS2

Beyond the final score, pay attention to map vetoes, economy management, utility coordination and adaptation between halves. The broadcast's tactical replays and observer direction can be as revealing as the highlights.

Media opportunities

ESL identifies 26 January as its media date. This is not an accreditation deadline: journalists must separately check press eligibility, application procedures and available interview access.

Following the results

New Format will distinguish confirmed results and team lists from pre-event projections. The official ESL Pro Tour event page remains the reference for updates.

Official information

https://pro.eslgaming.com/tour/details/iem-krakow-2027/

Editorial note: Event programmes and access rules can change. New Format will update this preview as official details become available.