One of Counter-Strike’s most iconic events is getting a new home.
ESL has announced that IEM Katowice will move to Kraków starting in 2026. The tournament will be renamed IEM Kraków and held from February 6 to 8 at Tauron Arena, a venue that can host up to 15,000 fans.
This marks the end of an era for Katowice, which has been a staple of the CS calendar for nearly two decades. Michal Blicharz, VP Product Development at ESL FACEIT Group, called it the beginning of a new chapter for the event, with Kraków now set to build on that legacy.
– 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. 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 their mark in Kraków, on a bigger scale than ever before.
According to ESL, the move was made possible through a multi-year agreement with the city of Kraków. The new venue allows for a larger live audience and expanded on-site activations.
IEM Kraków will feature 24 teams, a $1.25 million prize pool and a shot at the ESL Pro Tour Winter Championship. It will also count toward the ESL Grand Slam.
The tournament may have changed cities, but the goal remains the same — to crown a champion at one of the most prestigious events in Counter-Strike.
