It took the best team in the world to finally break the streak. Team Vitality has defeated FURIA 3-1 in the Grand Final of IEM Kraków 2026, handing Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo his first Best-of-5 loss in a decade and retaining their iron grip on the IEM trophy.
This victory is more than just another trophy for the cabinet; it marks the continuation of a golden era for Vitality. Coming off a record-breaking 2025 where they claimed both Majors and the IEM Katowice trophy, the French organization has successfully defended their title in Poland, proving that the change of venue from Katowice to Kraków has done nothing to shake their dominance.
The win also brings a historic streak to an end. Before tonight, the Brazilian “Godfather” FalleN had guided FURIA to victory in all five of their previous Bo5 appearances. His last defeat in a marathon final occurred exactly ten years ago in this very same tournament circuit, making Vitality’s triumph even more poetic.
Map 1: Mirage (11-13)
The series began with high drama on FURIA’s pick. Vitality looked poised to run away with the game early, storming to a commanding 9-3 lead by halftime. Their defense seemed impenetrable, and FURIA looked out of answers.
However, the Brazilians rallied on their CT side. Chip by chip, they eroded Vitality’s lead. The turning point came late in the game when molodoy pulled off a miraculous 1v2 clutch to tie the score at 11-11.
The momentum shifted entirely, and FURIA closed out the map 13-11, stealing Vitality’s pick and putting the defending champions on the back foot immediately.
Map 2: Inferno (13-8)
Vitality responded instantly on their map pick of Inferno. Refusing to let another lead slip, they tightened up their defensive protocols and unleashed Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut.
The French superstar was simply unplayable, posting a server-topping 2.22 rating on this map alone. FURIA struggled to find openings against Vitality’s setups, and unlike Mirage, there was no late-game collapse. Vitality closed it out 13-8 to level the series.
Map 3: Nuke (13-2)
What was expected to be a pivotal swing map turned into a statement of intent from Vitality. On FURIA’s pick, the French side delivered a defensive masterclass that silenced the Brazilian fans in the arena.
FURIA could not find any space on the upper or lower sites, managing only two rounds in the entire game. Vitality’s rotations were flawless, and they steamrolled their opponents 13-2, taking the series lead and putting themselves on championship point.
Map 4: Overpass (13-10)
With their backs against the wall, FURIA fought tooth and nail on Overpass to keep their championship dreams alive. The map was a gritty affair, with both teams trading rounds and momentum swings that kept the Krakow crowd on the edge of their seats. At 10-10 tha map could have gone both ways, but then the World’s No. 1 stepped up again.
But as the map reached its dying stages, one man stood tall. ZywOo, sensing the trophy was within reach, completely shut down FURIA’s attempts to force a decider. In the final crucial rounds, the Frenchman was an immovable object, finding impact frags and multi-kills that shattered FURIA’s economy and spirit. His closing performance ensured there would be no Map 5, securing the 3-1 series victory for Vitality.
ZywOo Crowned MVP in Another Historic Run
While the team trophy is the priority, individual brilliance cannot be ignored. ZywOo has played an incredible tournament from the group stage to the Grand Final. His consistency and impact were the driving forces behind Vitality’s run, and he will undoubtedly be awarded the MVP of the tournament.
For Vitality, this win in Kraków sends a terrifying message to the rest of the scene. After winning everything there was to win in 2025, they have started 2026 with the same hunger. They have conquered the new venue, broken the curse of FalleN, and proven that their era is far from over.
IEM Kraków 2026 Results:
1st: Team Vitality – $400,000
2nd: FURIA – $180,000
3rd: Spirit – $100,000
4th: MOUZ – $60,000
5-6th: G2, Aurora – $40,000
7-8th: Falcons, Astralis – $24,000
9-12th: FaZe, 3DMAX, Natus Vincere, FUT – $16,000
13-16th: NRG, BC.Game, PARIVISION, The MongolZ – $10,000
