Intel Extreme Masters moves esports tournament from Katowice to Kraków, Poland

ESL FaceIt Group, the esports company owned by Savvy Games Group, said the Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) esports tournament will move from Katowice to Kraków, Poland. Building on a 19-year-long tradition and legacy of the longest-running professional esports tournament circuit, which began in Hannover, Germany, the landmark Counter-Strike 2 tournament is breaking new ground in Kraków for the very first time. That’s a big deal, as new data shows that IEM events generate upwards of over $40 million in economic impact across their host cities, and upwards of 73% of guests cite ESL esports events as the primary, or only, reason they visited the host city. The final three days of IEM Kraków will be hosted live at the Tauron Arena on February 6 to February 8, 2026, welcoming thousands of passionate fans to enjoy world-class Counter-Strike action live. Taking the next step and transferring the ESL Pro Tour Championship event to Kraków is a natural evolution of the tournament and a commitment ... Read full article.