IEM Krakow 2026 Map Pool: Winners and Losers, Explained

IEM Krakow 2026 is here, and with it, a brand-new map pool that swaps out Train for Anubis, which has received some pretty big changes. Because of this, we’re going to see some interesting developments on the server, as teams get to grips with the map and how to adapt to its changes.

So, with -Train and +Anubis, who are the big winners of the IEM Krakow 2026 map pool changes? We’re going to take a look at the biggest teams at the event, to see how they’ll be impacted by the change and whether it could affect their odds of lifting the trophy in Poland.

First and foremost, the full IEM Krakow 2026 map pool is as follows:

IEM Krakow 2026 Map Pool

• Ancient
• Anubis
• Dust2
• Inferno
• Mirage
• Nuke
• Overpass

This event is the second Tier 1 event to use Anubis following its return, after BLAST Bounty Season 1 2026. However, it’s the first to use the new version of the map, which was introduced to the game as part of CS2 Premier Season 4.

IEM Krakow 2026 Map Pool: Who wins following the change?

Not every CS2 team’s map pool is created equal. Some teams will fare better than others – it’s time to find out who.

Aurora

Aurora arrive as arguably the biggest beneficiaries of the IEM Krakow 2026 map pool change. Prior to its removal, it had become home turf for Aurora, and they never quite took to Train the same way. It’s crazy to say, but Anubis’ removal in mid-2025 was arguably among the biggest reasons the team fell off so hard in the second half of the year.

Of course, this is a slightly different Anubis, and a slightly different Aurora with soulfly in for jottAAA. But overall, you can’t ignore what a massive difference this should make for Aurora’s fortunes at IEM Krakow 2026.

Spirit

I see Spirit as being among the biggest losers of the IEM Krakow 2026 map pool change. Their Train had an 80% win rate throughout 2025, albeit with an admittedly small sample size of just 10 maps. Their Anubis was pretty good, too, but it’s a map that donk was pretty outspoken in his dislike of prior to its removal.

Right now, Spirit’s whole thing is about keeping donk happy. I don’t imagine the latest changes have converted him into a huge Anubis lover overnight, but he’ll have to play it, given Spirit’s permaban remains Inferno. And if donk’s not thrilled, Spirit aren’t winning.

FaZe

Although it slipped into the veto four times, Train was largely a permaban for FaZe. Their record of one win and three losses suggests it was an uncomfortable map for the team, and one they’ll be very happy to see the back of in the Active Duty map pool.

Comparatively, they played plenty of Anubis. Their record here is unremarkable, but nine wins and seven losses in 2025 still makes for a net positive. We should see Anubis come back into the fold for FaZe, and give their map pool a lot more versatility without having to ban Train in almost every single series.

FURIA

Taking out Train for Anubis is a bit of a miserable change for FURIA. They loved Train, playing it 22 times with this lineup while winning 15 of those matches. It was a very solid home turf that rarely let them down, Major aside.

By comparison, their Anubis is just fine. After bringing in molodoy and YEKINDAR, they played Anubis nine times in total, winning five and losing four. Prior to this, they had a losing record on the map with skullz and chelo, indicating the other pieces on the map aren’t all that comfortable there. Their Anubis record isn’t exactly dismal, and they should still be okay. But FURIA’s ambitions now extend beyond “okay,” and losing such a strong map in Train is certainly a dent in their trophy-winning credentials.