PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 Playoffs: Full Preview, Favorites & Schedule

Eight teams have reached the playoff stage of PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026, where they will battle for the championship trophy and a share of the $1.25 million prize pool. The decisive matches will take place from February 20 to February 22 at the iconic BT Arena in Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

Among the contenders is the current world No. 1, Team Vitality, which has already lifted a trophy earlier this year and continues to showcase dominant form. Joining them is PARIVISION, winners of the first tournament of the season and one of the most promising squads heading into the playoffs.

Below is a complete breakdown of the playoff format, teams, schedule, and a look at the favorites and potential dark horses.

PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 Playoff Stage Format

• Single-Elimination bracket
• All matches (excl. Grand Final) are Bo3
• Grand Final is Bo5

PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026: Playoff Stage Teams, Favorites & Underdogs

Vitality – The Clear Favorite

The undeniable favorite is Team Vitality. They have proven once again why they are considered the best team in the world, following a dominant victory at the most recent top-tier event. Their coordination, structure, and individual firepower set them apart from the competition. At the moment, no other team has consistently reached their level.

If Vitality perform to their usual standard, they are the team to beat.

Dark Horses

Several teams have the potential to disrupt expectations:

• FURIA
• Team Falcons
• PARIVISION

Each of these squads has demonstrated the ability to defeat elite opponents, including Vitality on a strong day. Their aggressive playstyles and individual brilliance make them dangerous in a single-elimination format where momentum can shift quickly.

The Underdogs

Labeling teams like MOUZ, TheMongolZ, Aurora, and Natus Vincere as underdogs may seem harsh given their pedigree. However, in a stacked playoff bracket of this caliber, they enter slightly behind the frontrunners.

MOUZ recently faced Vitality at IEM Krakow 2026, where they were convincingly outplayed. TheMongolZ are still adjusting after roster changes and have yet to fully regain their previous momentum. Meanwhile, Aurora and Natus Vincere have struggled with consistency for an extended period, making it difficult to rank them among the primary title contenders.

Still, in a high-stakes playoff environment, surprises are always possible.

PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026: Playoff Stage Schedule

February 20

• Falcons vs. PARIVISION starting at 09:00 CET
• MOUZ vs. Natus Vincere starting at 12:00 CET
• Vitality vs. Aurora starting at 15:00 CET
• FURIA vs. TheMongolZ starting at 18:00 CET

February 21

• Semi-final #1 starting at 16:00 CET
• Semi-final #2 starting at 19:00 CET

February 22

• The Grand Final starts at 17:00 CET

How to Watch PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026

The PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 will be streamed live for viewers worldwide. You can enjoy every thrilling moment at home, at work, or on the go. 

There will be official Twitch, YouTube, and K1CK streams:

• PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 Twitch Stream
• PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 YouTube Stream
• PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 K1CK Stream

PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026: The Final Battle Begins

The playoff stage of PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 promises three days of elite CS2 competition featuring the world’s best teams. While Team Vitality enters as clear favorites, the single-elimination format leaves no room for mistakes, and several capable challengers are ready to seize their opportunity.

With a stacked bracket, a passionate live crowd at BT Arena, and a $1.25 million prize pool on the line, fans can expect high-intensity matches, standout individual performances, and possibly even a surprise champion. The road to the trophy starts now.