The first full-scale edition of the Lunacy Cup, designated as 2026, has officially kicked off. The tournament, which we previously reported on when registration opened, has now entered the competitive phase. The teams have now played their opening matches. From the outset, the organisers promised an open format and a substantial prize pool. With a total of 24 places available in the competition, the limited number of slots naturally raised the level of competition right from the registration stage. The entry fee has been set at 50 PLN, whilst the prize pool stands at 1,200 PLN. This makes the Lunacy Cup an attractive proposition both for young squads looking to gain experience and for more experienced teams wishing to cement their position. Now theory gives way to practice… Meanwhile, the first results are already beginning to shape the balance of power in the tournament.
Stage 0 – the battle for seeding in the Lunacy Cup
The competition in the Lunacy Cup 2026 began with the seeding phase, which could perhaps be called Stage 0. This stage was played in a single-elimination format, meaning that any defeat ruled out the chance of direct progression to the next phase. Naturally, eight places in Stage 2 were at stake, so there was no lack of focus from the very first maps. In the opening matches, Armitra Esports defeated KRULiczki, whilst Project Z beat Nexory Team. Lunacy Gaming and NPK E-Sports, meanwhile, fought a fierce battle. Due to the bracket format, which was designed for 32 teams rather than 24, some teams started the competition with a bye.
Consequently, the second round was a direct battle for progression and produced several clear-cut results. It is worth noting, however, that some matches ended in walkovers. For example, Armitra Esports were awarded a victory over TEB Esports Pro without having to play a map. On the server, we watched, among others, the clash between Husaria Esports and Ignis Five, which ended 13–7. Gloris Esports left Poważna Drużyna Esportowa with no illusions, triumphing 13:2 and advancing to the next phase. One of the most evenly matched contests of this round was the clash between UPO Team and Lunacy NXT, which ended 13:10. Meanwhile, Strzał z Bonia dominated VETOGAMING, winning 13-1 and sending a strong message to the rest of the field.
In the remaining matches, Galaxy E-Sport thrashed Pirtus_Vro 13-0, producing one of the most one-sided maps of the entire phase. Lunacy Gaming once again had to step up their game to defeat Project Z 13-10, confirming their resilience in crucial moments. Brothers Bus, meanwhile, won 13-6 against Panica Gaming, rounding off the list of teams with direct qualification. Ultimately, the following teams qualified for Stage 2: Armitra Esports, Husaria Esports, Gloris Esports, UPO Team, Strzał z Bonia, Galaxy E-Sport, Lunacy Gaming and Brothers Bus. The remaining teams continue their campaign from Stage 1, where a longer road to the next phase of the tournament awaits them.
Stage 1 is in full swing – the Swiss system begins the selection process
Following the conclusion of the seeding phase, the tournament enters its next, much more extensive stage. Stage 1 is played under the Swiss system, which means that teams are not eliminated after a single defeat, but gradually build up their win-loss record. This format rewards consistency and stable form over the course of several matches. In the first round, we will see, among others, Project Z take on Nexium POLteam and Lunacy NXT face off against Carpathian Roja. In addition, Ignis Five will face Onyx. Meanwhile, Panica Gaming will take on SH4RKS, where it is difficult to pick a clear favourite.
In the remaining matches of the first round, Poważna Drużyna Esportowa will play KRULiczki. Meanwhile, VETOGAMING will host Nexory Team, and Pirtus_Vro will face OSEVEN. Rounding off the line-up is the clash between TEB Esport PRO and NPK E-SPORTS. Although this is only the start of this phase, it is already clear that the margin for error will be slim. Every defeat will make the path to the next stage more difficult, and the pressure will begin to mount with each successive round.
The Lunacy Cup 2026 is picking up pace… The excitement is only just getting started
The first day of competition in the Lunacy Cup 2026 showed that the tournament will be full of surprises and fierce competition. The seeding phase revealed both the dominant teams and those that will have to fight to stay in the running. Now, with the start of the Swiss system, the tension is only mounting. Every subsequent round could significantly alter the standings, and even a single defeat could cost a team its chance of progressing to the later stages. The coming weeks will reveal which teams can best handle the pressure and keep up with the pace of the competition, and fans of the scene can look forward to a truly thrilling spectacle.
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