FURIA Survive KRÜ’s Stand-In Upset Start, Advance to Face Sentinels

KRÜ Esports’ 2026 VCT Americas Kickoff debut came with a twist: due to ongoing visa delays, the organization was forced to field an entirely substitute lineup for its opening match against FURIA. Even with the emergency roster, KRÜ nearly pulled off the upset — taking Map 1 and setting the tone early — before FURIA stabilized and closed the series 2–1.

KRÜ struck first on Pearl, winning 13–10 to grab the opening map and put immediate pressure on FURIA. But the response was decisive. FURIA flipped the series on Breeze, storming to a 13–5 win, then repeated the result on Abyss with another 13–5 to secure the comeback victory.

The headline performance belonged to koalanoob, who led the server with 61 total kills across the three-map series — nine more than the next closest player, artzin (52). In a match where KRÜ’s stand-ins showed real fight, koalanoob’s consistency and impact were the difference-maker that pushed FURIA over the line.

The KRÜ stand-in situation

According to reporting ahead of the match, KRÜ’s full main roster was unavailable due to visa delays, prompting the team to assemble a one-off lineup featuring three KRÜ Spark players (NagZ, mta, benG) alongside infiltrator and Governor as additional stand-ins. The group was coached by KRÜ Spark head coach bione, with Fadeout supporting as an assistant coach for the match.

KRÜ also noted they are continuing to work through the documentation process and hope to provide updates in the coming days as they aim to get the main roster available for upcoming matches.

What’s next

With the win, FURIA advance to face Sentinels on Sunday, January 18 in Upper Round 2. KRÜ, meanwhile, drop into Middle Round 1, where their next match is currently listed for Saturday, January 24 vs TBD as the bracket continues to develop.