Nigma Galaxy secures their spot in the playoffs at The International 2026

With three teams eliminated early on the final day of the Group Stage at The International 2026, it was time to look to the other side of the standings. Three teams at the top would progress directly into the playoff stage. After TEAM VISION cruised through unbeaten already, two more slots were available.

Nigma Galaxy would take on Team Spirit for one of these, while the losing team would have to head into a dreaded elimination stage.

NGX has come into TI 2026 looking ready to prove a point. After a loss on Day 1 of the Group Stage, the team has found their footing and managed to secure a 3-1 scoreline. One more victory would see them get a direct pass into the playoffs. However, it wouldn’t be an easy path, with Spirit in their path. Both teams were hoping to avoid the elimination stage, but only one would be able to do so.

It was a hard-fought first game from NGX, who were able to survive what could have been a massive turnaround victory from their opponents. However, after nearly an hour, NGX managed to hold on and take the lead. With the wind in their sails, NGX took to the next game with gusto, building a solid lead and making sure that Illya “Yatoro” Mulyarchuk had no chance to really utilise his Bear constantly.

Looking for a return to TI glory, Sumail “SumaiL” Hassan was in the thick of things with his Nature’s Prophet carry. Although there was some resistance from Spirit, they were eventually unable to overcome NGX’s advantage. Spirit refused to throw in the towel, but NGX did not back down, dropping the Ancient in a little over an hour.

With that, the Group Stage at TI 2026 comes to a close. For VISION, Team Liquid, and NGX, the playoffs are secured. While Xtreme Gaming, OG, and HULIGANI are eliminated, the remaining teams will now have to fight to survive in the elimination stage.