BLAST Bounty Winter 2026 Playoffs Preview: Schedule, Format, and Prize Pool

BLAST Bounty Winter 2026 has reached its most exciting stage — the playoffs. The online qualification has already proven that this tournament does not forgive mistakes: several big-name favorites were eliminated unexpectedly, while lesser-known teams earned a chance to make a name for themselves. Up next are the LAN matches, where the pressure will be at its peak and every loss means the end of a team’s tournament run.

In this article about BLAST Bounty Winter 2026, we will briefly cover the biggest surprises of the qualification stage, the playoff format and dates, and also discuss the favorites, dark horses, and underdogs — teams capable of both consistent performances and unexpected upsets.

Unexpected Results and Disappointments in the Online Qualification

It is worth starting by mentioning the early losses of FaZe Clan and NAVI. These two teams were considered among the main favorites to reach the LAN stage of the tournament, and no one expected them to be eliminated in their opening matches.

FaZe Clan were finalists of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, where, despite a poor start in the first stage, they managed to regroup and reach the grand final. There, they faced the reigning Major champions Vitality and lost 1:3. Because of that run, a stronger performance at BLAST Bounty Winter 2026 was widely expected. However, EYEBALLERS chose FaZe as their opponent and lost only on Ancient (6:13), before confidently winning Mirage (13:4) and Inferno (13:7), knocking FaZe out of the tournament.

NAVI, on the other hand, had slightly less successful results at the same StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, finishing in 3rd–4th place after losing to FaZe. Still, given their current form, they were also seen as favorites. Their first and last opponent at BLAST Bounty Winter 2026 was Monte, who managed to secure a hard-fought 2–1 victory in a three-map series (Nuke 13:11, Mirage 11:13, Dust2 13:8).

In addition to NAVI and FaZe, Aurora and 3DMAX also failed to win their opening matches and were eliminated early.

Among the pleasant surprises, HEROIC, FUT Esports, and Inner Circle stand out. HEROIC are not in their best form, but they managed to defeat Friendly Campers and paiN, securing a spot at the LAN stage. FUT Esports, despite an overall loss, defeated OG and were competitive in their match against FURIA. Inner Circle eliminated 3DMAX but chose Spirit in the second round, where they eventually suffered a defeat.

Format, Dates, and Teams at BLAST Bounty Winter 2026

BLAST Bounty Winter 2026: Playoffs will be played in a single-elimination format, where every loss results in immediate elimination. The quarterfinals and semifinals will be played as best-of-three (Bo3) series, while the grand final will be a best-of-five (Bo5). The LAN stage of the tournament is scheduled for January 22–25 and will take place at BLAST Arena Studios in Attard, Malta.

Earned Bounty by Teams:

• FURIA — $61,250 ($11,250 banked)
• Falcons — $62,500 ($12,500 banked)
• Vitality — $60,000 ($10,000 banked)
• Spirit — $30,000 ($10,000 banked)
• Liquid — $31,250 ($11,250 banked)
• HEROIC — $23,750 ($13,750 banked)
• PARIVISION — $23,750 ($18,750 banked)
• GamerLegion — $38,750 ($33,750 banked)

As a result, the LAN stage will feature eight teams with varying amounts of accumulated bounty.

FURIA

FURIA are among the main favorites of the tournament. Although they faced relatively weak opponents in the early stage, their match against FUT Esports showed that even against lesser teams, FURIA can struggle at times. After a disappointing quarterfinal exit at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, this tournament presents an opportunity for redemption and a strong start to the 2026 CS2 competitive season.

Falcons

Team Falcons advanced through the previous stage without major issues, defeating Monte and Ecstatic. Given the level of opposition, it is unlikely that Falcons will surprise many with their performance. An additional disadvantage is that they will play the quarterfinals without their coach Zonic, who had to return home due to the sudden death of his brother.

Team Vitality

Vitality are the main favorites of the tournament. After an extremely successful 2025 season, the team enters the new year full of confidence. They defeated EYEBALLERS and Virtus.pro, with the match against EYEBALLERS being particularly tense on Anubis, where Vitality secured the win in overtime. Expectations are high that Vitality can claim their first trophy of the new year without major difficulties.

GamerLegion

Despite their inconsistent form, GamerLegion won their matches against Passion UA and Aurora. In both series, they entered as underdogs but managed to secure 2–1 victories. As a result, they fit the role of a dark horse rather than a clear underdog.

Team Spirit

Team Spirit boast a player with exceptional aim. Donk often becomes the MVP in matches, and thanks to his game sense and precise shooting, he frequently plays a key role in the team’s victories. Spirit will try to challenge Vitality’s dominance, and if they manage to reach the final and face the French squad, it would likely be a very exciting and intense matchup.

Team Liquid

Liquid defeated Gentle Mates and NiP 2–1 in the opening stage of the tournament. Considering the team’s results last year, this run feels more like good fortune than a sign of improvement. In the playoffs, the level of competition and pressure is much higher, and Liquid are unlikely to perform at a consistently high level.

PARIVISION

PARIVISION entered the tournament as underdogs but managed to defeat ENCE and Astralis 2–0. This run has given the team confidence and momentum. However, as with Liquid, it is unlikely that they will be able to surprise opponents like FURIA or Vitality.

HEROIC

HEROIC had an easy start, securing 2–0 victories against Friendly Campers and paiN. While these were not the strongest opponents, every tournament can produce an unexpected breakout performance from an underdog. Tougher challenges await, and although HEROIC could surprise and potentially reach the final, they will have to face some of the biggest names on the scene along the way.

Favorites, Dark Horses, and Underdogs at BLAST Bounty Winter 2026

The main favorites of the tournament are Team Vitality, Team Spirit, Team Falcons, and FURIA. All of these teams have strong lineups and realistic chances to win the trophy, but Vitality stand out as the most convincing contender. After an outstanding 2025 season, the French squad enters the new year as the team everyone else needs to beat. Spirit can challenge them through individual brilliance, Falcons offer stability over longer series, and FURIA are highly motivated to bounce back after recent setbacks.

The dark horses of the tournament are HEROIC and GamerLegion. HEROIC cruised through the opening stage and are capable of surprising stronger opponents if they find their rhythm. GamerLegion have already proven that they can win tough matches even as underdogs, making them a dangerous playoff opponent.

The underdogs of the tournament are PARIVISION and Team Liquid. PARIVISION impressed in the early stages, but matches against elite teams will be a serious test. Liquid, despite reaching the playoffs, continue to struggle with consistency and performance under pressure, which significantly reduces their chances of a deep run.

Where to Watch BLAST Bounty Winter 2026

You can follow all the action starting January 22 on BLAST’s official YouTube and Twitch channels, where live broadcasts will be available.

Additionally, on our website you can track matches live and follow your favorite teams. Stay tuned with EGamersWorld to keep up with all the latest developments!