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

Tomorrow marks the start of the first tournament of the new competitive CS2 season in 2026. BLAST Bounty is known for its unique and exciting format, where teams eliminate their opponents by defeating them and earn prize money directly into their own bounty pool. In this article, we’ll cover the first stage of BLAST Bounty Winter 2026 — the Closed Qualifier — including the match schedule and each team’s chances of success.

Format, Dates, and Teams at BLAST Bounty Winter 2026

The BLAST Bounty Winter 2026 Closed Qualifier will take place online from January 13 to January 18. A total of 32 teams will compete, but only the top 8 will secure spots at the LAN Finals in Malta. The tournament will follow a single-elimination format, meaning every loss results in immediate elimination. All matches will be played in a Best of 3 (Bo3) format.

Below, we present all first-round matchups and evaluate each team’s chances of advancing.

OG vs FUT Esports (January 13, 13:00 EET)

In this matchup, OG chose FUT as their opponent. If OG manage to win, they will add $15,000 to their bounty and advance to the next round. However, based on the teams’ current form after the winter break, this match should not be difficult for FUT. They have secured four wins in their last five matches, while OG have only two victories over the same period.

EYEBALLERS vs FaZe Clan (January 13, 15:30 EET)

The Swedish squad picked a very tough opponent for the opening round. FaZe Clan impressed at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, reaching the grand final before losing 1–3 to Vitality. Given their strong performance in Budapest, FaZe are the clear favorites in this matchup vs EYEBALLERS.

fnatic vs Astralis (January 13, 18:00 EET)

Both teams are currently going through a challenging period. Astralis are still searching for their best form but possess greater experience against top-tier opponents. fnatic have shown some success on the tier-2 scene, which could still play a role here. Considering Astralis’ experience and ability to compete against stronger teams, they appear to be the favorites in this encounter.

HOTU vs Aurora (January 13, 20:30 EET)

The Turkish squad has significantly more experience against top-level opponents, which could be a decisive factor. Another important element is the return of Anubis to the active map pool, which will already be available at this tournament — a map where Aurora feel very comfortable. HOTU will try to put up a fight, but it will be difficult against the more experienced Aurora, so a one-sided match in favor of the Turkish team is expected.

Passion UA vs GamerLegion (January 14, 13:00 EET)

Two teams of very similar level will meet early on the second day of the tournament. Passion UA benefit from their 16th place in the world rankings, but a drawback is that they haven’t played an official match in over a month. GamerLegion, on the other hand, have won four of their last five matches. They are ranked 21st, and Snax has played fewer than five maps with the new roster, which could impact in-game communication. Taking all factors into account, Passion UA look slightly more confident and may secure the victory.

NRG vs HEROIC (January 14, 15:30 EET)

NRG recently competed at the fl0m Mythical LAN Las Vegas 2026, which could negatively affect their performance due to limited rest time. HEROIC, meanwhile, had more time to recover and prepare, and they also come into this match after a win against NAVI. As a result, HEROIC appear to be the favorites here.

Monte vs NAVI (January 14, 18:00 EET)

An intriguing clash between two European teams, with NAVI entering as the clear favorites. Their 3rd–4th place finish at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, where they lost to FaZe, highlights their strong form. NAVI look well-prepared for the new season. Monte have made roster changes, making it difficult to judge how well their communication has developed so far.

Virtus.pro vs Vitality (January 14, 20:30 EET)

Vitality are the undeniable favorites in this matchup. They dominated the entire 2025 season, won two Majors, and are currently at the peak of their form. Virtus.pro will have very limited chances here, so all that remains is to wish them good luck.

M80 vs Gentle Mates (January 15, 13:00 EET)

These two teams are nearly evenly matched. M80 are slightly higher in the rankings at 24th, while Gentle Mates sit at 25th. Both teams have four wins in their last five matches, indicating stable form. It’s difficult to pick a clear favorite, but M80 may have a slight edge thanks to their stronger performance in clutch situations.

Inner Circle vs 3DMAX (January 15, 15:30 EET)

After a disappointing run at the Budapest Major, 3DMAX had enough time to rest and practice. Inner Circle have made roster changes and are ready for new challenges. However, the French side has more experience against strong opponents, and it’s unlikely that Inner Circle will pose serious problems for them.

NiP vs Liquid (January 15, 18:00 EET)

NiP come into this match with five wins out of five, but the addition of a new player, cairne — who hasn’t yet played an official match with the team — could affect the outcome. Despite an inconsistent 2025 season, Liquid managed to surprise at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, finishing 15th–16th. With ample time to rest and prepare, Liquid are considered the favorites in this matchup.

ECSTATIC vs Falcons (January 15, 20:30 EET)

Falcons are the clear favorites here, boasting two players from the HLTV Top 20 of 2025. m0NESY and NiKo are the team’s main stars and often step up in difficult matches. ECSTATIC will try to put up a fight, but given Falcons’ experience, it will be a tough challenge.

ENCE vs PARIVISION (January 16, 12:00 EET)

PARIVISION have made roster changes, signing zweih from Spirit, and currently show better form overall. ENCE, meanwhile, replaced two players by signing F1KU and kRaSnaL, so this tournament will likely serve as practice and an opportunity to build synergy. For PARIVISION, this should be a relatively comfortable match and a good chance to start the tournament with a win.

SINNERS vs Team Spirit (January 16, 14:30 EET)

SINNERS have chosen one of the strongest possible opponents. Even though Spirit brought back zont1x and magixx, they still have donk — ranked 2nd in the HLTV Top 20 of 2025 — whose aim is truly exceptional. This match will be a major test for SINNERS and a chance to measure their strength.

BetBoom vs paiN (January 16, 17:00 EET)

The Brazilian side slightly lost form toward the end of the 2025 season but still have more experience against top-tier teams, which could be decisive. BetBoom, despite occasional appearances on the tier-1 scene, will try to take control, but their lack of experience against elite opponents is likely to show. paiN are expected to start the tournament with a win.

9INE vs FURIA (January 16, 19:30 EET)

FURIA delivered impressive results in the second half of the 2025 season but narrowly exited the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 with a 5th–8th place finish. They begin the new year refreshed and motivated, while molodoy — the Rookie of the Year 2025 and 6th place in the Top 20 — is ready for new challenges and revenge. 9INE can only hope for a bit of luck, as FURIA are often extremely aggressive in their playstyle.

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

The main favorites of BLAST Bounty Winter 2026 include Vitality, FURIA, Team Spirit, NAVI, Falcons, and FaZe Clan. These teams have vast experience at the top level, consistently strong results, and deep map pools. They are expected to confidently advance through the early rounds and contend for LAN Finals qualification.

Dark horses of the tournament include Aurora, Team Liquid, and 3DMAX. While they lack the status of clear favorites, they are capable of surprising opponents thanks to solid form, preparation, and experience against strong teams. In a single-elimination format, they can certainly challenge the top contenders.

The underdogs of this stage are 9INE, HOTU, and SINNERS. Given the level of competition in the Closed Qualifier, even putting up a solid fight will be a significant challenge for these teams.

Where to Watch BLAST Bounty Winter 2026

You can follow all the action starting January 13 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!