Passion UA fall to GamerLegion in BLAST Bounty Winter 2026: Closed Qualifier match
Passion UA have ended their run at the BLAST Bounty Winter 2026: Closed Qualifier after losing to GamerLegion in a hard-fought three-map series. The Ukrainian side confidently secured their own pick, Dust2, but failed to close out the series on Mirage and Inferno, where the key moments went in favor of the European squad. As a result, GamerLegion advance to the next stage, while Passion UA are eliminated from the tournament.
The map veto for the match was as follows:
- Passion UA removed Ancient
- GamerLegion removed Anubis
- Passion UA picked Dust2
- GamerLegion picked Mirage
- Passion UA removed Overpass
- GamerLegion removed Nuke
- Inferno was left over
Dust2 (13:4 Passion UA)
Passion UA had no trouble winning their map pick. GamerLegion were unable to put up a real fight on Dust2. Starting on the T side, Passion UA completely controlled the first half. Fast executes and well-coordinated utility usage allowed them to dominate the game. In the second half, GamerLegion failed to win a single round, conceding Dust2 4:13.
Mirage (7:13 GamerLegion)
On their own pick, GamerLegion opened the map with dominant play on the T side. Aggressive performances from Tauson gave the team a strong advantage, ending the first half 10:2. In the second half, Passion UA managed to slightly improve their situation but won only five rounds. GamerLegion comfortably closed Mirage with a 13:7 victory.
Inferno (10:13 GamerLegion)
The deciding map turned out to be a tense battle for both teams. GamerLegion started on the CT side and went on a six-round winning streak. Passion UA managed to slow down their opponents and finished the first half trailing 5:7. In the second half, Passion UA tried to take control and came close to forcing overtime, but GamerLegion did not allow the game to go the distance and closed Inferno 13:10.
Match MVP
Despite the loss, the best player of the match was nicx, who finished the series with a 1.21 rating. However, the efforts of a single player were not enough to secure an important victory.
Passion UA conclude their tournament run, while GamerLegion move on to the next stage and await their next opponent. BLAST Bounty Winter 2026: Closed Qualifier takes place from January 13 to 18, with 32 teams competing for eight LAN spots in Malta.
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