Esports fans are gearing up for an exciting start to the year with the announcement of the teams participating in BLAST Bounty Season 1 2026. This highly anticipated event marks the first Tier 1 Counter-Strike 2 tournament of the year, promising thrilling matches and intense competition.
The Road to Malta: Qualifiers and Invitations
The tournament kicks off with online qualifiers, where the top eight teams will earn a spot in the LAN finals held in Malta. The 32 participating teams have been invited based on December’s Valve Regional Standings (VRS), with FURIA leading the pack after a strong finish in 2025. These teams represent a mix of powerhouses like Team Vitality, Team Falcons, FaZe Clan, and Team Spirit, all eager to make their mark in the new year.
Esports tournament organiser BLAST has unveiled the 32 teams competing in BLAST Bounty Season 1 2026, the first Tier 1 Counter-Strike 2 tournament of the year.
Format and Notable Absences
The tournament format features a unique approach, with 32 teams battling in online best-of-three, single-elimination matches. The top eight will then proceed to Malta’s BLAST Studios to compete in a single-elimination bracket, ultimately determining the champion. Interestingly, several high-profile teams have opted out, including MOUZ, The MongolZ, G2 Esports, and TYLOO, adding an unexpected twist to the competitive landscape.
Participating Teams
The online qualifiers run from January 13th to 18th, 2026. Here’s the complete lineup of teams set to compete:
– FURIA
– Team Falcons
– Team Vitality
– Aurora Gaming
– Team Spirit
– Team Liquid
– NAVI
– Astralis
– HEROIC
– 3DMAX
– paiN Gaming
– FaZe Clan
– Parivision
– Gentle Mates
– GamerLegion
– FUT Esports
– BetBoom
– Fnatic
– M80
– Passion UA
– HOTU
– Ninjas in Pyjamas
– NRG
– Imperial Esports
– EYEBALLERS
– Inner Circle
– OG Esports
– 9INE
– ENCE
– Virtus.pro
– Monte
– SINNERS Esports
The action officially begins on January 12th, 2026, setting the stage for an exhilarating competition.