BLAST Bounty S1 teams announced for early 2026 tournament

Hannah Marie ZT, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 17/12/2025

January 2026 marks the return of BLAST Bounty S1, with 32 teams confirmed to compete. 

It will be the first CS2 tournament of the year, giving teams an opportunity to start the 2026 season with a bang.

Which teams are competing in BLAST Bounty S1 2026?

The 32 teams competing in BLAST Bounty S1 have been selected via the December 1st VRS Global Standings.

In Bounty’s unique tournament format, lower-seeded teams select higher-seeded opponents to attempt to secure their “bounty,” which will be dependent on rank. 

Therefore, the prize pool dynamically changes based on match results.

BLAST Bounty S1 2026’s Closed Qualifier will take place online, with the top eight proceeding to the Malta LAN Finals.

Following their landmark 2025 season, which saw them claim two back-to-back Major trophies, Team Vitality will return with the intent to continue this success in 2026. However, they are joined by FURIA, who have rivalled their dominance toward the end of the year. 

FaZe Clan will also be a team to watch, having conjured magic to make the StarLadder Budapest Grand Final after several months of shaky performances on the global stage.

The complete list of teams competing in BLAST Bounty is as follows:

Several big CS2 teams decline invites – who will be missing the first event in the calendar?

There will be a few notable absences from BLAST Bounty S1 2026. 

MOUZ, The MongolZ, and G2 (ranked #5, #6, and #9 in the December VRS, respectively) have all declined their invites to the event. 

For MOUZ, the team will likely be reflecting on their strengths and weaknesses on display during the StarLadder Budapest Major. In the words of coach Dennis ‘sycrone’ Nielsen, “The closer you are to the top, the harder the wind also blows.”

In his interview with ENUK, he outlined how the MOUZ roster is still on its journey to cement its leadership dynamics, noting that “there’s a lot of development with Ludwig’s [brollan’s] weaknesses on a leadership side, on an emotional side, but also a lot of strengths in terms of the technical side.” 

Perhaps their refusal of the invitation is to give the roster enough time to determine which direction they take for the next season, after many high placements but only one 2025 trophy. 

Alongside MOUZ, The MongolZ, and G2, Legacy, B8, SAW, FlyQuest, Lynn Vision, MIBR, TYLOO, and Fluxo have also declined invites. 

Lynn Vision will, however, compete in ZOWIE Asia eXTREMESLAND beginning December 18th. 

Hannah Marie ZT, Senior Editor

Hannah is a journalist specialising in the esports, gaming, and technology sectors. Working for outlets such as Dot Esports, Esports Insider, and of course ENUK, she has developed a love for wider esports, Apex Legends, and advocating for women's esports initiatives. You may have seen her at various esports and gaming events, including ALGS LANs, ESI London, EGX, and watch parties.

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