BLAST has officially revealed the first installment of its Bounty series for 2026, bringing together a stacked lineup of teams to compete in a high-profile event in Copenhagen, Denmark. Scheduled to take place from January 13 to 25, the tournament will be hosted at BLAST’s dedicated studio, setting the stage for another intense showdown in the competitive Counter-Strike 2 circuit.
The tournament will feature 32 teams, with 28 directly invited based on Valve’s official rankings as of December 1, 2025. The list of invited participants will be released on December 15, giving fans an early glimpse at the teams that will be battling for supremacy. In addition to the ranked invitees, four Wildcard slots will be granted at the discretion of the tournament organizers, potentially allowing for unexpected challengers to shake up the competition.
With a massive $500,000 prize pool on the line, the stakes are higher than ever, as the BLAST Bounty series has become known for its dynamic format and thrilling matchups. The inclusion of top-tier squads, alongside unpredictable Wildcard contenders, promises a tournament packed with upsets, rivalries, and high-level gameplay.
As BLAST continues to expand its presence in the Counter-Strike 2 esports scene, this event is shaping up to be a must-watch for both dedicated fans and new viewers alike. The upcoming season opener in Copenhagen is expected to set the tone for the 2026 competitive landscape, ensuring a thrilling start to the year in top-tier CS2 action.