At the start of the new Counter-Strike 2 season, BLAST once again brings the scene’s attention back to Malta. One of the most dynamic tournament formats of the year returns, along with the opportunity to witness key matches live in a studio environment.
Ticket sales for BLAST Bounty 2026 are now open
BLAST has officially launched ticket sales for the first Bounty 2026 season, which means the winter series is set to become one of the main events of early next year. The tournament will run from mid to late January, combining an online phase with final matches held at the BLAST Arena Studios in Malta. Spectators will be able to attend the LAN playoffs, hosted in an intimate but highly intense arena — where each match carries real weight in the battle for the half-million-dollar prize pool.
Tickets for BLAST Bounty Malta are officially LIVE! 🇲🇹
Online Play-in: 13–18 Jan 2026 🌐
LAN Playoffs in Malta: 22–25 Jan 2026 🌴Secure your spot at the Playoffs 👉 https://t.co/VseDRBVrWr#BLASTPremier pic.twitter.com/Mj1mC40NYo
— BLAST Premier 💥 (@BLASTPremier) November 20, 2025
A format built for tension
Bounty has long been the kind of tournament where there is no room for mistakes: teams are eliminated immediately after a loss, and each match becomes a single step toward triumph or complete collapse. The format offers no chance for recovery — which is why many viewers consider it the most emotional part of the entire BLAST calendar. This year, the organizers have preserved the familiar structure: the early stages are played online, while the most important matchups take place on LAN.
Malta once again becomes home to studio CS2
BLAST Arena Studios has for several years been one of the most atmospheric locations for hosting studio-stage tournaments. A small but visually powerful venue provides extremely close interaction between spectators and players — an atmosphere that often increases pressure on teams and makes matches even more intense. This year’s playoffs will take place in this same space, which has become a recognizable part of the BLAST brand.
Expectations for the new season
The beginning of the year traditionally marks the period when teams test their new rosters, adapt to the meta, and look for ways to gain form quickly. Bounty is the tournament where this process is the most visible. Long warm-up strategies do not work here: either a team is ready from the first map, or the season starts with a failure. That is why the January event always provides the first impression of the strength of updated lineups and can set the trend for several months ahead.
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BLAST Bounty 2026 Season 1
BLAST Bounty 2026 Season 1 will become the first major gathering point for professional CS2 in the new year. The tournament brings back BLAST’s classic studio format and is now open for attendance — tickets are officially on sale. The online stage begins on January 13, and the key matches will take place on January 22–25 in Malta.
