BLAST has officially announced the ten-person broadcast team for BLAST Rivals 2026 Season 2, which will take place in Hong Kong from November 11 to 15. The lineup includes hosts, analysts and commentators who will cover the five-day Counter-Strike 2 tournament, with the playoffs held at AsiaWorld-Arena.
The announcement confirms the return of several familiar BLAST personalities, including James “BanKs” Banks, Conner “Scrawny” Girvan, Mohan “launders” Govindasamy and the commentary duo of Daniel “ddk” Kapadia and James “BARDOLPH” Bardolph.
BLAST confirms ten broadcast personalities
The tournament will feature a ten-person broadcast crew responsible for desk analysis, interviews, commentary and arena hosting.
The complete talent lineup is:
Hosts and interviewers:
- Natalie “NatTea” Mahoney — Desk host and interviewer
- James “BanKs” Banks — Desk and show host
- Mike “DarfMike” Winnick — Arena host
- Kin Fung “stelight” Chan — Arena host
Analysts:
- Alex “Mauisnake” Ellenberg
- Donald “voo” Parkhurst
Commentators:
- Conner “Scrawny” Girvan
- Mohan “launders” Govindasamy
- Daniel “ddk” Kapadia
- James “BARDOLPH” Bardolph
NatTea returns for her fourth BLAST event after previously working at Open Rotterdam, Bounty Summer and Open Porto. She will share hosting responsibilities with BanKs, while DarfMike and stelight will handle arena duties.
Introducing our star-studded talent lineup, who are going to bring you all the incredible action LIVE from Hong Kong! 🇭🇰🤩
#BLASTPremier #MMarkEvents https://t.co/tN7vSd08Sg
— BLAST Premier 💥 (@BLASTPremier) November 5, 2026
Two commentary duos will cover the matches
The tournament will feature two established commentary pairings. Scrawny and launders will reunite for another BLAST event, while ddk and BARDOLPH will form the second duo.
Both pairs have previously worked together on Counter-Strike broadcasts, including other BLAST tournaments.
Mauisnake and voo will provide analysis throughout the competition, covering team performances, tactical decisions and results during the group stage and playoffs.
The broadcast team will cover matches from November 11, with live arena action beginning on November 13.
BLAST Rivals brings eight teams to Hong Kong
BLAST Rivals 2026 Season 2 will feature eight teams competing for a $1,000,000 prize pool. The tournament will take place from November 11 to 15, with the final three days hosted at AsiaWorld-Arena in Hong Kong.
The participating teams are:
- Vitality
- FURIA
- MOUZ
- Spirit
- Falcons
- G2
- FUT
- Legacy
The group stage will feature two double-elimination groups, with all matches played as Bo3. Six teams will advance to the single-elimination playoffs, where the Grand Final will be played as a Bo5.
FURIA enter the tournament as defending champions after winning the previous Hong Kong edition in 2025 with a 3:1 victory over Falcons.
BLAST Rivals Season 2 will also be the final BLAST Premier event of 2026 and one of the last major international tournaments before PGL Major Singapore 2026 begins on November 25.
