The Stage 1 Round of 32 at BLAST Bounty 2026 Season 1 presents a classic underdog-versus-favorite scenario as 9INE face off against FURIA in a Bo3 series. While the seeding gap is significant, this matchup still offers tactical intrigue, especially in the veto phase and early-map dynamics.
Road to the Match
9INE arrive at this match as a team still building consistency at the international level. Recent results show mixed performances: solid wins against M80, Wildcard, and Venom contrast with a heavy loss to NRG in a Bo5. Their playstyle leans heavily on structure and set-piece execution rather than explosive individual output.
shield has emerged as the most reliable performer in recent months, offering stability in both anchor roles and late-round situations. However, across full series, 9INE often struggle to maintain pressure once opponents adapt to their defaults.
FURIA enter the series as one of the tournament favorites and the highest seed in this matchup. Despite a narrow loss to NAVI, their recent wins over G2, Imperial, and Falcons highlight a team operating at elite pace. The roster blends experience and aggression, with FalleN orchestrating the game while KSCERATO and YEKINDAR provide consistent impact.
FURIA’s identity is clear: fast tempo, confident mid-round calls, and relentless pressure once they gain economic control.
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Current Form & Context
The gap in form and depth between the teams is noticeable. 9INE rely on clean execution and discipline to stay competitive, but their margin for error is extremely small. Falling behind early often forces them into predictable patterns.
FURIA, by contrast, thrive in chaotic situations. Their ability to recover rounds through individual plays and aggressive re-peeks makes them especially dangerous against teams that hesitate in mid-round decision-making.
Map Pool & Veto Analysis (Bo3, last 3 months)
Win rates:
- Dust2: 9INE 73% | FURIA 100%
- Mirage: 9INE — | FURIA 71%
- Inferno: 9INE 56% | FURIA 62%
- Nuke: 9INE 38% | FURIA 83%
- Overpass: 9INE 67% | FURIA 90%
- Ancient: 9INE 36% | FURIA —
- Anubis: not played
Likely bans:
- 9INE remove Nuke — a clear strength for FURIA.
- FURIA remove Ancient — limited data and lower priority.
Likely picks:
- 9INE pick Dust2 — their strongest and most played map.
- FURIA pick Overpass or Nuke — maps where their control and aggression shine.
Most likely decider: Inferno — a balanced battleground where structure meets tempo.
Key Duels
- shield vs KSCERATO
Consistency versus world-class efficiency. If shield cannot keep pace, 9INE will struggle to hold sites.
- cej0t vs YEKINDAR
Discipline against controlled aggression. Early-round control here could decide halves.
- FalleN vs ralz (IGL perspective)
Experience and adaptability heavily favor FURIA in mid-round scenarios.
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Prediction
9INE have a realistic chance to compete on their map pick, particularly Dust2, where structure and aim can reduce the gap. However, across a full Bo3, FURIA’s superior firepower, deeper map pool, and ability to punish mistakes should decisively tilt the series. Unless FURIA significantly underperform, this matchup strongly favors the Brazilian side.
Expected score: FURIA 2–0 9INE
