BLAST Bounty 2026 Season 1 continues with the matchup between Ninjas in Pyjamas and Liquid — two teams facing each other in a single elimination format, where any mistake can cost their tournament life. The winner advances and keeps their chances for a deep run in the bracket, while a loss means immediate elimination from the competition.
This matchup carries special weight: NiP come into the game on a winning streak and are looking to solidify their progress on the big stage, while Liquid aim to confirm their status as a stable top-tier team and stop the momentum of the Swedish squad.
BLAST BOUNTY 2026 SEASON 1 — TOURNAMENT START
BLAST Bounty 2026 Season 1 is held as an online tournament with a strict elimination system. Thirty-two teams participate, and every match is played in a Bo3 format.
There is no “warm-up” here — every series immediately decides a team’s fate in the tournament.
For Ninjas in Pyjamas and Liquid, this is a moment of truth: either a confident start and a psychological edge, or an early exit that immediately impacts the rankings and the overall confidence of the roster.
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HEAD-TO-HEAD — MINIMAL HISTORY, MAXIMUM PRESSURE
There are not many recent head-to-head meetings between Ninjas in Pyjamas and Liquid, which makes this match as open to different scenarios as possible.
Liquid are traditionally considered the more stable team over long distances, but NiP’s current form and their upset potential make this matchup far less predictable than it may seem at first glance.
In matches like this, it is not only the numbers that matter, but also the ability to adapt to the opponent throughout the series.
CURRENT FORM
Ninjas in Pyjamas — momentum and confidence
NiP come into this match on a five-match winning streak. The team looks far more composed than a few months ago: their round structure works better, the number of chaotic decisions has decreased, and key players are consistently winning their duels. In a Bo3 format, this gives NiP a serious advantage, as they are capable of setting the tempo of the series from the very first map.
Liquid — potential is there, but consistency is lacking
Liquid have a strong individual lineup, but recent results show inconsistency. The team can deliver a very convincing map and then collapse on the next one. Their main challenge in this match is to prevent NiP from imposing a fast tempo and force the series into a more positional, controlled style of play.
MAP POOL & VETO
Statistics for the last 3 months (Ninjas in Pyjamas | Liquid):
- Dust2: 33% | 60%
- Mirage: — | 60%
- Inferno: — | 57%
- Nuke: 71% | 50%
- Overpass: 67% | —
- Ancient: 50% | 67%
- Anubis: — | —
Expected veto:
- Ninjas in Pyjamas will almost certainly remove Mirage or Inferno — maps where Liquid look significantly more confident and have better statistics.
- Liquid are highly likely to ban Overpass, one of the strongest maps for NiP in recent times.
Probable picks:
- Ninjas in Pyjamas: Nuke — their most stable map, where the team controls the economy and tempo very well.
- Liquid: Dust2 — a comfortable map for their shooting-heavy style and active mid-round play.
Decider: Ancient looks like the most logical choice for the deciding map. Both teams have similar statistics here, and the result will largely depend on clutch situations and economy management.
KEY DUELS
- cairne vs NAF — a battle for stability and control of key positions
- r1nkle vs EliGE — a duel of aimers that can define the dynamics of the series
- Snappi vs ultimate — game reading and control over round tempo
In a Bo3, every won duel in the middle of the map can change the economy of the entire series.
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PREDICTION
Liquid have strong individual names and more experience on the big stage, but the current form of Ninjas in Pyjamas looks more convincing. Their winning streak, confidence in the map pool, and more stable game structure make NiP slight favorites in this matchup.
In a Bo3 format, stability and tempo control often become the key factors, and by these metrics, the advantage currently lies with NiP.
Predicted score: Ninjas in Pyjamas 2–1 Liquid
