BLAST Bounty Winter 2026 Preview & Power Rankings: Can Falcons and Spirit Stop Vitality?

The BLAST Bounty Winter 2026 tournament officially opens the competitive CS2 season. The event begins with an online stage (January 13–18), after which the top teams advance to the LAN finals in Malta (January 22–25). A total of 32 teams enter the competition, but only eight will reach the studio playoffs, where the champion will be decided in a best-of-five grand final.

This tournament is especially important because it coincides with a major map pool change: Anubis replaces Train following the end of Premier Season 3. As a result, BLAST Bounty is not just a season opener, but also the first real test of how top teams adapt to the new competitive environment.

CS2 Power Rankings Ahead of BLAST Bounty

1. Team Vitality – Clear Favorites

Vitality enter BLAST Bounty Winter 2026 as the main title contenders. Their roster stability, proven championship experience, and tactical depth make them the safest pick on paper. Unlike several rivals, Vitality are not heavily affected by the Anubis–Train swap, as both maps were already part of their effective rotation last season.

Another key factor is the current transfer market. With player buyouts reaching record levels, even top organizations have avoided risky roster moves. Vitality benefit directly from this situation, as they start the year without internal upheaval and with clearly defined roles.

2. FURIA – High Potential, Draft Concerns

FURIA remain one of the most dangerous teams in the field, but the new map pool introduces uncertainty. Historically, Anubis has been one of their weaker maps, while Train was among their more reliable picks. Early in the season, this could force FURIA into uncomfortable veto decisions, especially against well-prepared European teams.

That said, their aggressive style and individual skill ceiling still make them a legitimate playoff threat.

3. Team Falcons – Pressure on the Superteam

Few teams face more scrutiny than Falcons. Built as a long-term superteam project, they are still searching for a defining tournament win. BLAST Bounty Winter 2026 represents an opportunity to prove that patience and continuity are paying off.

The coaching staff has emphasized stability and long-term development rather than reactive roster changes. This event will show whether Falcons can finally translate individual star power into consistent results under tournament pressure.

4. Team Spirit – The Biggest Wild Card

Team Spirit arrive with one of the most talked-about storylines of the offseason: a new in-game leader. The team recently restructured its roster and leadership, placing IGL responsibilities on magixx. While leadership changes often take time to stabilize, Spirit still rely on elite firepower—most notably donk, whose form alone can swing matches.

Early tournaments like BLAST Bounty are notoriously volatile, which gives Spirit real upset potential if their new system clicks faster than expected.

Anubis Replaces Train: Why the Map Pool Matters

The removal of Train and return of Anubis is one of the most impactful changes heading into 2026. Anubis encourages faster rotations, heavy mid control, and coordinated utility usage—qualities that favor well-drilled teams early in the season.

Some players have already noted that Anubis feels more modern and dynamic, while others argue that Train deserved more time in CS2. Regardless, BLAST Bounty Winter 2026 will likely reveal which teams adapted fastest to the new meta.

Additional Tournament Updates

NRG withdrew from the online stage and were replaced by Friendly Campers, slightly reshaping the early bracket.

Former Spirit captain chopper will appear as a community caster, adding extra narrative weight to Spirit’s matches.

BLAST confirmed that all playoff matches will be played on LAN in Malta, reinforcing the importance of stage experience.

BLAST Bounty Winter 2026 Predictions

Top favorite: Team Vitality

Best challenger: Team Falcons

Dark horse: Team Spirit

Key X-factor: The Anubis–Train map pool change

BLAST Bounty Winter 2026 is not just about winning a trophy—it’s about setting the tone for the entire CS2 season. Early dominance, successful adaptation, and confidence gained here could define the competitive hierarchy of 2026.