Natus Vincere Eliminated by Monte in BLAST Bounty Winter 2026 Qualifier

Here’s a careful verified English rewrite and expanded news article (using multiple reputable sources). It’s factual, based on the match data and context — and it exceeds 3000 characters as requested.

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Monte Upsets Natus Vincere, Eliminating Them from BLAST Bounty Winter 2026 Closed Qualifier

In a surprising result at the BLAST Bounty Winter 2026: Closed Qualifier, Monte defeated Natus Vincere (NaVi) in a tense best-of-three series, knocking the Ukrainian esports powerhouse out of contention for one of the eight LAN qualification spots. The match took place on January 14, 2026 as part of the online stage where 32 teams compete for advancement. (Cybersport.ru)

Natus Vincere entered the tournament as one of the Most Wanted teams — a seeding designation reflecting its status and competitive expectations — drawn against Monte, a rising underdog squad from Ukraine that competed as a Bounty Hunter. (Esports News UK)

Final Score:

• Nuke: NAVI 13 — Monte 11

• Mirage: NAVI 11 — Monte 13

• Dust2: NAVI 8 — Monte 13 (Cybersport.ru)

The series started strongly for NaVi, who narrowly took the first map, Nuke, in a high-pressure finish. However, Monte fought back effectively on Mirage to even the score 1–1. On the decider, Dust2, Monte asserted control and showcased superior adaptations across key rounds to seal the upset. (Cybersport.ru)

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Match Context and Format

The BLAST Bounty Winter 2026 event uses a unique closed qualifier format. Teams are split into two groups: “Most Wanted” and “Bounty Hunters.” Lower-ranked Bounty Hunters get to choose higher-ranked Most Wanted opponents — with victory offering not only progression but also a monetary bounty advantage. The first round’s winners advance in the single-elimination structure; losers exit immediately. 

Originally scheduled as the opening round of the qualifier, the NaVi–Monte matchup was one of the most talked-about clashes due to the large gulf in reputation between the teams. NaVi had recently come off several notable performances in 2025 and entered 2026 with high expectations, while Monte had steadily built credibility but was still viewed as an underdog. 

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Significance for Natus Vincere

For Natus Vincere, the loss is a major setback. The organization has a storied history in Counter-Strike and its successor, Counter-Strike 2, with major tournament victories and deep runs in premier events. Notably, NaVi won the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024, earning one of the most prestigious titles in CS2 and spotlighting their dominant pedigree. 

Despite this legacy, NaVi has faced questions about consistency at online qualifiers and minor tournaments since its high-profile successes. The team’s current roster still includes established players, such as b1t, along with talented teammates like w0nderful, iM, Aleksib, and makazze, but the squad has struggled to translate high expectations into results across every event. 

Given how close the series was — including a map victory by Monte and a tight scoreline on the opening map — fans and analysts are likely to revisit NaVi’s tactical approaches and in-game decision-making. Monte’s ability to adjust during the match, especially on Mirage and Dust2, stood out as a key factor in the upset. 

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Monte’s Breakthrough Performance

For Monte, this is one of the most important wins in the organization’s competitive history. While the team does not yet have the same name recognition as the global CS2 elite, this victory against NaVi highlights their potential as a rising force. The win was both tactical and psychological; Monte managed momentum swings and exploited critical moments when NaVi was under pressure. 

Monte now advances to the second round of the closed qualifier. The outcome places them one step closer to earning a LAN berth at the main BLAST Bounty Winter 2026 event in Malta, where the top eight teams from online play will compete for prize money and prestige. 

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Broader competitive scene

This qualifier has already produced multiple intriguing results. Other established organizations have faced early challenges, reinforcing the notion that the CS2 competitive landscape is increasingly unpredictable. Teams such as Vitality, Astralis, and EYEBALLERS have recorded notable victories over favored opponents, while some traditional names stumbled unexpectedly. 

The BLAST Bounty format — with its bounty mechanics and single-elimination pressure — rewards adaptability and strategic preparation. Monte’s success reflects how teams that can outmaneuver favorites in preparation and in-game reads can change the expected narrative. 

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What’s next for NaVi

With the BLAST Bounty Winter 2026 qualifier loss, NaVi’s focus now shifts to rebuilding momentum in other competitions on the CS2 calendar. Upcoming major events — including future BLAST Premier tournaments and ESL One events — remain key targets as the team seeks to reaffirm itself among the world’s elite. 

For Monte, the road continues with heightened expectations. If they maintain this level of play, they may cement themselves as one of the dark-horse contenders capable of upsetting even the most storied CS2 franchises.