The MongolZ Eliminate Liquid at BLAST Open Rotterdam as Pistol Round Struggles Continue

The MongolZ eliminated Liquid from BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026 with a convincing 2-0 victory in the Group B lower-bracket semi-final. The series featured a hard-fought Ancient (16-14 OT) followed by a controlled Mirage (13-10), ending Liquid’s campaign early.

Despite competitive scorelines, Liquid’s biggest issue proved decisive: their inability to win pistol rounds. Across the tournament, Liquid lost 13 out of 14 pistol rounds, failing to convert early momentum in nearly every match.

Pistol Round Collapse Defines Liquid’s Tournament Exit

Liquid’s pistol struggles were not just a stat — they dictated the outcome of entire maps.

Lost 13/14 pistol rounds

Failed to convert their only pistol win

Consistently played from economic disadvantage

On Ancient, Liquid staged an impressive comeback from 4-10 down, pushing the map into overtime. However, Garidmagnai “bLitz” Byambasuren secured a crucial 1v3 clutch at 14-14, swinging momentum permanently in The MongolZ’s favor.

Mirage followed a similar script. Liquid stayed competitive at 10-11, but Ayush “mzinho” Batbold delivered multiple clutch rounds, including a decisive 1v2 in round 22, sealing the series.

Liquid’s New Roster Still Searching for Stability

This event marked the debut of Mario “malbsMd” Samayoa in Liquid’s lineup. While the team showed flashes of potential, consistency remained an issue.

Liquid’s BLAST Rotterdam Results:

Lost to Spirit (0-2)

Beat Ninjas in Pyjamas (2-1)

 Lost to The MongolZ (0-2)

The team exits the tournament with a 1-2 record, highlighting ongoing adaptation challenges.

Coach Viktor “flashie” Tamás Bea emphasized the importance of the new addition:

“malbsMd has amazing comms… he’s not trying to control the game around him. That’s exactly what we needed.”

However, he also admitted deeper structural issues:

“We never got the chance to focus on what we should be focusing on… we’re finally on the right path.”

MalbsMd himself kept expectations grounded ahead of the event:

“I want to be the malbs that I once was… we need to get really good at fundamentals.”

The MongolZ Continue Their Breakout Run

With this victory, The MongolZ reinforce their position as one of the most dangerous rising teams in CS2.

Key highlights of their recent form:

Eliminated Liquid at BLAST Open Rotterdam

Secured first-ever BO3 win vs MOUZ

Reached ESL Pro League Season 23 LAN stage (3-1 record)

Their performance against Liquid showcased:

Strong clutch factor (multiple 1vX wins)

Composure under pressure

Improved late-round decision-making

Roster Changes and Rising Pressure

The MongolZ’s success comes despite roster pressure. New player Anarbileg “cobrazera” Uuganbayar joined under difficult circumstances, replacing fan-favorite Senzu.

Cobrazera commented on the transition:

“That kind of pressure is the hardest part.”

Even with lineup changes and occasional absence of coach maaRaa, the team continues to deliver results on big stages.

What’s Next?

Following this win, The MongolZ advanced to face Spirit in the lower-bracket final, fighting for a spot in the BLAST Open Rotterdam playoffs.

For Liquid, the focus shifts to:

Fixing pistol round performance

Stabilizing communication structure

Building synergy with malbsMd