BLAST Rotterdam 2026-oppsummering: Team Vitality sikrer seg nok et trofé

From March 18 to 29, one of the key tournaments of the CS2 competitive season took place — BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026. The event was important not only because of its prize pool and Freq. Flyer Tokens, but also due to its impact on the VRS ranking, which plays a crucial role in Major invitations. Team Vitality once again confirmed their status as the strongest team by securing another title this season. In this article, we take a look at how the action unfolded in Rotterdam.

BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026 Format and the Road to Playoffs

The group stage of BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026 was held from March 18 to 23 in a double-elimination (GSL) format, with two groups of eight teams each. All matches were played in a Best-of-3 format. The top three teams from each group advanced to the playoffs: group winners moved directly to the semifinals, runners-up advanced to the quarterfinals as high seeds, and third-place teams qualified as low seeds.

Group A

Group A kicked off with confident wins from the favorites: FURIA defeated TYLOO (2:0), Aurora Gaming overcame FaZe Clan (2:1), Natus Vincere beat B8 (2:1), and Team Falcons secured a 2:0 victory over NRG. In the upper bracket, Aurora continued their strong run by eliminating FURIA (2:0), while NAVI defeated Falcons (2:1). In the upper bracket final, the Ukrainian squad convincingly beat Aurora (2:0) to secure a direct spot in the semifinals.

The lower bracket was even more intense: TYLOO pulled off a surprise win over FaZe, NRG defeated B8, but Falcons later stopped TYLOO, while FURIA eliminated NRG. In the lower bracket final, Falcons edged out FURIA (2:1) in a dramatic series to secure a playoff spot.

As a result, Natus Vincere (semifinals), Aurora Gaming, and Team Falcons advanced from Group A, while FURIA, despite being one of the favorites, were eliminated in the group stage.

Group B

Group B also began with dominant performances: Team Vitality defeated 9z (2:0), The MongolZ shocked MOUZ (2:0), Team Spirit beat Team Liquid (2:0), and PARIVISION edged out Ninjas in Pyjamas (2:1). In the upper bracket, PARIVISION continued their impressive run by defeating Spirit (2:0), but fell to Vitality (0:2) in the upper bracket final, as the French squad secured a direct semifinal spot.

In the lower bracket, the competition remained fierce: 9z eliminated MOUZ, Team Liquid defeated NiP, but The MongolZ later knocked out Liquid, while Spirit eliminated 9z. In the lower bracket final, The MongolZ convincingly defeated Spirit (2:0) to claim the final playoff spot.

Ultimately, Team Vitality (semifinals), PARIVISION, and The MongolZ advanced from Group B, while teams like MOUZ and Team Liquid were eliminated early.

Playoffs: Decisive Matches and the Fight for the Title

The playoffs delivered several exciting matchups and clearly defined the tournament’s top contender. In the quarterfinals, PARIVISION confidently defeated Team Falcons (2:0), while Aurora Gaming dominated The MongolZ (2:0). The semifinals were more competitive: Natus Vincere overcame PARIVISION (2:1), while Team Vitality comfortably defeated Aurora (2:0).

The grand final became the highlight of the tournament — NAVI tried to challenge their opponents and showed a better level of play, but Team Vitality once again proved their dominance. The French side is currently in incredible form: they looked more consistent, more confident, and gave their opponents no real chance, closing the series 3:0. Right now, Vitality are playing at a level where they simply have no equal on the scene.

Surprises and Disappointments of BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026

As for surprises, there were very few. Vitality once again proved they are the strongest team with no real rivals. They confidently passed through the group stage, playoffs, and eventually defeated NAVI 3:0 in the grand final. NAVI, in turn, tried to get closer to turning the series in their favor, but ultimately failed.

It is also worth highlighting The MongolZ, who secured an important elimination match victory against Spirit and reached the playoffs. However, they lost to Aurora 0:2 in the quarterfinals.

The biggest disappointments were FURIA, FaZe, and MOUZ. FURIA lost the decisive match to Falcons, FaZe were eliminated by TYLOO, and MOUZ failed to reach the playoffs after losing to The MongolZ and 9z.

What’s Next After BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026?

Following the conclusion of BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026, the season continues with the next tournament — PGL Bucharest 2026, which will take place from April 4 to April 11.

The previous event was convincingly won by Team Vitality, who are currently in excellent form and look like the best team on the scene.

At the same time, the Bucharest event will be even more interesting, as neither Natus Vincere nor Vitality will participate, making the title race more open and giving other teams a chance to shine. Additionally, during PGL Bucharest 2026 — specifically on April 6 — it will be determined which teams will receive invitations to the IEM Cologne Major 2026, which stages they will start from, and which teams will miss out on the Major entirely.