The lineup for the Thunderpick World Championship 2026 Closed Qualifier has been finalized, featuring sixteen teams competing for a single coveted spot at the main event. The prize? A chance to compete at the million-dollar LAN finals in Malta.
Seven additional slots at the Malta event will be determined through invitations based on the August 3 VRS rankings, making this closed qualifier crucial for teams seeking alternative routes to the championship.
Among the notable squads confirmed are Ninjas in Pyjamas, now led by new in-game leader Karim "Krimbo" Moussa. The 23-year-old has posted a 0.92 rating across eight maps in the past three months, with a 0.59 KPR and 0.65 DPR. Other prominent organizations in the mix include HEROIC and 100 Thieves.
The qualifier will be predominantly European, but two teams will provide regional diversity. Wildcard and BESTIA stand as the sole non-European representatives in the online competition, bringing North and South American flavor to the bracket.
With sixteen teams entering and only one advancing, the closed qualifier promises intense competition as squads battle for their shot at the prestigious Malta LAN event and its substantial prize pool.
