The second BLAST Open tournament of 2026 is set to bring together 16 top-tier teams competing for a massive $1.1 million combined prize and club share pool. The action kicks off in Copenhagen before culminating in Porto's Super Bock Arena.
Twelve tournament slots were initially determined by Global VRS standings as of the July 6 cutoff date, with four additional teams earning their places through regional qualifier victories. A last-minute roster change saw paiN stepping in to replace BetBoom, who withdrew due to visa complications. The Brazilian squad was the highest-ranked runner-up from the closed qualifiers.
Vitality will compete with a temporary lineup adjustment, featuring Justinas "jL" Lekavicius filling in for William "mezii" Merriman during his paternity leave.
The tournament employs a dual-phase structure. Two eight-team groups will fight through double-elimination brackets in Copenhagen from August 26-31, with all matches played in best-of-three format. Group A begins on August 26, followed by Group B the next day. Group winners secure direct passage to playoff semi-finals, while second and third-place finishers enter the quarter-finals.
The six surviving teams advance to Porto's Super Bock Arena for playoffs running through September 6. The grand final will be decided in a best-of-five series.
The prize distribution splits $400,000 in player winnings with $700,000 in club share. The champions claim $150,000 plus $100,000 club share, with decreasing amounts for lower placements down to 13th-16th receiving $5,000 plus $15,000 club share.
Former Astralis coach Casper "ruggah" Due joins the broadcast desk alongside familiar faces including hosts James "BanKs" Banks and Natalie "NatTea" Mahoney, with commentators Anders Blume and Henry "HenryG" Greer leading the action calls.
HLTV Fantasy players can compete for skin prizes including Shadow Daggers Tiger Tooth for first place.
