MOUZ vs The MongolZ Headline Opening BLAST Open Rotterdam Matches
•February 19, 2026
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Why It Matters
The tournament’s prize pool and VRS points directly affect team rankings and Major qualification, while G2's absence opens a trophy opportunity for other contenders. It also underscores BLAST’s expanding role in the CS2 ecosystem through high‑profile partnerships.
Key Takeaways
- •MOUZ faces The MongolZ in opening match.
- •$400,000 prize pool across ten‑day Rotterdam tournament.
- •Top three from each group advance to playoffs.
- •Event offers VRS points for IEM Cologne Major qualification.
- •Defending champions G2 absent, opening trophy chances.
Pulse Analysis
BLAST Open Rotterdam cements its position as a cornerstone of the 2026 Counter‑Strike 2 calendar. Spanning twelve days, the event pits 16 elite squads in a two‑group, double‑elimination GSL format before converging on Rotterdam’s Ahoy Arena for a best‑of‑three knockout stage. The $400,000 prize pool not only draws top talent but also fuels intense competition for the lucrative payouts and the prestige of a Tier‑1 title, reinforcing BLAST’s reputation for delivering high‑stakes esports experiences.
Beyond the financial incentives, the tournament offers vital Valve Regional Standings (VRS) points, a critical metric for securing a berth at the upcoming IEM Cologne Major. Teams like MOUZ, The MongolZ, FaZe Clan, and Team Vitality view Rotterdam as a proving ground to solidify early‑season momentum. The opening clash between MOUZ and The MongolZ exemplifies the depth of the field, while matchups such as Team Falcons vs NRG and Team Spirit vs Team Liquid add further intrigue, shaping the competitive hierarchy ahead of the Major.
Strategically, BLAST leverages the event to deepen its partnership ecosystem, renewing ties with ASUS for six Tier‑1 CS2 events and aligning with Polymarket as the official prediction partner. These collaborations enhance fan engagement and sponsor visibility, signaling a maturation of esports business models. As the defending champions G2 sit out, the title is up for grabs, promising fresh narratives and potential shifts in the global CS2 power balance, which will reverberate through upcoming tournaments and the broader esports market.
MOUZ vs The MongolZ headline opening BLAST Open Rotterdam matches
Image credit: Michal Konkol, BLAST
Esports tournament organiser BLAST has revealed the opening matches taking place across the first two days of BLAST Open Rotterdam.
The first eight matches are headlined by MOUZ facing off against The MongolZ on March 19th.
Keep Reading
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BLAST reveals Polymarket as official prediction partner for 2026
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BLAST and ASUS renew partnership for six Tier 1 CS2 events in 2026
Announced on February 19th, the first eight series feature some of the world’s best Counter-Strike teams competing with the aim of beginning their tournament campaigns on the front foot. In addition to MOUZ taking on The MongolZ, Team Falcons will go up against NRG, while Team Vitality will battle against 9z in the last match of day two.
The full schedule for the first two days is as follows:
March 18th
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Team Falcons vs NRG
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NAVI vs B8
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FaZe Clan vs Aurora Gaming
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FURIA vs TYLOO
March 19th
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Parivision vs Ninjas in Pyjamas
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Team Spirit vs Team Liquid
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MOUZ vs The MongolZ
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Team Vitality vs 9z
BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026 Format
Taking place from March 18th to 29th, BLAST Open Rotterdam is the second Tier 1 tournament BLAST will be hosting this year. From March 18th to 23rd, the 16 teams will be split into two groups of eight. The top three from each double-elimination GSL group will advance to the playoffs to compete for the lion’s share of a $400,000 (~£297,276) prize pool.
The winners of each group will earn a place in the Semi-finals, while the runners-up will proceed to the quarter-finals as the high seed. Third-place teams will join the runners-up in the quarter-finals as low seeds.
The playoffs, running from March 27th to 29th, will see the remaining teams head to Rotterdam’s Ahoy Arena to compete in a best-of-three single-elimination bracket until the Grand Final, where a best-of-five will decide the winner.
Another Stacked CS2 Event
With teams continuing to earn Valve Regional Standings (VRS) points in a bid to book their place at the IEM Cologne Major, BLAST has attracted several notable names to its Rotterdam event.
The likes of Team Vitality and Parivision will aim to continue their strong start to the season, while FaZe Clan will hope to rediscover some form after an early exit from PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026.
Defending BLAST Open champions G2 Esports will not be attending BLAST Open Rotterdam, opening the door for another team to add a Tier 1 trophy to its collections.
The post MOUZ vs The MongolZ headline opening BLAST Open Rotterdam matches appeared first on Esports Insider.
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