The second batch of Round 1 of the BLAST Bounty Winter 2026 Closed Qualifier matchups goes underway tomorrow, and here’s what’s on the table.

Passion UA vs GamerLegion

David vs Sligthly Less-David. Passion UA are ranked a bit higher globally and have shown some good performances lately, putting up some decent performances against strong opponents in recent months. They’re even given equal or even better odds by some bookies – something that would be very incorrect early to mid 2025.

GamerLegion are coming in after a disappointing Major run, being one of the first teams knocked out of the tournament. The recent addition of Snax is their hope for experience carrying them when rounds get messy – something that they’ve been struggling with in recent months.

There’s no doubt that Passion UA has the firepower to come on top, but I think adding Snax as the IGL will bring much needed direction for GamerLegion and make the difference over a best-of-three series.

Prediction: GamerLegion 2-1, in a close game.

Friendly Campers vs HEROIC

Friendly Campers are not in the BLAST Bounty Winter because they’ve had crazy S-tier performances, they’re here replacing NRG who backed out at the last moment, and it’s a great opportunity for them to make noise. Their recent results are mixed (at best), without having any consistent wins even in tier-2.

HEROIC on the other hand, are a step above in terms of pedigree. They’re in the top25 teams globally, and even if their recent Bo3’s haven’t been spotless, they have fundamentals and much more experience in S-tier tournaments, that makes me hard-lean in their favor here.

Prediction: HEROIC clean 2-0.

Monte vs Natus Vincere

Monte are the wildcard. They don’t make any major headlines, but can for sure deliver a surprising half here and there. NAVI, by contrast, are historically composed and structured, even if this specific NAVI lineup brought many questions in previous months.

Despite their earlier mixed results, they’re now coming off a great run in the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, and if they continue riding momentum and don’t underestimate Monte, they should bulldoze their way to round 2 with ease.

Prediction: NAVI in 2.

Virtus.pro vs Team Vitality

This one feels like the easiest of the pick ‘em’s batch, and the numbers are not painting a pretty picture for Virtus.pro. Vitality comes in off a Major win, and voted the best CS2 team of 2025, being the benchmark that everyone chases.

Odds boards and analytics agree – Vitality are the heavy favorites in this matchup. Recent odds in markets has Vitality around 1.09 to win the Bo3, which I’m not even mad about. In spite the fact they’re voted as the best team of 2025, they’ve also got a couple more “bests” in the team – apEX voted the best IGL, mezii as the best anchor, ropz taking the bronze in the global player rankings, with ZywOo topping it.

Virtus.pro can make some noise early if things get their way, but that’s simply not enough to swing a series against a team like Vitality.

Prediction: Vitality 2-0, easiest pick in today’s batch of matchups.