It’s time for more exhilarating tier one Counter-Strike action, this time at Rotterdam’s Ahoy Arena for BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026’s playoffs.
Aurora, The MongolZ, and Falcons want to lift their first trophy of the year, PARIVISION and NAVI want to follow up on previous success, while Team Vitality are looking to extend their reign of terror.
Who will come out on top at BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026?
Vitality and NAVI are awaiting in the semi-finals. Image credit: BLAST
Despite several of the best CS2 teams, like MOUZ and FURIA, falling short in the group stage, the playoff bracket is still stacked with solid teams and exciting matchups.
Vitality and NAVI came out on top in their respective groups, winning three straight games and booking themselves semi-final spots right off the bat. Fans will get to see them in action in the Ahoy Arena on Saturday, March 28th.
Filling out the bracket are the quarter-final teams, with Aurora taking on The MongolZ to kick off the playoffs, followed by an intriguing clash between PARIVISION and Falcons.
While all the contenders are capable of beating each other, the question is whether anyone has what it takes to take down Vitality at BLAST Rotterdam?
Aurora haven’t missed any playoffs since BLAST Bounty. Image credit: © ESL
As all the top contenders from 2025 are struggling to establish themselves, Aurora are quietly stringing together solid results. The Turks have made it out of the groups at every event since BLAST Bounty at the start of the year.
While their playoff qualification record is impressive, they tend to underperform on the stage relative to their group stage form. Ismailcan “XANTARES” Dörtkardeş’s individual playoff level is especially concerning.
However, the Turkish superstar recently revealed on a livestream that he has been struggling with health-related issues in his hand, which explains the up-and-down nature of his performances.
Not many people expected The MongolZ to get to the playoffs, considering they are playing without their coach, and they had to face Spirit in the deciding game, but they managed to pull through in the end.
Their slightly revamped roster is gelling well, with Ayush “mzinho” Batbold stepping up his individual numbers this year. The MongolZ bested Aurora in their last encounter, and the chances are they will do it again.
Score prediction:
Odds:
Odds courtesy of GG.Bet Esports. Odds are subject to change.
Can Falcons finally lift a tier one trophy? Image credit: © StarLadder
PARIVISION have proved once again that they belong among the world elite, qualifying for yet another playoffs and beating Spirit along the way. Dzhami “Jame” Ali is a specialist at countering the star power of his opponents.
That’s why Falcons have been a great matchup for them this year. PARIVISION’s BLAST Bounty trophy came directly after beating them 3-0 in the first BO5 Grand Final of 2026. Can Falcons come out on top this time?
It’s tough to call. PARIVISION have looked like a more cohesive unit so far at BLAST Rotterdam, losing only to Vitality after two close maps. Whereas Falcons lost to NAVI and narrowly came out on top against FURIA.
While Falcons have some of the best CS2 players within their roster, PARIVISION should have the measure of their opponents once again, even though they are the CS2 betting underdogs.
Score prediction:
Odds:
CS2 Odds courtesy of GG.Bet. Odds are subject to change.
Featured image credit: © BLAST
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