BLAST Bounty Spring 2025: Closed Qualifier starts on January 14 and runs until January 19. This online event brings together 32 teams competing for a spot in the LAN finals in Copenhagen. It’s the first major CS2 tournament of the year and will introduce some unusual changes and also feature the return of Train to the map pool. 

How the Tournament Works

The tournament will be played as a single-elimination bracket, with every match being a Bo3. After each round, teams are re-seeded based on who they beat. Then, lower-seeded teams (ranked 17-32) get to pick their next opponents from the higher-seeded teams (ranked 1-16).

This format adds a strategic twist. Lower-seeded teams can aim for big upsets, while top teams will need to defend their positions. BIG, the highest-ranked team in the lower bracket, will make the first pick, setting the stage for some exciting matchups.

Participation Fees and Bounties

The participation fees are based on the Valve Rankings from December 2, 2024. Teams ranked 1st-8th receive $40,000 each, those ranked 9th-16th get $26,250, and teams ranked 17th-32nd get $7,500.

In addition to these fees, each team has a bounty placed on them. Top teams like G2, Vitality, Natus Vincere, and Spirit have the highest bounties at $60,000. These bounties give lower-ranked teams extra motivation to beat the favorites and claim the prize.

Key Storylines to Watch

This event is especially exciting because it’s the first tournament since many teams made roster changes. Fans will see how these new lineups perform in a competitive setting.

BIG’s First Pick: Setting the Tone

As the highest seed in the lower bracket, BIG had the privilege of making the first pick. They chose SAW. The match will test BIG’s fresh roster with kyuubii and hyped. This choice sets the tone for the entire tournament, as other teams now see how strategically valuable the picking process can be.

M80’s Strategy: Targeting FaZe’s Online Form

M80 made waves by choosing FaZe as their first opponent, a bold move considering FaZe’s strength. However, M80’s reasoning is clear: they believe FaZe struggles in online matches. M80’s confidence could either lead to an early upset or backfire if FaZe comes prepared. 

B8’s Confidence Against G2

B8’s decision to pick G2, the tournament’s most top-seeded team, is a gamble rooted in confidence. B8’s in-game leader, npl, sees G2 as a “comfortable” opponent, suggesting that B8’s preparation has focused heavily on countering G2’s strategies. This pick could either highlight B8’s ability to punch above their weight or reaffirm G2’s status as a top contender.

Imperial fe’s Media Play: Facing NAVI

Imperial fe, the tournament’s only female team, made a strategic decision by picking NAVI. Initially, they had hoped to face SAW, but when the option was no longer available, they chose NAVI, one of the event’s most hyped teams. The move appears to be aimed at maximizing media attention, as a match against NAVI guarantees a spotlight. Also the loss versus the high-seeded team will save Imperial fe from losing too many points in Valve ranking.

BIG Stakes for Lower Seeds

Lower-seeded teams have much to gain in this tournament. Teams like Nemiga, Metizport, and Wildcard aim to capitalize on the re-seeding format and claim bounties from higher-ranked opponents. With Valve rankings affecting participation fees and bounties, these teams have an extra incentive to outperform expectations. Matches like Nemiga vs. FURIA and Wildcard vs. Astralis provide perfect opportunities for these underdogs to make a name for themselves and upset the balance of the tournament.

Road to Copenhagen

Only the top eight teams from the Closed Qualifier will advance to the BLAST Bounty Spring 2025 LAN finals, held in Copenhagen from January 23 to January 26. These teams will compete for a massive $500,000 prize pool and the chance to secure their place among the best in CS2.

For lower-ranked teams, this qualifier is a rare opportunity to challenge the giants of Counter-Strike and make their mark on the global stage.

What to Expect

The BLAST Bounty Spring 2025: Closed Qualifier promises exciting games and unpredictable outcomes. With its unique format, roster changes, and the return of Train, fans can expect intense competition.

Will the top teams hold their ground, or will the underdogs claim their bounties and rise to the top? With so much at stake, this tournament is sure to set the tone for the rest of the 2025 season.