BLAST organizers announced changes to the tournament format for BLAST Slam VI Malta, taking into account feedback from teams and the community. The main innovation is that all playoff stage matches will be played in a best-of-5 format, significantly increasing the competitive value of the tournament's decisive part.

More BO5 in the Decisive Stage

Previously, at BLAST Slam, the quarterfinals and semifinals were held in a BO3 format, with the grand final being the only BO5. Starting with BLAST Slam VI Malta, the format changes:

• Quarterfinals — BO5
• Semifinals — BO5
• Grand Final — BO5

Thus, each playoff series will require teams to demonstrate maximum draft depth, endurance, and strategic adaptation.

Groups and Play-Ins — Unchanged

The group stage and Play-Ins format remain the same. The tournament kicks off in early February and will be divided into several phases.

Group Stage (February 3–5, 2026)

• 12 teams
• Single Round Robin
• All matches — BO1
• A total of 66 matches
• Top 2 teams advance directly to the playoffs
• Up to 22 matches per day on two streams

Play-Ins (February 6–8, 2026)

• 4 teams
• 2 decisive series to qualify for the playoffs
• All matches — BO3
• A total of 6 matches
• Winners advance to the playoffs
• One main stream

Playoffs on LAN in Malta

The BLAST Slam VI playoffs will take place from February 13 to 15, 2026, on LAN at BLAST Studios (Malta). The final stage of the tournament will feature:

• 2 quarterfinals
• 2 semifinals
• Grand Final All series — BO5.

Switching to a full BO5 format throughout the playoffs makes BLAST Slam VI Malta more demanding on the teams' level and reduces the element of chance. For viewers, this means more content, deeper series, and true elimination marathons, where not only the strongest but also the most consistent team will prevail.