BLAST Bounty Stage 2 Draft: 100 Thieves Draw Spirit

The BLAST Bounty Stage 2 live draft has finalized the matchups for the final online qualification round, with eight teams now knowing exactly who stands between them and a trip to the LAN finals in Malta. The draft, conducted after a tumultuous Stage 1 that saw multiple top-tier organizations eliminated, gave lower-seeded teams the power to select their opponents for the decisive weekend matches.

Team representatives joined the broadcast to explain their choices, offering rare insight into the strategic thinking that shapes high-stakes Counter-Strike 2 competition. From confident declarations based on historical records to candid admissions about preferred opponents, the draft provided a transparent window into the priorities and pressures facing each squad.

The BLAST Bounty Stage 2 live draft has set the matchups for the final online qualification round, with eight lower-seeded teams selecting their opponents for a chance to reach the LAN finals in Malta. The draft followed a chaotic Stage 1 that saw multiple favorites eliminated, reshaping the competitive landscape heading into the weekend’s decisive matches. Stage 1 included the elimination of Falcons, Vitality, FURIA, and Aurora.

As the lowest seed, Ninjas in Pyjamas held the first pick, initiating a sequence of strategic choices that will define the path to the offline event. The draft format allowed teams to leverage veto advantages and historical results, with several captains and coaches joining the broadcast to explain their reasoning directly to the audience.

The most anticipated selection came from 100 Thieves, who, as the last team to pick, were left with Spirit as their opponent for the LAN Finals spot. Graham “messioso” Pitt, speaking on the broadcast, acknowledged the outcome was exactly what the team expected, indicating a prepared mindset for the high-stakes clash.

Draft Order and Team Selections

The draft order was determined by seeding, with the lowest-ranked teams picking first. Ninjas in Pyjamas initiated the process, though their specific opponent choice was not detailed in the immediate broadcast coverage. The focus quickly shifted to subsequent selections that featured direct commentary from team representatives.

HOTU’s David “n0rb3r7” Danielyan joined the broadcast to announce his team’s decision to face Astralis. He admitted that The MongolZ would have been their first pick if the squad had still been available, revealing a clear preference hierarchy that guided their strategy. The selection pits HOTU against a historically strong organization, adding pressure to their qualification bid.

3DMAX’s Damien “wasiNk” Dufour explained the rationale behind choosing FUT as their Stage 2 opponents. He pointed to a favorable record, noting that 3DMAX had beaten FUT twice in past encounters. “It’s a good veto for us, and we like to play them,” wasiNk stated, underscoring the importance of map pool compatibility and psychological comfort in the decision.

Liquid, riding the momentum of their Stage 1 upset over Vitality, set their sights on G2. The selection reflects growing confidence within the roster, as articulated by flashie during his broadcast appearance. The matchup promises a clash between a surging underdog and an established contender, with a LAN finals berth on the line.

• 100 Thieves, as the last to pick, were left with Spirit as their opponent for the LAN Finals spot, a matchup Graham “messioso” Pitt said the team expected.
• HOTU selected Astralis, with David “n0rb3r7” Danielyan admitting The MongolZ would have been their first choice if still available.
• 3DMAX chose FUT, with Damien “wasiNk” Dufour citing a two-win historical record and favorable veto conditions as key factors.
• Liquid targeted G2 following their Stage 1 upset over Vitality, with Viktor “flashie” Tamás Bea expressing confidence in the team’s ability to compete consistently.

The draft also provided a platform for players to share candid reflections on team morale and personal motivations. Liquid’s Viktor “flashie” Tamás Bea offered insight into the squad’s confidence following their earlier upset victory against Vitality, a result that eliminated one of the tournament favorites in Stage 1. Liquid had earlier taken a scalp against Vitality.

Flashie emphasized that the team now knows they can compete at the highest level, but stressed the need for consistency moving forward. He also revealed that Liquid anticipated MOUZ would be available alongside Spirit during the selection process, suggesting a degree of strategic forecasting within the camp.

Player Reactions and Team Morale

Beyond the tactical selections, the draft broadcast captured lighter moments that highlighted personal storylines within the competition. Erik “ztr” Gustafsson joked about his desire to eliminate all his former teammates, noting that ash and GamerLegion had already been checked off his list. “Just PR is left,” he quipped, referencing a remaining former colleague and adding a layer of personal narrative to the professional stakes.

The Stage 1 results created an unusually open field for Stage 2, with prominent organizations such as Falcons, Vitality, FURIA, and Aurora already eliminated. This series of upsets has lowered the perceived barrier for lower-seeded teams while intensifying the pressure on remaining favorites to avoid similar fates. The draft selections reflect a mix of confidence and caution as teams navigate the altered competitive landscape.

With the Stage 2 matchups now locked in, the eight qualification clashes will unfold across Saturday and Sunday, determining which teams secure their tickets to the LAN finals in Malta. The draft has produced a mix of tactical selections and unavoidable showdowns, setting the stage for a decisive weekend of online Counter-Strike 2 action. The winners of the eight matches will receive a ticket to the LAN finals in Malta.