CS2 predictions: BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026 Playoff Pick'ems Strategy Guide

The BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026 playoffs are where Pick'ems leaderboards are decided. The group stage created separation, but the single-elimination bracket is where smart decisions turn into real gains.

Six teams remain. Two have already secured semi-final spots, while four must fight through quarter-finals. The key is not predicting everything correctly. The key is understanding where to play safe and where to take calculated risks.

With +1 for correct and -1 for incorrect picks, every call now carries weight. One wrong upset can undo multiple correct safe picks.

BLAST Open Rotterdam CS2 Tournaments: Playoff Bracket and Decision Points

Quarter-finals: Aurora vs The MongolZ PARIVISION vs Falcons

Semi-finals: Vitality vs Aurora or The MongolZ Natus Vincere vs PARIVISION or Falcons

The most important Pick'ems decisions come in three areas. Choosing your quarter-final winners, identifying one semi-final upset if it exists, and locking in your grand final teams.

Start by mapping your bracket from the final backwards. This helps avoid inconsistent picks that cancel each other out.

Step 1: Lock Your Safe Core

Natus Vincere and Vitality as Foundation Picks

Natus Vincere and Vitality are the most reliable teams remaining. Both secured direct semi-final spots and avoided elimination pressure during the group stage.

NAVI showed structured play, strong CT sides, and efficient economy management. They consistently shut down opponents once rifles were in play and rarely gave away anti-eco rounds.

Vitality relied more on individual impact but achieved the same result. Their ability to win clutch situations, highlighted by ZywOo's 1v5, gives them a high floor even in chaotic matches.

These teams are less likely to drop series due to mistakes in map vetoes or economic mismanagement.

Choose battles wisely by locking at least one of these teams into your grand final. This reduces the risk of negative scoring.

Step 2: Identify Your Momentum Pick

The MongolZ as the Breakout Candidate

The MongolZ are the most dangerous wildcard in the bracket. Their 2-0 win over Spirit showed strong mental resilience and the ability to recover from losing positions.

They edged out Nuke in a close finish and then reversed a 1-7 deficit on Overpass. That type of comeback is built on confidence in mid-round decisions and strong individual performances.

mzinho led the way with consistent multi-kill rounds, while the team as a whole converted key force-buy situations.

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Momentum matters in playoffs. Teams that arrive with confidence often outperform expectations, especially in quarter-finals where pressure is immediate.

If you want to separate from the pack, this is your high-upside pick. Backing The MongolZ to win their quarter-final can create a scoring edge.

Step 3: Evaluate the Balanced Picks

Falcons vs PARIVISION as the Swing Matchup

This quarter-final is the hardest to call and the most important for Pick'ems differentiation.

Falcons advanced by defeating FURIA in a comeback-heavy series. They showed resilience, recovering from large deficits and adapting mid-game. m0NESY was a key factor, providing consistent impact in opening duels and retakes.

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PARIVISION, despite losing to Vitality, proved they can compete with top teams. Their structured approach and ability to push maps into close finishes make them a stable opponent.

The difference comes down to style. Falcons rely more on individual momentum and late-round recovery, while PARIVISION lean on structure and controlled setups.

This is your main decision point. Picking the correct winner here can swing your entire bracket score.

Step 4: Understand the Risk Teams

Aurora and Underdog Limitations

Aurora showed strong early-round aggression but struggled against structured teams like Natus Vincere. Once opponents stabilized economically, Aurora found it difficult to maintain control.

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They can win aim duels and create chaos, but their consistency across a full series is questionable.

Against a momentum team like The MongolZ, this becomes even more volatile. Both teams rely on confidence, but The MongolZ have shown better composure in late rounds.

Only pick Aurora if you are deliberately chasing a high-risk, high-reward outcome.

Step 5: Build Your Final Prediction

A strong Pick'ems bracket balances safe progression with one or two calculated risks.

Safe structure example:

Quarter-finals: The MongolZ and Falcons

Semi-finals: Vitality and Natus Vincere

Final: Vitality vs Natus Vincere

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Aggressive structure example:

Quarter-finals: Aurora and PARIVISION

Semi-finals: Aurora and Natus Vincere

Final: Natus Vincere vs Aurora

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The difference between these approaches is risk tolerance. The safe path protects against negative scoring, while the aggressive path aims for leaderboard jumps.

Build your bracket based on your current position. Protect your rank if you are ahead. Take risks if you need to climb.

CS2 Live Scoring: Key Factors to Track During Playoffs

Map vetoes will determine early advantages. Teams that force opponents into weaker maps gain control before the match begins.

CT side performance remains the most reliable indicator of success. Teams that hold sites and manage rotations effectively are less likely to drop series.

Clutch situations will decide close matches. Players like ZywOo and m0NESY can turn losing rounds into wins.

Momentum can override statistics. The MongolZ are the clearest example of a team peaking at the right time.

Follow these factors live and adjust your daily Pick'ems entries accordingly. Consistency across days builds long-term leaderboard success.

TL;DR

• Six teams remain in BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026 playoffs
• Vitality and Natus Vincere are the safest picks for deep runs
• The MongolZ are the top momentum team and highest-upside pick
• Falcons vs PARIVISION is the key swing matchup
• Aurora represent a high-risk option with lower consistency
• Best strategy: combine safe core picks with one calculated upset