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Thunderpick World Championship confirms eight-team field and $1 million prize pool
MAT2026-10-12

Thunderpick World Championship confirms eight-team field and $1 million prize pool

Thunderpick World Championship confirms eight-team field and $1 million prize pool

The Thunderpick World Championship 2026 will take place in Malta from October 14–18, featuring eight Counter-Strike 2 teams competing for a total prize pool of $1 million.

Falcons , FURIA Esports , aurora and Legacy headline the tournament, with Ninjas in Pyjamas , PARIVISION , 9z and BETBOOM completing the lineup.

Eight teams divided into two groups

The tournament will feature two four-team groups, with the leading teams advancing to the playoffs.

Group A consists of Falcons , Ninjas in Pyjamas , 9z and aurora .

Group B features Legacy , PARIVISION , FURIA Esports and BETBOOM.

Ninjas in Pyjamas replaced Virtus.pro following the organization's withdrawal due to roster availability problems.

Legacy will also welcome back in-game leader Andrei "arT" Piovezan, who missed ESL Pro League Season 24 while recovering from meningitis.

Opening-day schedule

All four opening matches will take place on October 14.

The schedule, converted to Bangkok/Jakarta time, is:

The competition will conclude on October 18, with the playoffs deciding the championship.

Prize distribution confirmed

The winning organization will receive $500,000 in combined prize money and club share, while the runner-up will receive $250,000.

Third place will receive $100,000, fourth place $50,000, and the teams finishing fifth through eighth will receive smaller payouts.

Broadcast talent announced

The broadcast lineup includes established casting pairs SPUNJ and Machine , alongside Hugo and JustHarry.

Tech Girl and stunna will host the analyst desk, joined by tedd, Bleh, ynk and moses.

BanKs and Heccu will handle stage and sideline duties.

The event represents another significant opportunity for teams to improve their competitive standing ahead of the PGL Major Singapore.