The BLAST Open Fall 2025: Closed Qualifier is about to begin—an event where 16 teams will compete for six limited spots in the final stage in London . It is there, at the OVO Wembley arena, that the decisive battle for the championship title and the grand prize of $150,000 will take place. The event promises to deliver thrilling intrigue to the audience: favorites will defend their status, while underdogs will seize the chance to make a loud statement.
Additionally, Counter-Strike legend Peter "dupreeh" Rasmussen shared his thoughts in a BLAST interview, naming his favorites and highlighting teams that could surprise even the titans of the scene.
Tournament Favorites
Spirit
The Russian team is currently in excellent form after victories in Cologne and at BLAST Bounty. The arrival of zweih has injected new energy into the team, while Donk remains a key factor that makes Spirit a highly dangerous opponent. However, dupreeh also pointed out their recent disappointing result at the EWC, where Spirit was eliminated early.
Spirit are looking scorching hot after their recent victories in Cologne and BLAST Bounty. Despite a very disappointing result at the Esports World Cup, I don't see anyone but Vitality and Mouz who could potentially danger Spirit .
Peter "dupreeh" Rasmussen
Vitality
Vitality is still considered a top contender for the title of the strongest in the world, but according to dupreeh, recent months have shown a series of inconsistent results. He noted that Vitality is still capable of winning, but "if they falter here, the crown could pass to another."
They themselves claim they are playing at a poor level - and their recent results are still within the top four - but our expectations for Vitality has been very simple this year: winning is the only option to not disappoint. However, not anymore. I still think Vitality should be considered the best team in the world.
Peter "dupreeh" Rasmussen
Mouz
Mouz regularly reaches the top 4 and finals, but falling just short of the title has become a chronic issue. The team has a strong lineup, but as dupreeh believes, compared to giants like Spirit and Vitality , they still lack the decisive step.
I don't know the recipe for the issue because you're making a ton of top fours and grand finals - but when do you get tired of never claiming that trophy and look for changes? I hope they continue as a unit, but something has to happen sooner or later. I haven't lost my faith. Yet.
Peter "dupreeh" Rasmussen
Legacy
The Brazilians pleasantly surprised at the Austin Major and continue to improve. In matches against favorites, Legacy often shines brightly, and it's through this that they can create an upset.
I saw what Legacy brought to the Major in Austin, and I have been quite impressed ever since. Especially when they go up against a better team on the rankings. And hey, it's online, anything can happen.
Peter "dupreeh" Rasmussen
Liquid
Liquid has recently found themselves in a crisis but is gradually showing signs of recovery. Dupreeh emphasized that they have started playing with more determination and have begun challenging even top teams—albeit without titles yet.
They haven't solved their issues fully, but we've seen glimpses of a team that's willing to work and fight. They haven't won much, but they haven't been nuked out of the server at their last two events, which happened prior. They pressured the best teams to the brink, and I think it's just a matter of time before they at least turn the ship around for some better results.
Peter "dupreeh" Rasmussen
ECSTATIC
The Danish team has already attracted attention with a series of decent results against mid-tier opponents and was even close to a major upset in a match against Liquid at BLAST Bounty. Now, ECSTATIC has the opportunity to prove that these successes are no fluke. For the team, this is an important chance to gain experience at the highest level and show that the Danish scene can bring new names to esports.
Yeah, I'm probably biased, but I actually think ECSTATIC has had a very good swing in results lately. [...] I want Danish CS to do good, and I think ECSTATIC is a good take to make that happen.
Peter "dupreeh" Rasmussen
BLAST Open Fall 2025 promises to be an exciting event: Spirit looks like the main contender, but Vitality and Mouz will strive to maintain their positions, while underdogs like Legacy , Liquid, and ECSTATIC can turn the tide at any moment. Upcoming tournaments will decide not only the fate of the trophy but also who will become the new force in global CS.
