Tournament organizer BLAST has announced the second season of Bounty in 2025 — a Counter-Strike 2 event that combines a classic structure with an innovative reward system. BLAST Bounty Season 2 will feature 32 teams competing for a $500,000 prize pool this August. The LAN stage will take place in Malta, and fans will be able to attend the playoffs starting from the quarterfinals.
Bounties on the Big Dogs: How the Format Works
What sets this tournament apart is its “bounty” format. Before each match, teams place cash bounties on themselves — the higher their ranking, the more valuable the reward for defeating them. This allows underdogs to earn big by upsetting favorites, while top teams face pressure not only to win but also to defend their prize pool.
This format was first tested during the inaugural Bounty Season in January 2025 and was well-received by both viewers and players. Now, it’s returning on a larger scale, doubling the number of participating teams.
Online Qualifiers and a LAN Final With Fans in Malta
The online phase will run from August 5 to 17, 2025, with all matches played in a BO3 format and the grand final in BO5. Eight teams will advance to the LAN playoffs, which will be held in BLAST’s new studio in Malta, created in partnership with GamingMalta.
For the first time in the series, fans will be welcomed at the LAN stage. Starting with the quarterfinals, matches will be played in front of a live audience, with a festival-like atmosphere featuring showmatches, interactive segments, and live interviews.
$500K, a New Format, and Fans at the LAN Finals
BLAST Bounty Season 2 isn’t just another CS2 tournament — it’s a true experiment in competitive structure and fan engagement. With its bounty system, a large field of teams, and an open LAN final, it sets the stage for a dynamic, unpredictable, and thrilling spectacle. This August, fans won’t just witness a battle for half a million dollars — they’ll also watch underdogs challenge the elite of the CS world, live and in person.
Source: blast.tv
