FURIA and Falcons headline the confirmed eight-team lineup for the Thunderpick World Championship 2026, which will be held in Malta. The field also includes Legacy, Aurora, 9z, BETBOOM, PARIVISION and Virtus.pro.

The event brings together four top-10 teams, according to the announced team list. FURIA enter as the defending champions, while Falcons are one of only two top-five sides set to attend.

Eight Teams, One Malta Studio

According to HLTV.org, the tournament will run from October 14-18 at the BLAST Arena studio in Malta and carries a $1 million prize pool.

The championship is also scheduled shortly before the November 2 cutoff for Singapore Major invitations. HLTV.org reports that the event will be one of the last opportunities for teams to collect Valve Ranking System points before that deadline.

The Confirmed Field

The eight teams confirmed for the tournament are:

• FURIA: defending champions and one of the two top-five teams in attendance.
• Falcons: the other top-five side on the announced team list.
• Legacy: the FISSURE Playground 3 champions.
• Aurora: one of the event’s top-10 teams.
• 9z: a South American outfit in the field.
• BETBOOM: one of the invited teams.
• PARIVISION: part of the invited lineup.
• Virtus.pro: qualified for the event through the closed qualifier.

Sport.ua and HLTV.org report that NAVI, G2, Spirit, MOUZ and Vitality will miss the tournament. That leaves FURIA and Falcons as the only top-five teams in attendance, while Aurora and Legacy add further top-10 representation.

Why It Matters Beyond the Bracket

The Thunderpick World Championship offers more than its $1 million prize pool. With Valve Ranking System points available before the Singapore Major invitation cutoff, the tournament gives the eight participants another opportunity to improve their standing ahead of the deadline.

The competition will begin with two double-elimination groups, with four teams advancing to a single-elimination playoff. Every match will be best-of-three except for the best-of-five final, ensuring each team faces a demanding route through the Malta event.

For FURIA, Falcons and the rest of the confirmed field, the October tournament will therefore combine a substantial prize pool with an important place on the CS2 calendar before the Singapore Major invitations are determined.