FaZe Clan is one win away from reaching the LAN finals of the BLAST Premier Bounty Season 2 2026 in Malta. After a 2-0 sweep against EYEBALLERS in the Round of 32, the team now faces a key Round of 16 match that will send them into the main event at BLAST Studios.
Malta's Growing Role in Gaming and Digital Assets
The small Mediterranean island has been quietly carving out a niche in two distinct industries: esports and blockchain regulation. Malta has become a frequent host for major Counter-Strike tournaments, with BLAST returning multiple times. The current event features 32 teams battling for a $1.15 million prize pool, underscoring Malta's growing stature as an esports hub.
On the regulatory side, Malta made early moves in Europe by establishing a clear framework for blockchain and cryptocurrencies through its Virtual Financial Assets Act in 2018. This legislation earned Malta the nickname "Blockchain Island" during the last crypto bull run. The clarity attracted major players, including Binance, which once set up operations there, drawn by the island’s crypto-friendly environment.
FaZe Clan’s Complex Relationship with Crypto
FaZe Clan’s history with cryptocurrency has been complicated. During the 2021 meme coin boom, some content creators linked to FaZe were embroiled in token promotion controversies, which sparked debates on influencer responsibility and helped push regulatory scrutiny on celebrity crypto endorsements.
The organization itself has experienced financial turbulence. After going public through a SPAC merger, FaZe Clan’s stock price dropped sharply, leading to significant corporate restructuring. Currently, their Counter-Strike 2 roster ranks 16th globally according to HLTV, and their current run in Malta has no visible ties to NFTs or blockchain partnerships.
The Stakes and FaZe’s History in Malta
The BLAST Premier Bounty Season 2 runs from July 21 to August 2, with 32 teams competing for the $1.15 million prize pool. FaZe Clan’s past victories in Malta provide a psychological boost. They took the ESL Pro League Season 17 title there, defeating Cloud9 to claim $200,000 from an $850,000 pool. That win also secured the Intel Grand Slam, a prestigious achievement for winning multiple premier events within a set timeframe.
FaZe Clan has appeared in four Major finals and holds several S-tier titles in Counter-Strike. Winning their upcoming Round of 16 match will secure their spot in the LAN finals where prize money and broadcast exposure ramp up significantly.
