BLAST.tv has confirmed that the Major Regional Qualifiers (MRQs) for the Austin Major will be played online across all three regions: Europe, Asia, and the Americas. To mitigate ping disparities, the Americas and Asia MRQs will be divided into sub-regions.
Qualification Structure
As previously announced, 16 teams will secure direct invitations to either Stage 2 or Stage 3 of the Major based on their standing in the Valve Regional Rankings. The remaining 16 teams will earn their spots through the MRQs, with six teams qualifying from both the Americas and Europe, while Asia will contribute four teams to Stage 1.
With only four slots available for three Asian sub-regions, the highest-ranked invited team within the region (ranked No.2 in Asia, as the top-ranked team directly advances to Stage 3) will determine which sub-region secures two qualification spots. The other two sub-regions will each send one team forward.
MRQ Details
Europe
Dates: April 14-17
Teams: 16 (starting from 11th in the region)
Format: Swiss system, with advancement and elimination matches played as best-of-three (Bo3)
Qualification: Six teams advance to Stage 1
Americas
Dates: April 15-17
Sub-regions: North America, South America
Teams: 8 per sub-region (starting from 6th in the Americas)
Format: Two GSL groups, followed by a four-team playoff (Bo3 matches)
Qualification: Three teams from each sub-region qualify for Stage 1 (group winners and one playoff winner)
Asia
Dates: April 15-17
Sub-regions: China, Mongolia & Western Asia, Oceania & Southeast Asia
Teams: 4 per sub-region (starting from 2nd in Asia)
Format: Double-elimination bracket (Bo3 matches)
Qualification: The sub-region with the highest-ranked invited team gets two spots in Stage 1, while the remaining two sub-regions each receive one slot.
The online format ensures a smooth competitive environment while maintaining regional integrity in the qualification process. With the expanded 32-team Major format in place, these MRQs will play a crucial role in shaping the final lineup for BLAST Austin.
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