The BLAST Open London just got a new twist. Aurora Gaming, the Serbian esports team known for its explosive gameplay, has officially withdrawn from the upcoming tournament. Stepping in to fill the gap is Brazil’s own rising powerhouse, PaiN Gaming. This announcement, made by BLAST ahead of the online qualifiers, adds another layer of excitement to what was already a stacked roster of teams.
While Aurora Gaming has not offered a public explanation for their exit, the move comes after a string of disappointing performances. The absence of key player XANTARES at IEM Cologne forced the team to field a stand-in, Yasin ‘xfl0ud’ Koç. The result was a top-12 finish and a noticeable dip in momentum. With this in mind, it seems the organization is opting for a tactical pause amid a packed competitive calendar.
PaiN Gaming, on the other hand, is in the middle of a resurgence. After reaching the top four at the BLAST.tv Austin Major, the Brazilian squad climbed to 16th in the Valve Regional Standings. That performance not only proved their potential but also marked them as one of the most promising teams coming out of South America. Now, with this unexpected opportunity to compete at BLAST Open London, PaiN has the perfect stage to further establish its place among the world’s CS2 elite.
The BLAST Open London online qualifiers will run from August 27 to September 1, featuring a battle of sixteen teams for just six available spots in the live finals at the iconic OVO Arena Wembley. The finals are scheduled from September 5 to 7 and will showcase the very best of Counter-Strike 2 at one of esports' most prestigious venues.
With PaiN Gaming now confirmed, the competition is heating up. They will go head-to-head with giants like NAVI, G2 Esports, FaZe Clan, Team Vitality, and Team Spirit. The remaining four teams will be selected based on BLAST Rising rankings from across Europe, North America, South America, and Asia.
For PaiN, this is more than just another tournament. It is a defining moment, a platform to prove they belong at the very top, and a chance to keep the Brazilian CS2 legacy alive on the global stage.
All eyes will be on them when the qualifiers begin. Will they seize the moment?
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