BLAST Open London organizers have confirmed that Team Liquid will replace The MongolZ in the tournament lineup, after the Mongolian team was forced to withdraw due to UK visa delays. The event, scheduled for August 27 to September 1, will now feature Liquid as one of 16 elite teams battling for glory on the LAN stage.The MongolZ, one of Asia’s rising CS2 lineups, earned their BLAST Open London spot through qualification but were dealt a crushing blow off the server.
Tournament organizers explained that the team would not have received UK visas in time for the LAN stage if they progressed, making their participation impossible. This is not the first time international rosters have been sidelined by bureaucratic hurdles, but it is especially disappointing for The MongolZ, who have been one of the most exciting non-European teams to watch in 2024–25. Their aggressive style and recent strong results had made them a dark-horse contender.
To maintain competitive integrity, BLAST quickly confirmed that Team Liquid would take the Mongolian squad’s place. For Liquid, it is both an opportunity and a responsibility: They now enter the tournament directly in the LAN stage. With a revamped lineup, including young talents alongside experienced veterans, Liquid have been eager for more top-tier exposure.With the adjustment, the full lineup for BLAST Open London is now: Europe’s elite: Vitality, MOUZ, Natus Vincere, FaZe, G2, Spirit, Virtus.pro, GamerLegion, HEROIC, ECSTATIC.
The Americas: FURIA, paiN, Legacy, M80, FlyQuest, and now Team Liquid. The tournament brings together the biggest names in CS2, with storylines ranging from FaZe’s consistency to Spirit’s youthful dominance, and G2’s star power.LAN Stage: August 27 – September 1 in London. Features a mix of group-stage play and playoffs, with the winner claiming one of the season’s most prestigious trophies. For Liquid, it’s a chance to test themselves immediately against the very best.The MongolZ’s forced withdrawal highlights a recurring problem in global esports: visa logistics. Teams from Asia, South America, and CIS regions often face longer waiting times or stricter conditions.
Players have missed majors, Pro League events, and even world championships due to paperwork delays. Unlike traditional sports with decades of lobbying, esports still struggles for recognition in many countries, making visa approval inconsistent. For a team like The MongolZ, this is particularly devastating, as chances to prove themselves on the world stage are rare compared to established Western teams.For Liquid: An unexpected gift — a slot at a tier-one LAN they did not initially qualify for. With momentum, they could turn this into a deep run.
For The MongolZ: A huge missed opportunity that could have boosted their ranking, experience, and global reputation. For BLAST: A reminder of the need to address structural challenges in global event hosting.Fans of The MongolZ expressed frustration on social media, noting how often non-EU/NA teams are disadvantaged by logistics. Liquid fans welcomed the announcement, excited to see their team gain a chance at silverware. Analysts have already begun speculating whether Liquid can capitalize on this opportunity or if they will struggle to adapt with limited preparation.
Team Liquid’s inclusion at BLAST Open London ensures the event remains stacked with world-class teams, but the circumstances are bittersweet. For The MongolZ, denied by visa delays, it’s a heartbreaking reminder of how off-server factors can derail promising runs. For Liquid, it’s an unexpected stage to prove themselves against the elite.
As BLAST Open London approaches, attention will now shift to whether Liquid can seize this chance — and whether the esports industry can find long-term solutions to the visa challenges that continue to block international talent from shining on the global stage.
