16 teams named for TWC closed qualifier; only one will reach $1M Malta LAN

GG Brief Editorial Desk · AI-assisted, source attributed

Sixteen invited lineups will take part in the Thunderpick World Championship 2026 closed qualifier for a sole berth at the $1,000,000 Malta LAN. The field features established European sides such as HEROIC and 100 Thieves plus Ninjas in Pyjamas, who enter the qualifier with new in-game leader Karim "Krimbo" Moussa. Two teams, Wildcard and BESTIA, represent regions outside Europe (North America and South America respectively). The tournament's remaining seven main-event slots will be allocated via invites from the VRS event on August 3.

• What happened: Sixteen teams accepted invites to the Thunderpick World Championship 2026 closed qualifier, with just one spot available for the $1,000,000 LAN in Malta.
• Why it matters: Only a single qualifier slot is on offer from this event, making the invited field's matches decisive for who reaches the Malta main event.
• Context: The invited list includes Ninjas in Pyjamas (with new IGL Karim "Krimbo" Moussa), HEROIC, 100 Thieves, and two non-European entries—Wildcard (NA) and BESTIA (SA); the other seven Malta slots will come from VRS invites on August 3.
• What next: The invited teams will compete in the closed qualifier for the lone Malta berth, while the VRS event on August 3 will determine seven additional invitees.