Patryk Stachowiak
One of the biggest storylines at BLAST Open Spring 2026 isn’t happening in-game — it’s happening outside of it.
Team Falcons are starting the tournament without one of their key players, kyousuke.
And once again, the reason isn’t performance.
It’s visa issues.
Open Spring 2026Netherlands
Vitality
Natus VincereVisa Problems Strike Again
The Russian rifler has been unable to attend the start of the event due to ongoing EU visa complications.
This isn’t a one-off situation either.
Kyousuke already missed BLAST Bounty Winter 2026 earlier this year under similar circumstances, highlighting a growing problem for players dealing with Schengen entry restrictions.
With tighter EU policies and limited multi-entry visas, players often need to reapply between events — a process that can take weeks.
In a packed CS2 calendar, that’s a major issue.
Will He Join Later in the Tournament?
Right now, his return timeline is unclear.
Team Falcons have stated they are “doing everything possible” to resolve the situation, but no confirmed date has been given.
Here’s the key window:
Group stage ends on March 23 in Copenhagen.
Playoffs begin on March 27 in Rotterdam.
If the visa is approved quickly, kyousuke could still join for the playoff stage.
But given ongoing restrictions, a full tournament absence remains a realistic scenario.
Who Replaces Kyousuke?
Falcons are once again turning to NucleonZ as a stand-in.
He already filled the role during BLAST Bounty Winter — and while the team remained competitive, the difference in firepower is noticeable.
Replacing a core rifler mid-event is never ideal.
Especially at this level.
Impact on Team Falcons
Despite the setback, Falcons still enter the tournament as one of the top contenders.
Their system, depth, and recent form keep them firmly in the title conversation — but kyousuke’s absence removes a key layer of consistency and fragging power.
The real question is: Can Falcons survive the group stage without him?
And if they do — will he return in time to make a difference in Rotterdam?
A Growing Issue in CS2 Esports
Kyousuke’s situation reflects a broader challenge in modern esports.
Visa limitations, especially for players from certain regions, are increasingly affecting tournament participation.
Frequent travel, short turnaround times, and stricter regulations create a system where even top-tier players can miss major events.
And for teams competing at the highest level, that unpredictability can be the difference between a title run — and an early exit.
Final Thoughts
Kyousuke’s absence is more than just a roster change.
It’s a test of Falcons’ depth, adaptability, and resilience under pressure.
If they can navigate the group stage without him, they remain dangerous.
If not?
This could be one of the biggest “what if” stories of BLAST Open Spring 2026.