BLAST Announces CS2 Major in Austin for 2025

Esports tournament organizer BLAST has announced an ambitious overhaul of its Counter-Strike 2 circuit, in line with Valve’s initiative to foster a more open esports ecosystem. This change comes after Valve’s decision last year to phase out franchise-style leagues starting in 2025, aiming to democratize participation in esports tournaments.

Currently, the BLAST Premier operates with a ‘partner team’ structure that includes 16 permanent teams. These teams, having bought into the league, receive guaranteed invitations, while a limited number of slots are available to non-partnered teams through qualifiers. However, this format will see a significant transformation under the new plans.

BLAST has unveiled a future format for the BLAST Premier, consisting of six standalone tournaments divided across two seasons. The revamped 2025 season includes confirmed events in Lisbon and London, with additional locations yet to be announced.

In a significant move, BLAST has committed to investing $6 million directly into teams through a new payment structure, the specifics of which remain undisclosed at this time. The organization anticipates that this restructuring will not only increase broadcast hours but also expand the number of teams participating.

Highlighting this new era, BLAST will host the Counter-Strike 2 Major in Austin, Texas, at the Moody Center in June 2025. Named the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025, this event marks the second Counter-Strike Major orchestrated by BLAST and promises to be “one of the largest esports events ever hosted in the United States.” Projected to bring a $40 million boost to the local economy, the event is expected to attract 50,000 fans.

BLAST is collaborating with major players like Live Nation, event promoter C3 Presents, and Visit Austin to ensure the event’s success. The Austin Major will be the first Counter-Strike Major in North America since 2018 and is poised to set a precedent for future tournaments in the region.

The announcement also precedes the upcoming Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 in China, which is notable for being the first-ever Major in that country.

BLAST CEO Robbie Douek expressed his enthusiasm about bringing the Major to Austin: “The city’s dynamic atmosphere, the cutting-edge Moody Center, and a track record of hosting world-leading events provide the perfect setting for what promises to be an unforgettable event. We look forward to showcasing the best of esports to a global audience and making a positive impact on the local community.”

Given the fact that BLAST is already making forays into the world of esports with its Dota 2, Rocket League and Fortnite tournaments, the announcement consolidates it firmly among esport’s key stakeholders responsible for defining the future of esports tournaments.