BLAST is gearing up to energize the Counter-Strike 2 scene in 2026 with its announcement of the second BLAST Premier Open event heading to Europe. This follows the esports tournament organizer’s ambitious plan to host six Counter-Strike 2 events throughout the upcoming year. Enthusiasts should mark their calendars for an action-packed season.
European Adventures Await
Running from August 24th to September 6th, the event will be split between two weeks across Europe. Initially, fans can expect excitement in Copenhagen, Denmark, with the second week relocating to a yet-to-be-revealed European arena. BLAST’s announcement keeps fans guessing while promising more details soon, sparking community speculation on the venue. This revelation dovetails with their recent unveiling of plans for 2026 and 2027, aligning with Valve’s Tournament Operations Rulebook.
Competition and Prizes
The 2026 BLAST Open Fall event will feature 16 teams vying for a $400,000 (~£300,824) prize pool. Teams will secure their spots through Valve Regional Standings (VRS) invitations, as well as open and closed qualifiers. Notably, the first BLAST Premier Open event of 2026 is already set to take place in Rotterdam, with the Ahoy Arena hosting the Playoffs.
BLAST’s 2026 Ambitions
Beyond the event calendar, BLAST plans to introduce enhancements for the upcoming season, focusing on player hospitality, accommodation, and expanding support staff for teams during events. Known for hosting premier Counter-Strike tournaments, BLAST’s 2025 saw successful events in Lisbon and London, with Team Vitality and G2 Esports claiming victory. North America will also join the action with BLAST Rivals Spring 2026 slated for Fort Worth, Texas.