BLAST Premier 2026 and 2027: Schedule, locations, and format confirmed

    Esports tournament organiser BLAST has unveiled the full details for the 2026 and 2027 seasons of Counter-Strike 2 BLAST Premier, outlining the schedules, locations, and formats of each event.

    BLAST Premier trophy BLAST Premier trophy

    While both seasons will include six tournaments annually, BLAST will implement different structural approaches for each year.

    BLAST Premier 2026: Schedule & Format

    The 2026 season will be divided into two halves - Season 1 and Season 2 - each consisting of three events: BLAST Bounty, BLAST Open, and BLAST Rivals.

    BLAST Bounty

    Season 1: January 12-25 (Malta)

    Season 2: July 9-11 (Malta)

    Each Bounty event will host 32 teams: the top 28 from the Valve Global Rankings, along with four wildcard picks by BLAST.

    The tournament will use a single-elimination format, with the opening two rounds held online on European servers. From the quarterfinals onward, matches will shift to a LAN environment.

    The total prize pool will be $1.15 million, including $500,000 awarded based on bounty achievements, with the remainder distributed according to final placements.

    BLAST Open

    Season 1: March 16-29 (Europe)

    Season 2: August 24-September 6 (location TBA)

    Each Open will feature 16 teams - 12 from the VRS rankings and four qualifiers from The Risings. Teams will compete in two double-elimination groups (best-of-three format), with the top six advancing to a single-elimination LAN playoff. The host cities for both events are yet to be announced.

    A total of $1.1 million in prize money will be distributed based on final standings.

    BLAST Rivals

    Season 1: April 27-May 3 (Fort Worth, Texas, USA)

    Season 2: November 9-15 (Hong Kong)

    BLAST Rivals returns as a full LAN event, featuring the top eight teams from the Global VRS standings. The tournament will follow a best-of-three GSL format, concluding with a best-of-five grand final.

    A total prize pool of $1.1 million will be awarded according to team placements.

    BLAST Premier 2027: Unified Season Format

    In 2027, BLAST will streamline its structure into a single competitive season comprising six tournaments:

    Bounty: January 11-24

    Open: March 15-28

    Open: May 10-23

    Bounty: August 30-September 12

    Open: October 4-17

    Rivals: November 8-14

    Further information - including locations, event formats, and additional details - will be announced by BLAST.tv in January 2026.