BLAST have announced their newest CS:GO competitive circuit, the BLAST Premier, a new global tournament series with a massive prize pool.


BLAST is best known for the 'Pro Series' events, held worldwide with many of the best teams in Counter-Strike invited, but are introducing a new format for 2020.

The BLAST Premier will offer $500,000 for winners of each of the two Season Finals, with a grand prize of $1,000,000 for the 2020 Global Final. Total prizing across the series is a whopping $4,250,000.


BLAST is proudly using best of 3 matches throughout, with CEO Robbie Douek saying they have spent "months developing the right format. A format that will create the greatest entertainment product for fans at events and viewers watching across the world. We believe we have perfected that format."

The tournament series will be played across a spring and fall season, starting with 12 teams in three groups, with a week of matches per group.

The new play-in system will allow any team to try their luck and attempt to qualify.

BLAST Premier 2020 full format


BLAST's Pro Series events, though popular, have been subject to criticism from some fans, but Nicolas Estrup, Director of Product and Experience, says they have "taken on board the incredible feedback from our show surveys and across the Counter-Strike community."

Read More: FaZe CSGO reportedly find NEO replacement for ESL One New York

The tournament series also has a focus similar to that of the recently announced ESL Pro Tour - to enhance 'storytelling' in Counter-Strike esports.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuAfhDl4VwU


One common complaint among fans is the constant events and complex tournament structures, which can leave both new and experienced fans in a jumble.

BLAST Premier sounds like a move in the right direction in this regard, aiming to be a "fan-focused experience" - but the competition for fans' attention will still be stiff in competitive CS:GO.