BLAST has officially announced that the next BLAST Premier Open will take place in Rotterdam, Netherlands, with the live finals hosted at the Ahoy Arena from March 27 to March 29, 2026. This marks the first time the BLAST Open will be staged in the country, further expanding the global reach of one of the most celebrated esports tournament series.
The competition will feature sixteen of the strongest Counter Strike 2 teams in the world, all fighting for a share of the four hundred thousand dollar prize pool. The stakes are high, and only six teams will advance to play on the main stage in front of thousands of fans at the Ahoy Arena. The rest of the action will unfold at BLAST’s state of the art Copenhagen studios, setting the stage for the big showdown in Rotterdam.
A Format Designed for Intensity
Twelve of the sixteen teams will receive direct invitations, secured through their performance in the global Valve rankings. The remaining four teams will have to earn their spot through open qualifiers, ensuring that up and coming talent also has a chance to break into the spotlight. This structure guarantees a mix of elite competition and fresh underdogs, making every match unpredictable and compelling to watch.
Rotterdam’s Ahoy Arena Becomes a Global Stage
The Ahoy Arena is no stranger to hosting world class events. It was the venue for the League of Legends European Championship Spring Finals back in 2019, and it is now set to once again welcome esports fans from across the continent. Known for its atmosphere and capacity to create unforgettable live experiences, the Ahoy Arena is a fitting home for BLAST’s first ever Dutch event.
BLAST has partnered with Friendly Fire, a subsidiary of the international event organiser FKP Scorpio, to deliver the Rotterdam edition. Tickets will officially go on sale from Friday, October 24 at 10 AM BST, with presale access available one day earlier on October 23. Given the scale of BLAST’s audience, demand is expected to be huge.
BLAST’s Expanding Global Footprint
This announcement comes as BLAST continues to grow its reputation as one of the leading esports organisers worldwide. Throughout 2025, the BLAST Open series has been staged in cities including Hong Kong, Singapore, Rio, Munich, Austin, and Boston, and has already captivated audiences in London with the 2025 playoffs at the OVO Arena Wembley. According to the organisers, this year’s BLAST Open events generated over eighty nine million views worldwide, highlighting the enormous appeal of its tournaments.
Andrew Haworth, Senior Vice President of Ecosystems at BLAST, expressed his excitement about taking the competition to a brand new country. He noted that the Netherlands has a passionate esports fanbase and praised the Ahoy Arena as the perfect stage for delivering unforgettable Counter Strike moments with BLAST’s signature production value.
Why Rotterdam 2026 Matters
The Rotterdam event is more than just another stop on the BLAST calendar. It represents the ongoing expansion of esports into new regions, and offers fans a chance to experience the spectacle of world class Counter Strike up close. With sixteen teams, a massive prize pool, and one of Europe’s most iconic arenas as the stage, the BLAST Premier Open 2026 in Rotterdam is shaping up to be one of the defining esports events of the year.
Fans can look forward to fierce rivalries, incredible plays, and the kind of live entertainment that only BLAST can deliver.
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