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Counter-Strike fans, mark your calendars. BLAST has officially revealed that the BLAST Premier Open Rotterdam will take over the iconic Ahoy Arena in the Netherlands from 27–29 March 2026, marking the tournament organiser’s first-ever event in the country.

Rotterdam Becomes a New Esports Hotspot

Over the course of two weeks, 16 of the world’s best Counter-Strike 2 squads will fight it out for a share of $1.1 million USD in combined prize money and team payments. The action kicks off at BLAST’s Copenhagen studios, with 12 teams earning direct invites through Valve’s global rankings. The final four spots will be decided in open qualifiers.

Only six teams will punch their ticket to Rotterdam, battling it out live on stage across the final three days in front of thousands of fans at the Ahoy Arena. With broadcasts planned in over 100 territories and more than 30 official languages, BLAST expects a global audience in the millions, last year’s Open pulled in over 89 million views worldwide.

What Fans Can Expect in Rotterdam

This is more than just a Counter-Strike event. The Ahoy Arena, known for hosting international concerts and major sporting events, will be transformed into a hub of esports energy. BLAST is working alongside Dutch event organiser Friendly Fire, part of FKP Scorpio, to make sure the experience captures both the competitive intensity and the cultural impact of the moment.

“Bringing BLAST Premier Open to Rotterdam is a huge milestone,” said Rense van Kessel, co-founder of Friendly Fire. “It’s the biggest international esports event ever staged in the Netherlands, and we want it to be unforgettable for both the fans in attendance and those watching worldwide.”

Fans travelling in will not only get to see elite-level Counter-Strike but also contribute to Rotterdam’s growing esports culture, tourism, and entertainment scene.

Tickets and Dates

  • Presale: Thursday, 23 October 2025 at 10AM BST / 11AM CEST
  • General Sale: Friday, 24 October 2025 at 10AM BST / 11AM CEST

Tickets and updates will be available via BLAST.tv and the dedicated Dutch landing page blastpremier.nl.

A New Chapter for BLAST

After stops in global cities like Hong Kong, Rio, Munich, and London, Rotterdam now joins the map as BLAST continues expanding esports into fresh markets. With its trademark production value and a fanbase that’s hungry for top-tier competition, the BLAST Premier Open Rotterdam is shaping up to be one of the most exciting Counter-Strike events of 2026.