BLAST Premier welcomes four new affiliate teams for 2024

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

6 Jan

Andre Guaraldo

BLAST Premier embarks on 2024 with a significant expansion, welcoming four new Affiliate Member Teams – Virtus.pro, Falcons, Spirit, and GamerLegion. This move, following the departure of Evil Geniuses, expands the tournament circuit to 16 teams, emphasizing their commitment to fostering diversity and competitiveness. As the esports community looks forward to the 2024 season, the addition of these affiliate teams highlights BLAST's role in shaping the future of esports.

BLAST Premier and their expanded lineup for the 2024 season

BLAST Premier has officially welcomed Virtus.pro, Falcons, Spirit, and GamerLegion to its esteemed list of affiliated teams to fight for Counter-Strike glory within its tournaments. With this expansion, the tournament organizer's circuit now boasts a total of 16 partnered teams, setting the stage for heightened competition and thrilling matchups:

BOROS, Snappi, Magisk, maden, SunPayus, zonic

BOROS, Snappi, Magisk, maden, SunPayus, alongside zonic, will represent Team Falcons in the organization's first ever affiliation in CS2 (Credits: Team Falcons)

Changes in tournament format and prize pool for Blast Premier 2024

To accommodate the increased number of teams, multiple adjustments were made to the Spring Groups format, featuring a commendable $190,000 prize pool. The format has been refined to include 26 games, eliminating redundant matches and ensuring a streamlined viewing experience for fans. Despite these changes, other BLAST events will remain unaffected by the expansion, maintaining consistency in the tournament structure.

Affiliate System and Sustainability

The addition of these Affiliate Member Teams underscores BLAST Premier's commitment to fostering diversity and competitiveness within the Counter-Strike ecosystem. Andrew Haworth, Programme Director for BLAST Premier, emphasized the organization's dedication to innovation and enhancing the tournament experience for fans. This move aligns with BLAST's broader strategy of continually evolving to meet the demands of the ever-growing esports community.

Andrew Haworth, Programme Director for BLAST Premier (credits: Blast.tv)

The importance of being an affiliate for esports organizations

A pivotal aspect of this expansion is the affirmation of the affiliate system's significance for Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) organizations. As Valve's ruling looms to put an end to leagues and tournaments with partnered teams in 2025, the affiliate system emerges as a crucial element for teams aiming to secure a lasting presence in the competitive scene. The financial benefits and guaranteed entry into prestigious events outweigh the initial investment, making the affiliate system a key driver of sustainability for participating organizations.

BLAST's Vision for 2024

BLAST Premier's 2024 season kicks off with the Spring Groups on January 22 at the BLAST Studios in Copenhagen. Six coveted spots in the Spring Final will be up for grabs, with the tournament climaxing at London's OVO Arena Wembley in June. Beyond Counter-Strike, BLAST continues to solidify its position as a global esports tournament organizer, recently announcing its operation of FNCS and RLCS in collaboration with Epic Games.

In conclusion, BLAST Premier's proactive approach to expansion and adaptation reflects the dynamism inherent in the esports landscape. The addition of four Affiliate Member Teams not only enhances the competitiveness of the tournament but also underscores the strategic importance of the affiliate system in ensuring the sustainability of CS2 organizations. As BLAST Premier gears up for an action-packed 2024, fans can anticipate a season filled with intense matchups, new rivalries, and the continued growth of Counter-Strike esports on a global stage.