Unveiling BLAST’s 2025 Counter-Strike Circuit: A Fresh New Look

As the Counter-Strike landscape evolves, so does BLAST. Earlier this year, we introduced our initial plans for the 2025 BLAST circuit. Now, after fine-tuning every detail, we’re ready to unveil the complete package! Say goodbye to the old format and hello to a new, fast-paced circuit featuring stand-alone winners at each event. Here’s everything you need to know about the revamped tournament structure, payouts, and a year full of thrilling match-ups.

A Season of Surprises: Two Halves, Four Events

Our 2025 circuit splits into two seasons with four unique tournaments: Bounty, Risings, Open, and Rivals. Each season will feature four events, making for a grand total of eight tournaments that will redefine what it means to be the best in Counter-Strike.

BLAST Bounty: Big Game Hunters Wanted

The BLAST Bounty brings a fresh twist: higher-ranked teams will have a target on their backs. In this 32-team tournament, each team’s seeding doubles as a bounty. Winning against a team lets the victor claim 50% of their bounty, while the other half boosts the winning team’s total. Lower-ranked teams have the chance to turn the tables by choosing to challenge top seeds—a true “bounty hunting” experience.

Here’s the breakdown:

• Format: Bo3 single elimination with a Bo5 final.
• Structure: 28 teams from Valve Global Rankings and 4 wildcard entries.
• Location: First two rounds online from European servers; quarterfinals onward at the BLAST studios.

Are you a strategist with an eye for weaknesses in top players’ gameplay? Bounty is where underdogs can truly shine.

BLAST Open: A Premier Experience in Iconic Arenas

The BLAST Open is the crown jewel of our circuit, featuring 16 teams split into two groups of eight, each battling it out in double elimination Bo3 matches. The Open will bring Counter-Strike fans to some of the sport’s most storied arenas—the MEO Arena in Lisbon and the OVO Wembley Arena in London. From 12 teams out of the Valve Global Rankings and 4 from The Risings, this event celebrates regional talent.

Regional Talent Rises: BLAST Risings

Our Risings tournament is a four-part series held across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. Each event showcases regional powerhouses that are just shy of qualifying for the Open. Four top-ranked teams per region will receive direct invites to the final stages, while the remaining teams battle it out through a 16-team closed qualifier.

• Qualifier Structure: Teams ranked 5-16 and four open qualifiers.
• Objective: Regional pride and a spot in the Open.

BLAST Rivals: The Ultimate Showdown

Finally, we have BLAST Rivals, a LAN event that brings together the best eight teams from around the world. Featuring the top four teams from Valve’s rankings plus one wildcard from each region, this tournament will settle the score with a Bo3 GSL format culminating in a Bo5 final.

With so much at stake, this event is poised to be one of the most intense and high-quality tournaments of the year.

Prizes and Participation: Payouts You Can Count On

We’re rewarding teams with two forms of payouts in 2025: participation fees and prize money. Here’s how it works:

• Participation Fees: Teams will receive a base payment for promotional activities, with top teams receiving higher payouts to draw the best of the best to our events. In 2025, this total will reach $4 million.
• Prize Pool:
• Bounty: $1.3 million, with top teams earning up to $40,000.
• Open: $1.4 million, with a top 12 team reward of $45,000.
• Rivals: Each participating team earns $81,250.

Frequent Flyer Program: Rewards for Long-Term Commitment

Our Frequent Flyer Program rewards loyalty. After a team plays its fourth BLAST Premier tournament, it gains a two-year “decline right,” allowing it to skip an event without losing status or Frequent Flyer benefits. With a total payout of $6 million, this program incentivizes teams to stay with us throughout the year.

Ready for 2025?

With a packed schedule, lucrative rewards, and fierce competition across regions, the 2025 BLAST circuit promises to be unforgettable. From newcomers making a name for themselves to seasoned pros defending their titles, this year will push the limits of what’s possible in Counter-Strike.

Are you ready to dive into the action? Join us in 2025 for the next evolution in Counter-Strike!