BLAST’s Andrew Haworth reveals inside track on expansion

"BLAST has decided to expand to 16 teams for 2024 for two main reasons. Firstly, there has been a huge amount of interest in our tournaments, and this expansion allows us to accommodate the growing enthusiasm within the community.

Secondly, as we look ahead to 2025, we want to avoid a stale format, and this expansion might serve as a bridge, reinvigorating the format and providing a glimpse of how things could evolve in 2025."

This decision also allows us to develop the format, considering these changes on the horizon. It's not just about accommodating more teams; it's about revitalising the competitive landscape and exploring new possibilities. By making these adjustments, we can create an environment that keeps the competition fresh and exciting for both players and fans.

Furthermore, our expansion aligns with the strong relationships we've cultivated with teams over the past years.

We've invested a significant amount of time in building these relationships, not only with member teams but with organisations throughout the entire ecosystem. This move signifies our commitment to sustaining and growing these relationships, fostering a collaborative and supportive atmosphere within the esports community.

Looking to the future, we anticipate our network expanding even further. We're constantly driven by the desire to work with more teams, enriching the competitive experience and contributing to the overall growth of the esports landscape.

As we continue to evolve, we aim to maintain and strengthen these partnerships, ensuring that BLAST remains a key player in the dynamic world of Counter-Strike tournaments while supporting and working in close collaboration with the teams playing in it.”

"We've experienced a significant surge in team interest from all corners of the CS ecosystem, showcasing a truly global appeal. The response has been remarkable, with discussions initiated with many teams.

Furthermore, we took some of these conversations to a more refined and in-depth level with about 10 teams involved in this secondary stage following the broad interest shown by teams.

This process allowed us to understand their aspirations, expectations, and how they envision their participation in BLAST. It's a testament to the widespread appeal and reputation that BLAST has garnered within the CS ecosystem.

The level of interest reaffirms our belief in the growing popularity of what we do and motivates us to continue fostering a platform that attracts top-tier talent worldwide.

We're excited about the prospect of welcoming new teams into the BLAST family. We are committed to creating an inclusive and competitive environment that benefits both the teams and the broader esports community.

While it was disappointing for those teams that were unsuccessful in their interest for a BLAST Premier spot, there will be more opportunities to work together in the future as BLAST Premier and the CS ecosystem grows and expands in the years to come.”

"The inclusion reflects a thoughtful selection process based on several key considerations. But in the case of Falcons, bringing them on board was obviously to keep the vibes good with Snappi [laughs].

On a serious note; we looked at the talent in current rosters, level of ambition and how hungry these teams were to win on and off the server.

Each team brings a unique dynamic to the mix, contributing to the diversity of storylines within BLAST Premier. Spirit, for instance, with Donk and sh1ro on board, have emerged as one of the most exciting teams.

It’s a shame that it wasn’t possible for Donk’s visa to be complete in time for the Spring Groups but i’m excited to see him on a BLAST server soon. And Virtus.pro, as a consistently top-tier team, brings with them a great legacy in CS that aligns with our commitment to showcasing the best in the game.

GamerLegion has a special place in the narrative, having initiated a fairytale story at the BLAST.tv Paris Major. Their journey and achievements deserve recognition, and we believe they bring a compelling element to our tournaments.

Falcons, boasting an incredible lineup with two players in the top 20, further solidify our commitment to featuring the best talent globally. With all four teams ranked among the top 20 in the world, their inclusion adds a layer of competitiveness that aligns seamlessly with the high standards of BLAST Premier.

Ultimately, these teams were chosen not just for their individual merits but also for the rich and diverse narratives they contribute to the overall BLAST Premier circuit.”

"There's a lot to look forward to in 2024, especially for our UK CS fans since it’s the first time BLAST will be in London for an arena event. The interest and passion from the UK fans has been incredible, and we're gearing up to make the experience truly special.

For fans of UK CS and London, you can expect a few surprises and treats. Then we’re obviously relying on homeboy mezii to bring it home for us, right?

Copenhagen and London are more than just tournament locations; they hold a special place in our hearts. Beyond the games, we want to celebrate UK CS with the community.

We're currently exploring opportunities to support local teams, though the details haven't been finalised yet. The idea is to make it a genuine celebration of UK Counter-Strike. It's shaping up to be an exciting experience.”

"Looking ahead to 2025, we're pretty excited about what's coming up for BLAST Premier.

While I can't spill all the details just yet, we've got some exciting stuff on the horizon. We're gearing up to share more information with you in the near future. As soon as we've got the details nailed down, the community will be the first to know.”