BLAST Premier Rivals Hong Kong Confirmed to Return for Third Year
- Hong Kong’s biggest ever esports tournament set to build on two successful editions at AsiaWorld-Arena in November 2027
- The 2025/26 editions sold out across both weekends, with the first year generating over HK$600 million in economic impact - and was the first esports tournament ever awarded Hong Kong's prestigious "M" Mark status
BLAST today confirmed that BLAST Premier Rivals Hong Kong will return for a third edition, following two historic years that established the city as a premier destination for global esports.
The 2026 edition, held over the weekend from 11–15 November at AsiaWorld-Arena, once again sold out across the weekend and reinforced Hong Kong’s position as the Event Capital of Asia. Building on the success of 2025 and 2026, the tournament is set to return in November 2027, with further details to be announced in due course.
The BLAST Premier Rivals Hong Kong was recognised under Hong Kong’s prestigious “M” Mark scheme in both 2025 and 2026, awarded by the Major Sports Events Committee (MSEC) to events judged to significantly enhance the city’s international profile. The 2025 edition was the first esports tournament ever to receive the status.
The 2026 tournament brought eight of the world’s best Counter-Strike teams to AsiaWorld-Arena to compete for a share of a $1 million prize pool and participation fees, culminating in three days of live playoff action from 13–15 November.
The event follows a record-breaking 2025 debut, which an independent report prepared by the Education University of Hong Kong found delivered over HK$600 million ($63 million) in total economic impact, 36 million hours watched globally, and more than 30,000 fans attending across the tournament’s three live audience days - with attendees travelling from 58 nations.
James Woollard, VP of Destinations and Market Development at BLAST, said:
"The response to our first two BLAST Premier Rivals in Hong Kong from fans has been incredible. Selling out both weekends at AsiaWorld-Arena showed us just how much passion there is for Counter-Strike in Hong Kong and across the wider region. We take great pride in both editions having been awarded the 'M' Mark - a testament to the world-class quality of these events and their impact on the city. We can't wait to return for the third edition in 2027 and make the event even bigger and better. We are proud to be helping position Hong Kong, China as a global destination for premier live entertainment and esports events."
Mr. Ryan Chow, Chairman, Esports Association of Hong Kong, China, said:
"We are delighted to see BLAST Premier Rivals Hong Kong return for a third edition. Two sold-out years at AsiaWorld-Arena have shown the world what Hong Kong can deliver, not only as a host city, but as the Event Capital of Asia. Esports is a powerful platform that brings together sport, technology, culture and tourism, and BLAST Premier Rivals showcases all of that on a global stage. We look forward to welcoming the world's best teams back to Hong Kong in November 2027, and to inspiring the next generation of local players and fans."
Further information on the 2027 edition, including dates and ticketing, will be announced in the coming months.
