The BLAST Open 2026 Season 1 is set to make history as it arrives in Rotterdam, bringing world-class Counter-Strike 2 action to the Netherlands for the very first time. From March 27–29, 2026, the iconic Ahoy Arena will transform into a global esports stage, where 16 elite teams battle through qualifiers for a share of the $1.1 million prize pool. With only six teams advancing to the live finals, fans can expect high-intensity matches, packed stands, and a landmark moment for the Dutch esports scene.
In September 2025, BLAST, the world’s top esports organization, officially announced that BLAST Premier Open 2026 Season 1 (hereinafter referred to as “BLAST Open 2026 Season 1”) will be held at Rotterdam’s Ahoy Hall from March 27–29, 2026, marking BLAST’s debut in the Dutch market.
This year’s tournament will bring together 16 of the world’s top Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) teams. After two weeks of qualifying tournaments, only six teams will be able to compete in person at the climax of the event. The team composition is as follows: 12 teams are directly invited based on the Valve Global Rankings (VRS); the other four teams are selected through online open qualifiers.
BLAST Open 2026 Season 1
The total prize pool is $1.1 million, with $400,000 in cash going to the winning team and $700,000 distributed among participating clubs.
Rotterdam’s Ahoy Hall, having hosted the 2019 League of Legends European Champions (LEC) Spring Finals, as well as the 2019 DreamHack Open and the 2022 ESL Challenger, boasts extensive hosting experience and esports heritage.
The arrival of BLAST in Rotterdam is not only a landmark upgrade for the city’s esports scene, but also highlights BLAST’s commitment to the European esports market.
“We’re thrilled to bring the BLAST Premier Open to a brand new country, the Netherlands…” Rotterdam’s fan base is passionate, and Ahoy Hall is the perfect venue for this type of event.” Friendly Fire (the Dutch branch of FKP Scorpio) will assist with the local promotion and organization of the event, striving to create a highly immersive viewing experience.
According to media reports, the event will cover over 100 territories worldwide and offer official broadcasts in over 30 languages, aiming to reach a wider audience and enhance its global reach.
The BLAST Open series has already generated over 89 million views in 2025, mobilizing the global esports audience.
Overview of BLAST Open 2026 Season 1
Tournament Dates: March 16-29, 2026 (Early Qualifying Rounds); Final Live Event: March 27-29
Participating Teams: 16 (12 Invited + 4 Qualifying Rounds)
Live Teams: 6
Prize: $1.1 million ($400,000 in cash prizes + $700,000 in club share)
Broadcast Coverage: 100+ Regions, 30+ Languages
More broadly, BLAST has continued to expand its global footprint in recent years, now hosting events in cities around the world, including London, Hong Kong, Singapore, Rio de Janeiro, Munich, Austin, and Boston.
The Rotterdam debut aligns with the globalization of esports and the industry shift towards an open format following Valve’s elimination of the team partner system (BLAST Open is a product of this shift).
Conclusion
The inaugural BLAST Open 2026 season in Rotterdam is not only a spectacular esports event, but also a cultural outlet and city branding initiative. It will bring significant audience growth, publicity, and economic benefits to Rotterdam, while also enhancing the international reputation of Dutch esports. For BLAST, this represents a successful geographic and market expansion, fueling its ambition to build a broader esports ecosystem. In the spring of 2026, Rotterdam deserves the attention of esports enthusiasts worldwide.
FAQ
Q1: When will the BLAST Open 2026 Season 1 take place in Rotterdam?
A1: The event will run from March 27–29, 2026 at the Rotterdam Ahoy, following online qualifiers earlier in the month.
Q2: How many teams are competing and how are they selected?
A2: Sixteen CS2 teams will compete—12 teams will be directly invited based on Valve’s global rankings, and 4 will qualify through open qualifiers.
Q3: What is the prize pool for BLAST Open 2026 Season 1?
A3: The total prize pool is $1.1 million, with $400,000 awarded as player prize money and $700,000 distributed to participating organizations.