Esports production company BLAST has confirmed that its BLAST Premier Rivals 2026 Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) tournament will be staged at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas from 29 April to 3 May 2026. The event will see eight of the world’s top teams compete for a $1 million prize pool.
The tournament marks Texas’ continued commitment to esports following a string of high-profile events in the region, including the 2025 BLAST.tv Austin Major and the upcoming League of Legends Championship of The Americas (LTA) Championship 2025.
Cassie Poss, Interim Executive Director for the Fort Worth Sports Commission, commented: “The Fort Worth Sports Commission is proud to continue our partnership with BLAST, building on the momentum of major 2024 events like the Fortnite Championship Series Global Championship and Rocket League World Championship. With world-class venues like Dickies Arena, Fort Worth is solidifying its place as a global esports destination. We look forward to welcoming fans worldwide and showcasing the hospitality that defines our city.”
A key component in delivering BLAST Premier Rivals 2026 will be the renewed partnership with Live Nation. As a global leader in live entertainment, Live Nation will collaborate with BLAST to support the event’s production and promotion. This alliance aims to enhance the live experience for fans attending Dickies Arena and to reinforce Texas’ growing stature as a major destination for esports and competitive entertainment.
Alongside Live Nation, BLAST will work with the event promoters C3 Presents to deliver the tournament.
Andrew Haworth, SVP of Ecosystems at BLAST, commented: “After two unforgettable events in 2024, we’re proud to return to Fort Worth and Dickies Arena for the BLAST Premier Rivals. The event will bring the very best of Counter-Strike and esports to a city that’s quickly become a home for global esports. We’re excited to partner once again with Live Nation, Fort Worth Sports Commission and C3 Presents to deliver competitive entertainment and a fan-first spectacle.”
The tournament will feature eight teams — four qualifying through Valve Regional Standings and four through regional rankings representing Europe, North America, South America and Asia. Matches will take place over five days, with the final three days open to a live audience at Dickies Arena. The event will also be broadcast in more than 30 languages across over 100 territories.
