Encore, an in-flight entertainment company, has entered an exclusive partnership with esports production company BLAST to distribute esports content to airline passengers worldwide. The agreement will see two of BLAST’s flagship productions — BLAST.tv Paris Major and The Launders Show — added to Encore’s content offering for its global network of airline partners.
Although BLAST is a frequent presence in business headlines recently, especially for organising the BLAST.tv Major Austin 2025, this collaboration represents the company’s first foray into in-flight entertainment. According to the companies, the deal also marks the first time this type of premium esports content will be made available onboard commercial flights.
BLAST.tv: Paris Major is a three-part documentary focused on the final Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) Major tournament. The production has three segments, spanning from a historical view from a decade of CS:GO Majors, the growth of the esports industry, a behind-the-scenes view into the organisation of the Paris event, and key moments and stories from the tournament including Team Vitality’s win on home soil.
The Launders Show offers a more relaxed take on the esports world, featuring interviews with professional players, analytical segments, and insights into the competitive gaming scene.
Edwin Cheung, Vice President of Sales at Encore, said: “Esports is now one of the most-watched forms of entertainment worldwide, particularly among Gen Z and millennial audiences. With BLAST: Paris Major and The Launders Show, we’re introducing a fresh, culturally relevant genre to in-flight entertainment, one that reflects how younger travellers are watching, following, and engaging with content today.”
The partnership aims to expand the reach of esports content to a broader audience, leveraging the growing popularity of gaming-related media among younger demographics. Encore’s client airlines include Emirates, British Airways, AirFrance, America Airlines, among other prominent brands from the sector.
