The Rocket League Championship Series (RLCS) Boston Major concluded this past weekend at Boston University’s Agganis Arena, establishing a new viewership peak for the esport. The event recorded a high of 624,316 concurrent viewers, the first time an RLCS broadcast has surpassed the 600,000 mark.
This figure marks a 33.3% increase from the previous record set during the 2022–23 World Championship, indicating continued audience growth for the 2026 circuit.
Regarding the tournament’s performance, RLCS organizers noted: “The RLCS Boston Major 2026 represents a significant milestone for Rocket League esports. With record viewership and a competitive Grand Final, the event sets a new statistical standard for the season ahead.”
The tournament featured an all-French Grand Final, where Gentle Mates defeated Team Vitality 4:2 to secure the first Major title of the season. Beyond the peak viewership, the event maintained an average audience of over 270,000 throughout the weekend according to BLAST. The competition drew participants from a wide international field, utilizing multiple broadcast platforms and languages to reach a global audience.
The record-breaking weekend also served as the official debut of Michelin as a premier partner of the 2026 RLCS. By joining the event, the tire manufacturer aims to leverage its historical expertise in traditional motorsport to resonate with a new generation of digital-native fans.
Throughout the Boston Major, Michelin’s branding was integrated across the in-game arena and the official broadcast, marking a strategic expansion of its presence within the global competitive gaming ecosystem.
Victor Frascarelli is the Editor-in-Chief of The Esports Radar. A Brazilian native who began his esports journey in Poland's League of Legends scene in 2016, his career spans award-winning reporting at The Esports Observer, a tenure with Esports Insider, and two years as Head of PR for Brazilian powerhouse FURIA. When not immersed in the industry, he’s likely navigating the servers of Counter-Strike or making his next move as your online chess opponent.
