BLAST has named the prediction market platform Polymarket its official prediction partner for the 2026 season, spanning its BLAST Premier and BLAST Slam circuits for Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) and Dota 2. The move aims to deepen interactive fan engagement through integrated predictions and new experiential features across both digital broadcasts and live arena events.

The year-long deal will see Polymarket activated across seven global esports events, beginning at BLAST Slam VI in Malta. Integration includes prominent branding during broadcasts, bespoke content segments, and on-site fan activation.

Global Esports Industry Week (GEIW) will return in 2026 with a bigger and bolder edition, taking place across 18–21 June in Cologne, Germany, alongside IEM Cologne. The schedule and details about ticket sales are available in this link.

Polymarket is a prediction market, not a traditional sportsbook. On its platform, users trade “shares” based on the predicted outcome of future events—such as which team will win a match—with prices fluctuating in real-time based on trader activity. Its existing partnerships with major sports entities like the NHL, UFC, and MLS were cited by BLAST as a marker of its established credibility in the broader sports landscape.

Alexander Lewin, SVP of Commercial Revenue at BLAST, commented on the strategic fit: “Esports is evolving rapidly into a more interactive, data-driven entertainment experience… This partnership is about enhancing how fans experience competition, whether they’re watching online or inside an arena. We’re proud to join Polymarket’s industry-leading group of partners.”

The partnership extends into physical events, incorporating features like a Polymarket Fancam and dedicated streaming booths for creators. Matthew Modabber, CMO of Polymarket, highlighted the platform’s alternative approach to fan engagement: “Esports has long been dominated by traditional sportsbooks, but prediction markets open the door to a more transparent and community-driven way for fans to engage with competition.”

This announcement follows closely on the heels of BLAST securing another renewed partnership, with hardware manufacturer ASUS confirmed for the entire 2026 BLAST Premier season. The back-to-back commercial deals underscore BLAST’s ongoing strategy to solidify long-term brand affiliations across its global tournament series.

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