London hosts the BLAST Premier London Open at OVO Arena Wembley this weekend (5–7 September), in what is being billed as the UK’s biggest esports event of 2025.
The Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) tournament will feature a prize pool of $1 million and is projected to reach 89 million viewers worldwide. Last year’s BLAST Premier Spring Final in London delivered an estimated £30m ($40m) economic impact, a figure organisers expect to match again.
In a press release, the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “I am delighted to see the prestigious BLAST Premier London Open come to the capital this weekend. It will showcase the very best of esports as gamers and fans from across the globe flock to London, creating a significant estimated £30 million economic boost for our city. London is a leading destination for esports – a hugely exciting and fast-growing industry – and I will continue to work hard to support its growth in the capital, as we build a better, more prosperous London for everyone.”
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BLAST CEO Robbie Douek highlighted London’s “rich history of hosting world-class sporting and entertainment events,” while Ailsa Buck-Dell, Head of Major Events & Experiences at London & Partners, a business growth and destination agency, called the event an opportunity to bring the capital’s gaming community together and attract new audiences.
The tournament adds to London’s growing reputation as an esports hub, following recent tier-one events including the RLCS London Major and the League of Legends World Championship. Besides London & Partners, BLAST is also joining forces with Live Nation to deliver the event.
