Esports tournament organiser BLAST has partnered with social media platform TikTok for the conclusion of the last-ever CS:GO Major in Paris.
As part of the deal, the tournament will be streamed live on TikTok, marking the first time a Counter-Strike event is featured on the platform in this way.
In a bid to bring esports fans closer to the Paris Major, both entities will also collaborate on a series of integrated and customised features on TikTok. According to a release, the decision was made after the dedicated hashtag for the BLAST.tv Major, #BLASTTVMajor, surpassed 100m views on the platform.
The BLAST.tv Major has featured the 24 top teams competing in CS:GO for a $1.25m (⁓£1m) prize pool and the title of the world’s best Counter-Strike team. Anticipated to attract over 50,000 fans at the Accor Arena in Paris, the tournament will be broadcast worldwide in over 100 territories and 24 languages. In fact, it was recently revealed that Skyesports will broadcast the BLAST.tv Paris Major in Hindi.
The in-app TikTok experience for esports fans during the Paris Major will include a dedicated page with unique perspectives and on-site reporters. Exclusive content will also be created, featuring popular personalities like LittleBigWhale, Raramuathra and SwammyXO, among others.
Robbie Douek, CEO of BLAST, commented on the partnership: “The esports world will have their eyes firmly fixed on Paris this week when the world’s best Counter-Strike teams descend onto the French capital to compete for the coveted last ever CS:GO Major trophy. Teaming up with TikTok will allow us to bring fans even closer to the experience with a number of integrated features and exclusive content on the platform.”
The BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023 signifies a significant transition for CS:GO, as, starting later this year, Counter-Strike tournaments will shift to Counter-Strike 2, the newest instalment in the franchise. PGL will be organising the inaugural Counter-Strike 2 Major, scheduled to be held in Copenhagen.
