Counter-Strike esports series BLAST Premier has announced a partnership with automobile brand Lynk & Co.
As a result, the brand will become BLAST Premier’s official transport partner for its World Final, which is set to take place in Abu Dhabi from December 13th-17th.
According to a release, Lynk & Co and BLAST Premier will aim to ‘bridge the gap between high-performance vehicle enthusiasts and esports fans’. The collaboration will see the automotive brand transport players to and from the Etihad Arena in addition to other in-person and online activations.
2023 marks the second year that the BLAST Premier World Final has been held in Abu Dhabi. Eight Counter-Strike teams will compete in the season-ending tournament for a share of its $1m (~£801,970) prize pool. Seven of the eight teams have been decided, with the final slot being awarded to a team participating in the BLAST Premier Fall Final.
This isn’t Lynk & Co’s first time entering the esports space, however, it seems to the company’s most notable deal. In 2020, Lynk & Co participated in the Esports WTCR Championship with its real-world drivers competing in the sim racing competition.
BLAST continues to consolidate its position as one of the largest Counter-Strike esports tournament organisers in the world. In September 2023, it renewed its existing deal with data platform Shikenso Analytics and in October, the company announced that its 2024 Spring Final will take place at London’s OVO Arena Wembley.
Alexander Lewin, Vice President of Disruption and Programming at BLAST, spoke on the deal: “We are delighted to be partnering with leading automotive brand Lynk & Co, who share with BLAST a passion for technology and innovation.
“Through the partnership, we strive to bring together the automotive and esports industries in an engaging and rewarding way for Counter-Strike fans during the biggest BLAST Premier event of the year.”
