Esports tournament organiser BLAST has revealed that the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 reportedly generated over $102m (~£76.4m) in economic impact.
The report, prepared by Angelou Economics, revealed that the Counter-Strike 2 Major has become one of the most impactful esports tournaments to take place in North America.
According to a release, the first Counter-Strike Major of 2025 ‘set multiple records’ for the tournament organiser. The Austin Major beat the previous viewership peak record held by 2023’s Paris Major, hitting 1.7 million viewers during the Grand Final between Team Vitality and The MongolZ.
Alongside hitting new viewership records, BLAST reveals that the event generated $46m (~£34.4m) in media value for BLAST’s commercial partners.
“The 2025 BLAST.tv Austin Major’s impact is a monumental victory for Austin,” said Tom Noonan, President and CEO of Visit Austin. “This landmark competition has set a new benchmark, and we look forward to building on this success, ensuring Austin remains a premier host for world-class esports events for years to come.”
Outside of the economic impact, the Austin Major saw fans from across the world descend on the Moody Center. Fans from 37 countries and all 50 US states attended the playoffs.
The Austin Major is one of several BLAST-operated esports events that have generated significant economic impact in 2025. In September, the BLAST Open London CS2 event reportedly generated £30m in economic impact, demonstrating the value of esports on the UK economy.
BLAST In North America
Following a successful Austin Major, BLAST continues to cement its presence within North America and Texas. Next April, the tournament organiser will host its BLAST Premier Rivals tournament in Fort Worth.
Taking place at the Dickies Arena, eight invited teams from around the world will compete for a share of $1m (~£749,550) in prize money and participation fees.
