Esports tournament organiser BLAST has announced a significant expansion into Dota 2 events.
The organiser has unveiled BLAST Slam, a Dota 2 circuit that will commence in late 2024 and run throughout 2025.
The first BLAST Slam event is set to take place from November 26th through December 1st. The remaining four events will occur in February, May, October and November 2025. According to a release, BLAST will reveal further details including prize pool and event locations ‘in the summer’.
The Dota 2 circuit will also be added to BLAST.tv, the organiser’s dedicated broadcast platform. Viewers will have access to an interactive timeline which enables them to rewatch highlights or key moments that happen throughout a match. Alongside broadcasting matches, the platform will contain player stats and a range of exclusive content.
For Dota 2, BLAST’s involvement marks a significant development in the 2024/2025 calendar. In March 2024, fellow tournament organiser PGL unveiled plans to host at least eight Dota 2 events between 2024 and 2026. Elsewhere, production company ESB and the Qatar Esports Federation have launched a $2.6m (~£2.08m) league featuring three events and an open circuit for amateur players to compete in.
For BLAST, expanding into Dota 2 is another addition to its esports ecosystem portfolio. In January 2024, the tournament organiser secured a multi-year deal to operate the Fortnite Championship Series and Rocket League Championship Series. The company also runs Counter-Strike’s BLAST Premier and currently organises the Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS).
Andrew Haworth, BLAST’s VP of Ecosystems, Valve and Riot, spoke on the deal: “We are delighted to be entering Dota 2 and have plans for BLAST to bring a new level of production and excitement that Dota fans haven’t seen before.
“With the recent changes to the Dota ecosystem, we feel it’s the perfect opportunity for BLAST to come in, provide the community with the next level of tournaments and become the new home of Dota 2.”
