BLAST Premier Rivals 2026 Heads to Texas with $1 Million Prize Pool
The venue for the upcoming BLAST Premier Rivals 2026 has been finalised; it will take place in Fort Worth, Texas.
The BLAST will host a live audience at Dickies Arena from April 29 to May 3, 2026, to watch eight top-tier teams competing for a $1 million prize pool.
This event will further solidify Texas as an important player in global esports, along with the partnership with Live Nation, C3 Presents, and the Fort Worth Sports Commission.
The organizers made this decision after successfully hosting previous Rivals events in Copenhagen and Hong Kong, which have since built up fan anticipation for Americans. With North America already recognised as one of the fastest-growing esports markets, BLAST is sure to deliver a headliner event unlike any other.
Overview of BLAST Premier Rivals 2026
| Dates | April 29 – May 3, 2026 |
| Venue | Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, Texas |
| Teams | 8 total (4 VRS invites + 4 regional wildcards) |
| Format | GSL-style groups → 6-team playoffs → Bo5 final |
| Prize Money | $1,000,000 (prize + participation) |
| Broadcasting | 30+ languages, 100+ territories |
| Partners | Live Nation, C3 Presents, Fort Worth Sports Commission |
Texas is Now the New Capital of Esports
Fort Worth has rapidly emerged as a key location for major esports competitions. BLAST returned to Dickies Arena after hosting the 2024 Rocket League World Championship and Fortnite Global Championship, which reinforced the city’s reputation. The choice of venue reflects not just capacity and infrastructure but also the local enthusiasm for competitive gaming.
In 2025, BLAST expanded its North American reach by hosting the BLAST.tv Austin Major. It became the most-viewed Counter-Strike event ever held. With Texas now hosting these international events regularly, it seems that they intend to market themselves as a primary hub for some of the greatest esports tournaments around the globe.
Read Also: Valve Revamps CS2 VRS Rules: Multi-Region Teams Now Assigned to Stronger Region
Format, Teams, and Global Reach
The fifth Rivals tournament will have eight teams participating, with selection from the Valve Regional Standings (VRS) and Continental Europe, Americas, and Asia Qualifiers. The competition will consist of a double-elimination group stage into playoffs, featuring a six-team playoff bracket, culminating in a best-of-five grand final.
The organizers expect the event to attract an audience from overseas, and broadcasters will air the tournament in over 30 languages, reaching more than 100 regions worldwide. Meanwhile, from an entertainment perspective, fans can participate in the event for three days as live attendees as they emphasize the fan experience and culminate it with various activities for attendees to enjoy.
