BLAST Open Rotterdam confirmed for 2026 Counter-Strike calendar

Hannah Marie ZT, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 04/09/2025

The BLAST Open Rotterdam Spring tournament is confirmed to be landing in the Counter-Strike calendar for March 2026. 

From the 27th to the 29th of March 2026, Counter-Strike will take over the Rotterdam Ahoy Arena.

BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026: What we know so far

BLAST’s Copenhagen studios set the scene for the Rotterdam Open’s qualifier. 

For this tournament, four of the 16 total competition slots will be gained through an open qualifier. The remaining 12 teams will be determined via the VRS (Valve Regional Standings) global leaderboard. 

During the qualifier, teams will be whittled down from 16 to six. These final six then travel to Rotterdam for the Playoffs on the 27th, 28th, and 29th of March. 

Overall, BLAST Open Rotterdam will provide two weeks of Counter-Strike action, broadcast in over 100 territories and over 30 official languages. 

BLAST will also be teaming up with Friendly Fire, the Netherlands-based branch of event organiser FKP Scorpio. Friendly Fire will be working with BLAST to further regional promotion and ensure the energy for Rotterdam’s Counter-Strike LAN is at an all-time high. 

Co-founder of Friendly Fire, Rense van Kessel, shares his excitement for the 2026 LAN, explaining that Friendly Fire is “proud and thrilled to bring BLAST Premier to the Netherlands for the first time.” 

He also further explained how significant the event will be for the country: 

“As the country’s largest international esports event to date, it showcases top-tier competition and highlights the growing cultural impact of esports – marking a major milestone for the industry and for fans in the Netherlands.”

Which teams will likely compete in Rotterdam?

Despite the 2026 season still being several months away, some teams can be expected to maintain their 2025 performance and excel at the tournament. 

Despite a lower concentration of trophies compared to their early 2025 season, Team Vitality currently retain its position as one of the most consistent Counter-Strike teams in the world. 

If this consistency is maintained, they will likely prove popular on Counter-Strike betting sites as the BLAST Rotterdam tournament approaches. Vitality’s performance during the BLAST Open Fall in London will also prove to be a strong indictor of their 2026 potential.

MOUZ, currently burdened with the “silver curse” of several second-place finishes in the 2025 season, may also have the capability to surge forward and start taking titles when the 2026 season begins.  

Where does the event fit into the 2026 Counter-Strike calendar?

The 2026 Counter-Strike calendar is filling fast. So far, 25 S-Tier Counter-Strike tournaments are expected throughout the year. 

BLAST Open Rotterdam will take place after the conclusion of ESL Pro League Season 23 on March 15th. Rotterdam qualifiers are expected to begin the next day, March 16th. 

Following BLAST Rotterdam will be PGL Bucharest 2026, starting April 3rd. 

When do BLAST Open Rotterdam tickets go on sale? 

Tickets go on sale for BLAST Open Rotterdam in October. 

Pesale begins on Thursday, October 23rd, at 10:00 AM BST. 

Official ticket sales begin on Friday, October 24th, at 10:00 AM BST.

Hannah Marie ZT, Senior Editor

Hannah is a journalist specialising in the esports, gaming, and technology sectors. Working for outlets such as Dot Esports, Esports Insider, and of course ENUK, she has developed a love for wider esports, Apex Legends, and advocating for women's esports initiatives. You may have seen her at various esports and gaming events, including ALGS LANs, ESI London, EGX, and watch parties.

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