Mongolian Counter Strike viewership on a high after Esports World Cup win

Hannah Marie ZT, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 26/08/2025

The Esports World Cup ended with Mongolian Counter Strike team The MongolZ on top of the world, finally clutching their first trophy. As a result of their long-awaited victory, Mongolian Counter Strike viewership has soared to new heights.

Mongolian Counter-Strike viewership hits new peak 

The MongolZ vs Aurora Grand Final at the Esports World Cup hit a new record for Mongolian Counter Strike viewership. 

Their best-of-five match ended in a 3-0 win for The MongolZ. Thanks to several successful Playoffs in recent months, the Mongolian team were a strong favourite to win the title on Counter Strike betting sites, an expectation that they expertly fulfilled.  

Impressively, it garnered 179,637 peak viewers from the country, equating to over 5% of the entire population and smashing their previous viewership record of 85,375 at the BLAST Austin Major back in June 2025. Even Mongolia’s Prime Minister tuned in to watch. 

Actual figures for the number of people watching TheMongolZ rise to victory in Riyadh are certainly higher than the broadcast viewership. 

Mongolia has become famous for its Counter Strike watch parties. Matches are often broadcast on big screens in parks and arenas, with thousands tuning in to watch together. These watch parties are tax-free and non-profit, keeping the love for Counter Strike esports at their core.

Going one step further, the country even made plans to broadcast the tournament on bus screens. National adoration for Mongolian Counter Strike could not be clearer.  

Will there be a Tier One LAN in Mongolia?

Following the broadcast of Mongolian Counter Strike fans worldwide, some suggest hosting a Tier One LAN tournament in the country. While some tournament series visit the same cities, year in, year out, others often tour to different locations. 

For example, BLAST held the BLAST Premier Spring Final 2024 in London, but for 2025, they are hosting the upcoming BLAST Open Fall tournament there instead. 

Despite their small population, TheMongolZ clearly has a unique passion for Counter Strike. If the country can fill arenas, fields, and parks with fans watching tournaments on a screen, a Tier One LAN tournament would undoubtedly sell out. 

A Tier One LAN tournament would also likely receive enthusiastic support from the Mongolian government.  

Back in March 2025, Mongolia’s government officially declared The MongolZ Counter Strike team to be national athletes of Mongolia. This means that they get paid by the government in this capacity.  

Evidently, the foundations are there for an excellent crowd. 

It will be up to broadcasters to decide whether Mongolian Counter Strike fans have proved their prowess enough during the Esports World Cup to make it happen.

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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