The BLAST Premier circuit is setting its sights on new territory. For the first time ever, one of Counter-Strike’s most prestigious tournaments will take place in the Netherlands. From March 27 to 29, 2026, the iconic Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam will play host to the final stage of BLAST Open 2026 — a monumental move for both the event and Dutch esports fans.
Open Spring 2026Netherlands
Vitality
Natus VincereWhat to Expect: Format, Dates, and Prize Money
The action kicks off on March 16 and runs through March 29, with the first two weeks dedicated to qualifiers. A total of 16 elite CS2 teams will be gunning for glory — and for a slice of the impressive $1.1 million prize pool.
The breakdown is as follows:
- 12 teams will be directly invited based on Valve’s global ranking system.
- 4 teams will battle their way in via open qualifiers.
Only the top 6 squads will earn the right to step onto the live stage in Rotterdam and compete in front of a roaring crowd at the Ahoy Arena. $400,000 of the prize pool will go directly to the top-performing teams as cash, while $700,000 will be distributed as team-based rewards.
Why Rotterdam Matters
This isn’t just another CS2 tournament — it’s a pivotal milestone. BLAST Open Rotterdam marks the Netherlands’ official entry into the upper echelon of global esports venues. For a country known more for football than fragging, hosting a premier CS2 event is a serious level-up.
Expect fans from all over Europe to make the pilgrimage. With its international spotlight and high stakes, the Rotterdam stop is set to elevate BLAST’s global footprint and once again showcase why Counter-Strike remains one of the most electrifying esports titles on the planet.