BLAST has announced that their BLAST Premier Rivals S1 2026 tournament will take place in Fort Worth, Texas, from April 29 to May 3, 2026. This event will bring together eight teams competing for a prize pool of $1,000,000 USD, continuing the tradition of major esports events in the region. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the tournament, its format, venue, and impact on the esports scene.

Event Overview
BLAST Premier Rivals S1 2026 will be the third tournament in the Rivals series, following successful events in Copenhagen and Hong Kong. This event will take place at Dickies Arena, which has previously hosted large-scale Rocket League and Fortnite tournaments that attracted thousands of fans live and millions online. The tournament will last five days, with the last three days taking place in front of a live audience, underscoring its status as one of the key events on the CS2 calendar.

Tournament Details
Date and Location: April 29–May 3, 2026, Dickies Arena, Fort Worth, Texas.
Participants: Eight teams, four of which are directly invited based on Valve's Regional Standings, with the remaining four spots filled by teams from Europe , North America, South America, and Asia.
Format: The tournament will begin with a double-elimination group stage, which will transition into a six-team playoff, culminating in a best-of-five grand final.
Prize Pool: $1,000,000 USD, making this tournament one of the most lucrative of the season.

Impact on the Esports Scene
This tournament will continue to strengthen Fort Worth's reputation as a global hub for elite esports events. Following successful events in 2024, such as the Fortnite Global Championship and Rocket League World Championship, BLAST Premier Rivals S1 2026 will be another step in the development of esports in Texas. The tournament will be broadcast in more than 30 languages in 100+ territories, ensuring global visibility and engaging millions of fans.

Comments from the organizers
Andrew Gavort, Senior Vice President of Ecosystems at BLAST, said:

After two unforgettable events in 2024, we are proud to return to Fort Worth and Dickies Arena for BLAST Premier Rivals. This event will bring the best of Counter-Strike and esports to a city that has quickly become a home for global esports. We are excited to once again partner with Live Nation, the Fort Worth Sports Commission, and C3 Presents to deliver competitive entertainment and spectacle for fans.
Andrew Gavort

Kassy Poss, Interim Executive Director of the Fort Worth Sports Commission, added:

The Fort Worth Sports Commission is proud to continue its partnership with BLAST, building on the success of major events in 2024 such as the Fortnite Championship Series Global Championship and the Rocket League World Championship. With world-class venues like Dickies Arena, Fort Worth is solidifying its position as a global destination for esports. We look forward to welcoming fans from around the world and showcasing the hospitality that defines our city.
Kassy Poss

Partnerships and Expectations
BLAST is partnering with Live Nation, a global leader in live entertainment, the Fort Worth Sports Commission, an organization focused on improving the image, economy, and quality of life of the community through sports, and C3 Presents, a leading event promoter in Texas, to support and promote BLAST Premier Rivals 2026. These partnerships will ensure a high level of organization and experience for participants and spectators.