Las Vegas weighs $2 million deal for two BLAST esports events

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority is asking its board to approve a $2 million sponsorship agreement with BLAST ApS for two esports tournaments in 2028. The board is scheduled to consider the proposal Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, at 9 a.m. at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The first event would be a Counter-Strike Major held on the weekend between Thanksgiving and the National Finals Rodeo. The LVCVA identifies that period as one that needs additional visitors. BLAST would hold a second esports competition at the Las Vegas Convention Center during the summer. The proposal does not include a date or further details for that event.

The tournaments are projected to generate 130,000 hotel room nights. The LVCVA cited the most recent Counter-Strike Major held in the United States, in Austin, Texas, as an example of the potential audience. The event sold more than 45,000 tickets, and 80% of ticket holders came from outside Texas.

The $2 million payment would come from the LVCVA’s fiscal 2028 budget. In return, the agency would receive host-city designation and related rights for both tournaments, along with digital, broadcast and destination-marketing assets designed to promote Las Vegas internationally. The agreement would include hospitality and ticket allocations, though the documents do not specify their size or terms.

The proposal is listed for possible action, allowing the board to approve it, amend it or postpone a decision. The meeting is open to the public, and comments may be made before the item is considered. The board may also change the order of agenda items or remove an item from discussion.

If approved, LVCVA President and CEO Steve Hill would be authorized to sign the agreement. The agenda includes other sponsorship requests, including $300,000 for youth baseball tournaments planned for summer 2027.

BLAST owns rights to esports competitions, operates leagues and produces events. Hong Kong granted M Mark status to BLAST Premier Rivals 2026 in October. In September, BLAST signed an agreement with the Mongolian Esports Association for a $1.25 million Counter-Strike 2 tournament in Mongolia.

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Reviewed and fact-checked by Alex Panasenko on November 9.