This year’s BLAST Premier World Final will kick off in Abu Dhabi from tomorrow (14th December) with eight of the world’s best teams set to compete for the chance to be Counter-Strike champions of 2022.
BLAST has partnered with AD Gaming, a pioneering gaming and esports initiative to bring its season-ending tournament to the UAE capital for the first time as part of a three-year partnership.
To run until 18th December at Yas Island’s Etihad Arena, the World Final will see eight of the world’s biggest esports organisations battle for glory in the seventh and last event of BLAST Premier tournament series, which will have a prize pool of USD $1 million.
Among the top sides to feature are FaZe Clan (ESL Pro League 15, NAVI, (BLAST Premier Spring Final), Team Vitality (ESL Pro League 16), Outsiders (IEM Rio Major) and Heroic (BLAST Premier Fall Final). They will be joined by G2 Esports, Team Liquid and OG Esports, who finished in the top three in the World Final Leaderboard.
Representing the teams will be some of the biggest esports players including Team Vitality’s ‘dupreeh’, who has won four majors, and ‘s1mple’ of NAVI – widely considered as one of the greatest and most accomplished professional gamers and esports players of all-time with 21 HLTV MVP medals and a Major.
For Karrigan, the in-game leader for Faze Clan and one of the most well-known and successful in-game leaders in Counter-Strike, said: “I’m looking forward to playing in Abu Dhabi and BLAST setting up this World Final in this region is a fantastic way to reach new audiences. BLAST is doing a great job in growing esports and seeing the fans is something I’m looking forward and I think it’s important we go around the world and make CS:GO and esports popular.”
ZywOo from Team Vitality and Karrigan from Faze Clan (Left to Right)
ZywOo from Team Vitality, said: “We don’t have any expectations as it’s the last tournament of the year so for us it’s about enjoying the experience and the tournament. We are going to play against some of the best players and it’s the biggest tournament of the year.”
Abu Dhabi will be the first city in the Middle East to stage a BLAST Premier tournament and joins a list that includes London, Copenhagen, Miami, São Paulo, Istanbul and Madrid.
Charlotte Kenny, Managing Director of BLAST Premier, said: “After months of planning, the BLAST Premier World Final 2022 is finally here and we could not be more excited especially as it’s being hosted in Abu Dhabi for the first time.
“With the support of AD Gaming, Abu Dhabi is taking strides to boost its gaming ecosystem and we are proud that the BLAST Premier World Final will help contribute to establishing a thriving local esports scene.
“While there will be exhilarating performances by the best players in the world, there will be plenty of entertainment in the BLAST Gaming Zone that will keep people of all ages entertained. Whether you’re a gaming fan or not, the World Final promises to be an event like no other in what will be a historic occasion.”
The event aligns with AD Gaming’s wider strategy and commitment to aggregate Abu Dhabi’s drive to build a thriving gaming and esports ecosystem, and continue to promote the city as a global gaming hub.
James Hartt, Director of Strategic Initiatives and Business Development at AD Gaming, said: “BLAST’s commitment to Abu Dhabi perfectly demonstrates the scale and impact of the emirate’s growing gaming and esports sector, both in terms of the industry and the player and fan communities. Crucially, it also shows a deep trust in the growth and untapped potential that Abu Dhabi has to offer.
“The world’s leading esport tournament organisers are increasingly selecting Abu Dhabi as their destination of choice, and we’re proud to be at the centre of it all. AD Gaming is continuously working to build up Abu Dhabi’s gaming and esports ecosystem even further – particularly its suite of first-class venues, its pool of passionate fans, and its growing community of talented developers and creators. We can’t wait to show Abu Dhabi what a world class esports event entails.”
The event will also attract some of the biggest names in the Middle East including Saudi Arabia’s popular gaming creator BanderitaX along with professional Fortnite players NM7 and spyerfrog.
They will be among a host of top gamers, influencers and content creators including Basharkk,” and Galaxy Racer’s professional Fortnite players “Souriano” and “g1ntl” with spectators able to meet the stars in person.
The BLAST Gaming Zone will also have something for every person to enjoy with fans able to participate in a weekend of playing Counter-Strike, FIFA and Fall Guys.
Tickets for 17th and 18th December cost as low as AED 50 for Students and AED 115. Tickets can be purchased by visiting https://www.etihadarena.ae/en/event-booking/blast-premier-world-final-2022.
