BLAST and MESA to Host Premier Open in Ulaanbaatar
BLAST has announced a partnership with the Mongolian Esports Association (MESA) to host the BLAST Premier Open Ulaanbaatar, marking the first tier-one Counter-Strike 2 event in Mongolia. The tournament will take place from 10 to 23 May 2027 at Steppe Arena, bringing a major international competition to Central Asia for the first time.
The agreement pairs BLAST's global production and broadcast capabilities with MESA's local infrastructure and expertise. This collaboration represents a significant investment in the country's competitive gaming scene, aiming to activate existing esports, media, and fan infrastructure in Ulaanbaatar on a larger scale.
The event follows a surge in regional interest, highlighted in 2025 when TheMongolz reached the final of the BLAST.tv Austin Major. That performance placed Mongolia firmly on the global Counter-Strike map and demonstrated the passion of local fans, who have historically filled arenas and maintained high viewership for international broadcasts.
James Woollard, VP of Destinations and Market Development at BLAST, stated that the partnership is a long-term commitment to Central Asia, giving the region's momentum a permanent home. Munkhtuvshin Tsagaan, President of MESA, noted that Ulaanbaatar has joined the map of top-tier Asian destinations and has the potential to become a key esports hub over the next three years.
Tuvshinbileg Lkhagvasuren, Founder of TheMongolz, emphasized that the country possesses world-class players, strong teams, and an association capable of delivering major competitions. This combination positions Mongolia strongly within the global esports landscape.
BLAST Premier Open Ulaanbaatar will feature 16 teams competing for a total prize pool of $1,250,000 USD, comprising $500,000 in prize money and $750,000 in team payments. Invitations will be distributed via the Global VRS rankings and BLAST Premier regional qualifiers, with two spots reserved for the Asia Qualifier.
This event joins a global calendar that has previously visited London, Fort Worth, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Lisbon. In 2027, BLAST will also host tournaments in Rio de Janeiro, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malta, continuing its expansion of major tournaments directly to fans worldwide.
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