BLAST explain why first stage of BLAST Open London 2025 will be held online

Tournament operator BLAST explained why it was decided to move the group stage of the upcoming BLAST Open London 2025 to an online format. Note that at the first event of the BLAST Open series this year, the group stage took place at the BLAST studio in Copenhagen.

This change is driven by the challenges of the 2025 event calendar. Shifting the first stage online reduces the travel strain and should ease logistical pressures for participating teams. Valve are aware of our changed plans for Open S2.

The online part of BLAST Open London 2025 will play out from August 27 to September 1. 12 of the 16 squads will be invited to the competition based on Valve's ranking, while the remaining four teams will secure slots through BLAST Rising tournaments in Europe, North America, South America and Asia. The final stage of the event will be held from September 5 to 7 at the OVO Arena Wembley in London.

Origin: www.hltv.org