The esports event operator Blast has signed a three-year strategic cooperation agreement with GamingMalta, an independent non-profit organization established by the Maltese government. Both parties will work together to promote Malta as a significant node in the global esports industry.
According to the agreement, Malta will host at least nine international esports events over the next three years, covering mainstream games such as "Counter-Strike" and "Dota 2". To support event operations, Blast will establish permanent esports broadcasting facilities and an office base locally, and form a dedicated production and operations team.
Additionally, the GamingMalta brand will appear in all global broadcasts of Blast Premier and Slam series events, expected to reach millions of international viewers. Blast will also provide resources to local universities and grassroots esports organizations to help build a sustainable esports ecosystem.
Silvio Schembri, Malta's Minister for Economy, Business and Strategic Projects, stated that this cooperation aligns with the government's "Vision 2050", strengthening the country's position in digital innovation, youth empowerment, and creative industries, and is expected to boost tourism, hospitality, and international business activities.
The first event, Blast Premier Bounty S2, will take place in Malta, attracting 32 international teams to compete for a prize pool of $500,000. Robbie Douek, CEO of Blast, emphasized that this is a historic step for Blast, "We are not only bringing top-tier events but also building studios and offline entertainment projects in Malta."
Ivan Filletti, CEO of GamingMalta, added that the in-depth cooperation with Blast is a crucial part of their goal to create a "home of gaming excellence", marking a solid step towards Malta becoming a world esports center.
