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BLAST Open 3 2027 Set for US With Swiss Format and Eight-Team Playoffs
BLAST announced on Friday, October 30, that the United States will host the third BLAST Premier Open of 2027. The Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) tournament will run from September 3 to 12, featuring 16 teams and a combined $1.25 million in prize money and team payments.
Along with the location, the organizer confirmed major format changes, including a Swiss stage and an expanded eight-team playoff bracket. The host city and arena have yet to be announced.
What Is the New BLAST Open 3 2027 Format?
The biggest change is the introduction of a Swiss format for the opening stage, replacing the previous two-group, double-elimination setup. All 16 teams will compete on LAN from September 5 to 9, with eight advancing to the playoffs.
The playoffs will take place from September 10 to 12, featuring a single-elimination bracket played in front of a live arena crowd. Previous BLAST Open events sent only six teams to the playoffs.
The new format will also allow BLAST to broadcast Swiss-stage matches on two streams simultaneously. According to the organizer, the changes will mean more matches broadcast and more games for fans attending the event to watch live in the arena.
How Can Teams Qualify for BLAST Open 3 2027?
Of the 16 spots, 11 will go to teams directly invited through Valve's global VRS rankings, based on the standings published on May 3, 2027. The remaining five spots will be decided through regional qualifiers.
South America will have one qualifying spot, giving teams from the region, including Brazilian squads, a path to the event even if they do not receive a direct invitation. Europe and Asia will also have one spot each, while North America will receive two as the host region.
The South American Closed Qualifier will take place from July 9 to 11, 2027, with eight teams competing. Four will be invited based on the regional Valve standings, while the other four will advance through Open Qualifiers.
The South American qualifier will use a single-elimination bracket, with all series played as best-of-three (Bo3). Only the winner will secure a place at BLAST Open.
How Much Money Is at Stake at BLAST Open 3 2027?
BLAST confirmed a combined $1.25 million in prize money and team payments for the event. The figure includes both competitive prize money and payments made to participating organizations.
The tournament will also feature a $400,000 acceptance fee pool for teams accepting invitations. BLAST outlined the following payouts based on invitation placement:
- 1st to 4th: $60,000 per team;
- 5th to 8th: $30,000 per team;
- 9th to 16th: $5,000 per team.
Official invitations will be sent on May 4, 2027, while the participating rosters will be announced on August 30. BLAST will reveal further details about the host city, venue and ticket sales at a later date.
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Featured image credit: BLAST
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