BLAST Slam revamp introduces live audience and global qualifiers

BLAST, a well-known Danish e-sports event organizer, announced on June 13 that it will comprehensively upgrade its "Dota 2" series of events BLAST Slam.

The upgraded content covers the competition system, qualification system, schedule and event format, bringing a richer viewing experience to players and spectators.

Starting with BLAST Slam IV, the playoffs will be open to live spectators for the first time. The first week of the tournament will still be an online group stage, while the second week will be held offline, allowing spectators to go to the studio or venue to watch the key matches in person.

The new qualification system is also more diversified, changing from the original 10 invited teams to 12 participating teams, including 6 invited teams, 1 popular team from the host city, and qualifying teams from Europe, China, Southeast Asia and 1 American representative team.

In addition, BLAST Slam will use a new tournament process. The first week of the tournament will include group matches, loser's revival matches, and LAN qualifying matches. The top two teams in the group stage will directly advance to the semi-finals, 3rd to 8th will enter the LAN qualifying match, and 9th to 12th will participate in the loser's revival match for the last chance.

The offline playoffs will begin in the second week, including the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals. The event schedule has also been adjusted accordingly: BLAST Slam IV will be held at the Singapore Indoor Stadium from October 27 to November 9, 2025. This is also the first time that the series will hold an offline LAN final.

Subsequent events will continue until the end of 2026. BLAST said that it hopes to promote "Dota 2" to a wider international audience through this reform and keep pace with top events such as ESL One and DreamLeague.