The BLAST.tv Austin Major has set a new standard in Counter-Strike esports, attracting massive global attention and becoming the most-watched tournament in the game’s history. Hosted at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, this event brought together elite teams like Team Vitality and The MongolZ, ultimately crowning Team Vitality as champions. With 76.1 million hours watched across 135 hours of live airtime, this Major shattered previous records and signaled a turning point for both BLAST.tv and the worldwide esports scene.
Unprecedented Counter-Strike viewership drives major success
The BLAST.tv Austin Major’s viewership record is a testament to the expanding popularity of Counter-Strike. According to Esports Charts, the tournament surpassed the long-standing record set by the 2021 Stockholm Major, highlighting a continued surge of global interest in Counter-Strike esports. The grand final between Team Vitality and The MongolZ featured electrifying gameplay that kept fans glued to their screens. While the Austin Major didn’t eclipse the Stockholm Major’s peak concurrent viewership, its total hours watched set a new benchmark and demonstrated how consistent engagement now rivals traditional sports events.
Team Vitality’s triumph and The MongolZ’s impressive run
Team Vitality’s dominant performance throughout the BLAST.tv Austin Major showcased their tactical prowess, teamwork, and ability to thrive under pressure. Their grand final victory over The MongolZ sealed another historic chapter for the French organization, further cementing their legacy in international Counter-Strike. Meanwhile, The MongolZ captured hearts with their underdog run, gaining new fans worldwide and proving that the competitive landscape in esports is more unpredictable and thrilling than ever.
BLAST.tv Austin Major at the Moody Center: A venue fit for esports
Choosing the Moody Center in Austin as the venue elevated the atmosphere of the BLAST.tv Austin Major. State-of-the-art facilities and a packed crowd provided a vibrant backdrop for high-stakes Counter-Strike matches. The location also signaled BLAST.tv’s commitment to hosting premier esports tournaments in iconic, accessible arenas, generating excitement both inside the arena and across digital platforms.
The role of Esports Charts and media in amplifying the event
An essential factor in the BLAST.tv Austin Major’s success was transparent, real-time data sharing from partners like Esports Charts. Up-to-date tracking of viewership records fueled discussion across social channels and provided valuable insights for the global esports community. Media coverage, both through official BLAST.tv broadcast channels and independent outlets, gave fans multiple ways to engage with every highlight, strategy breakdown, and emotional moment during the event.
Strategic partnerships with GamingMalta and future BLAST initiatives
Looking ahead, BLAST.tv’s partnership with GamingMalta promises to expand its European footprint and advance competitive Counter-Strike in emerging regions. Scheduled events such as the Fall Bounty tournament in Malta and the Rocket League RLCS Raleigh Major represent BLAST.tv’s broader commitment to innovation and growth across multiple esports titles. Each new tournament builds on the momentum of the Austin Major, offering players and fans fresh experiences in diverse global settings.
Why the BLAST.tv Austin Major marks a turning point for esports
No prior event has combined such high stakes, elite skill, and massive community engagement in the world of Counter-Strike. The BLAST.tv Austin Major’s success is fueled by a strategic blend of compelling team narratives, cutting-edge production, record-breaking statistics, and ambitious partnerships. It’s a clear signal that esports—led by tournaments like the BLAST.tv Austin Major—has entered a new era of mainstream cultural influence and competitive legitimacy.
Frequently asked questions about the BLAST.tv Austin Major (FAQ)
What made the BLAST.tv Austin Major the most-watched event in Counter-Strike history?
The event’s combination of top-tier teams, high-stakes matches, and comprehensive live broadcasts helped generate 76.1 million hours watched, surpassing all previous Counter-Strike tournaments.
Where was the BLAST.tv Austin Major held?
The tournament took place at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, USA, offering a world-class venue for a landmark esports event.
Which teams played in the grand final, and who won?
Team Vitality faced The MongolZ in the Grand Final, with Team Vitality winning the tournament and solidifying their reputation as elite Counter-Strike competitors.
What role did GamingMalta play in the BLAST.tv Austin Major?
GamingMalta partnered with BLAST.tv to support current and future events, expanding the reach of Counter-Strike esports into new European markets.
What’s next for BLAST.tv after the Austin Major?
Upcoming events include the Fall Bounty tournament in Malta and the Rocket League RLCS Raleigh Major in North Carolina, cementing BLAST.tv’s position as a leader in global esports.
Sources to this article
Esports Charts (2025) ‘BLAST.tv Austin Major sets new record for Counter-Strike viewership,’ available at: https://escharts.com
BLAST.tv (2025) ‘Austin Major tournament recap,’ available at: https://blast.tv/majors/austin-2025
GamingMalta and BLAST.tv (2025) ‘Partnership announcement and future initiatives,’ available at: https://gamingmalta.org/news/partnership-blast
Moody Center (2025) ‘Venue profile,’ available at: https://moodycenteratx.com
