Three-Year Agreement to Deliver Nine International Tournaments and Establish Local Infrastructure
Blast, one of the world’s premier esports production companies, has entered a transformative three-year partnership with GamingMalta, a government-backed non-profit foundation tasked with strengthening Malta’s digital and gaming ecosystems. This collaboration will position Malta as a strategic esports destination, combining elite competition with grassroots development.
Malta to Host Major Global Tournaments and Studios
Under the agreement, at least nine international esports events will be held in Malta over the next three years, with major titles like Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2 featured prominently. Blast will also establish a permanent esports broadcasting studio and operational office on the island to support the production of these events.
This facility will serve as a base for content creation, broadcasting, and tournament operations, supporting both global tournament coverage and regional content development. Blast Premier and Slam broadcasts, watched by millions, will now prominently feature GamingMalta branding, further cementing the island’s reputation as a rising player in the global esports market.
Economic and Educational Impact on the Region
Beyond the spectacle of major events, the partnership emphasizes long-term value creation for Malta’s economy and digital talent pool. Blast has committed to investing in grassroots esports development, including initiatives at universities, gaming academies, and local community programs. This aligns with Malta’s Vision 2050, which prioritizes digital innovation and youth opportunity as key pillars of economic strategy.
Silvio Schembri, Malta’s Minister for the Economy, described the partnership as a cornerstone of the nation’s forward-thinking ambitions:
“This partnership reflects our commitment to creating real opportunities through digital innovation and international exposure.”
Tourism, Hospitality and Creative Industry Boost
The influx of tournaments and esports professionals is expected to deliver significant tourism and hospitality benefits, with thousands of players, content creators, fans, and sponsors likely to travel for live events. Blast’s presence is poised to diversify Malta’s digital economy, attracting gaming investments and establishing a high-tech media infrastructure.
The inaugural Blast Premier Bounty S2, featuring 32 international teams competing for a share of the $500,000 prize pool, will mark the start of Malta’s esports calendar under this partnership.
Industry Leaders Praise the Collaboration
Robbie Douek, CEO of Blast, called the deal a “major milestone”:
“This is not just about hosting events – we’re bringing live broadcasts, production talent, and competitive energy to Malta.”
Ivan Filletti, CEO of GamingMalta, emphasized the multi-layered value:
“We are championing a long-term vision by delivering elite events and cultivating new opportunities for the next generation of esports professionals.”
Conclusion: Malta Stakes Its Claim as Europe’s Esports Capital
This partnership is more than a content deal—it is a strategic nation-branding initiative, using the global power of esports to showcase Malta as a modern, innovative, and youth-oriented destination. With robust support from both government and private industry, Malta is now well-positioned to become a leading esports hub in Europe and beyond.
