The esports world is buzzing with excitement as ESL and BLAST, two of the biggest tournament organizers in Counter-Strike, have officially announced their event calendars for 2027. This news comes just days after ESL kicked off its 2025 season with the Intel Extreme Masters Katowice. Both organizers have shared detailed schedules, promising a packed year for fans and players alike.
ESL’s 2027 calendar includes seven major events, starting with a tournament from January 27 to February 7. Other key dates include events in February-March, April, May, August, September-October, and October-November. ESL has also confirmed that their Winter Championship in 2026 will take place in Poland from January 28 to February 8, with a prize pool of $1.25 million. This event will feature the top 24 teams from the Valve Ranking System (VRS) competing in person on LAN.
BLAST, on the other hand, has announced six tournaments for 2027. These include Bounty and Open events spread throughout the year, with the first Bounty tournament scheduled for January 13-24. Interestingly, this overlaps with a PGL event, creating a potential clash for teams and fans. BLAST’s calendar also features events in March, May, September, October, and November.
The 2027 schedules mark a significant shift in the esports landscape. Unlike previous years, where organizers worked together to avoid conflicts, the growing number of tournaments has led to overlapping dates. For example, BLAST’s January event will run almost simultaneously with PGL’s tournament, forcing teams to choose between the two.
This crowded calendar is a result of Valve’s new guidelines, which require tournament organizers to announce their schedules 24 months in advance. While this ensures transparency, it also increases the likelihood of schedule clashes. Fans can expect more such overlaps as other organizers like StarLadder and PGL continue to expand their presence in the Counter-Strike scene.
Despite these challenges, the 2027 season promises to be one of the most exciting yet. With millions of dollars in prize money and top-tier competition, both ESL and BLAST are set to deliver unforgettable experiences for players and fans. Stay tuned for more updates as the esports community gears up for a thrilling year ahead.
