BLAST to host Major press conference at Eiffel Tower
In what will likely be an impressive backdrop, BLAST.tv will be hosting a press conference on Wednesday morning where further details surrounding the Paris Major qualifiers will be revealed.
The press conference should answer several questions for the community, including dates for the open qualifiers and the locations for each region's RMR. Many are hoping that the Americas will have their RMR in hemisphere after ESL faced backlash for hosting the event in Sweden due to visa concerns.
With a star-studded cast of Dan "apEX" Madesclaire, Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut, and Richard "shox" Papillon scheduled to appear as guests to BLAST.tv Chief Executive Officer Robbie Douek and Chief Innovation Officer Nicolas Estrup, the press conference will be a show within itself.
It was first revealed and subsequently confirmed in early September 2022 that BLAST would be hosting the first Major of 2023 in Paris. The announcement comments from French President Emmanuel Macron back in April 2022, where he stated a desire for France to host leading esports events such as the Counter-Strike Major in the future and become the "country of video games".
At the time of the announcement, Robbie Douek, BLAST CEO , said: “BLAST has always had an ambition and dream to be involved in a Major, an event that is rightly viewed as the pinnacle of esports and competitive gaming. We’ve been watching and waiting for the right moment to deliver an unforgettable Major. The time is now, with the BLAST.tv Major 2023! Over the last few years we've been working hard to deliver the best esports entertainment on the planet, and more recently investing in a digital platform that will allow fans to get even closer to these experiences."
“Paris is the world-class location to host the tournament and will precede another high-profile international event in the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics. Next year marks 10 years of Majors and we are highly confident of marking this occasion by delivering the greatest Major to date for CS:GO fans to experience and enjoy. We will be working closely with Valve to ensure we meet and exceed the community’s expectations and deliver an incredible event.”
The first known dates for the BLAST.tv Paris Major is April 3rd, when the Regional Major Ranking events take place through April 9th. The formal Paris Major will begin May 8th and end May 21st. It is unknown if BLAST.tv has elected to open the entire event up to spectators as ESL did for IEM Rio, who only did so after unprecedented demand for tickets.
The press conference will be streamed to international press and begins at 03:45AM.
