A major partnership has been established, set to boost the island nation’s profile in the global esports arena. In a big announcement, competitive entertainment powerhouse BLAST and GamingMalta, an independent non-profit foundation, have revealed a transformative three-year partnership. This collaboration promises to establish Malta as a premier destination for world-class esports events and innovation, kicking off with major tournaments and featuring the development of a cutting-edge esports studio and operational hub right here on the island.
This monumental move will see Malta host nine major international esports tournaments, including prestigious competitions from BLAST’s global calendar, such as the BLAST Premier and BLAST Slam circuits. The partnership kicks off with the highly anticipated BLAST Premier Bounty S2 in August 2025, bringing 32 of the Counter-Strike scene’s top teams to battle for a significant share of the $500,000 USD prize pool.
In addition to the major tournaments, BLAST will establish a permanent esports broadcasting facility spanning over 1,000m² in Malta. This cutting-edge studio will serve as a hub for Tier 1 esports tournaments and content production, complemented by a dedicated office presence on the island. This significant investment underscores a shared commitment to developing local talent and infrastructure, creating meaningful career opportunities for Maltese players, content creators, and aspiring professionals within the gaming industry.
GamingMalta will benefit from unparalleled global visibility across all BLAST Premier and BLAST Slam broadcasts, reaching millions of fans worldwide. This exposure, coupled with BLAST’s commitment to investing in local esports initiatives and forging connections with universities and grassroots organisations, further cements Malta’s position as a “Home of Gaming Excellence.”
Minister for the Economy, Enterprise & Strategic Projects, Silvio Schembri, highlighted that this partnership perfectly aligns with the Government of Malta’s Vision 2050. “It reflects our ongoing commitment to positioning Malta as a hub for future-facing industries, while also creating real opportunities for our young people through education, careers, and international exposure,” he stated
Robbie Douek, CEO of BLAST, expressed his excitement, remarking, “Our partnership with GamingMalta marks a major milestone for BLAST… We are excited to bring live output, a new studio and competitive entertainment to the island.” Ivan Filletti, CEO of GamingMalta, echoed this sentiment, stating, “This multi-year partnership with BLAST is a bold step forward in our relentless journey to continue establishing Malta as a world-class esports hub.”
This partnership is expected to generate significant economic benefits for Malta, attracting international teams, fans, and media coverage, while boosting tourism, hospitality demand, and international business. Malta is truly levelling up its game, poised to become a vibrant hub for competitive gaming and innovation on the global stage.