BLAST Slam is going to China! Chengdu is their first stop, but more tournaments in the region are soon-to-be announced.
The Blast Slam 5 is heading to mainland China, a region that is now hosting multiple Dota 2 events. From Dec. 5 to 7, the fans will be able to enjoy some of the best teams in the world at the Wuliangye Chengdu Performing Arts Centre.
The venue can host up to 12,000 attendees, and it’s the first BLAST tournament in the country. On their press release, the Tournament Operator stated this is a three-year contract with Chengdu Television and Media Company. They aim to confirm more tournaments together in the near future.
With the new Asian Champions League, the Clavision Master Series, and the BLAST Slam 5 coming up, the Chinese scene is packed with huge tournaments. When asked about their next event in Chengdu, James Woollard, Director of Market Development at BLAST, said: “Entering the buoyant and growing Chinese esports and gaming space — one of our fastest growing viewership markets — is hugely important.”
We are incredibly proud to bring BLAST’s first ever event in mainland China to Chengdu; a city with rich culture, cutting-edge infrastructure, a history of live entertainment and a growing reputation for gaming and esports. Entering the buoyant and growing Chinese esports and gaming space—one of our fastest growing viewership markets—is hugely important, and partnering with Chengdu Television and Media Company allows us to combine our global competitive entertainment pedigree with trusted local expertise to deliver something truly special. The Phoenix Mountain Sports Park Arena is a phenomenal venue, and we can’t wait to create landmark esports moments there this December as part of a multi-year partnership.
Although Chinese teams may not have won trophies abroad recently, their progress is evident. Valve chose to invite Yakutou Brothers over OG Esports, a statement of faith in the region’s future. For fans, this could be the spark to reignite the local audience and restore Dota 2’s massive viewership.
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Which teams are confirmed for BLAST Slam 5 in Chengdu, China?
After the Gaimin Gladiators incident, five top-notch players left without an organization that could revamp any of the current Tier 1 teams. However, this won't be clear until The International 2025 is over. Also, when the BLAST Slam 4 ends, new names could earn a direct invite to China, too.
Despite these uncertainties, the Tournament Operator still confirmed a short list of orgs that we will see competing in Chengdu:
- Tundra Esports
- HEROIC
- Team Spirit
- Team Falcons
- Parivision
- Team Liquid
However, an invite doesn’t guarantee a LAN stage appearance. Just like in Singapore, BLAST’s new format means every team will need to fight their way onto the LAN stage through a Group Stage.
China once dominated Dota 2, producing TI champions and unforgettable finals. With BLAST investing long-term, this could be the beginning of a true comeback.
Stay tuned to our Dota 2 section for the latest updates on BLAST Slam 5 and beyond.
