Safeguarding the long-term future of all employees in esports and the impact of COVID-19
Similar to many other global businesses operating in the sports and entertainment industry, COVID-19 has had a considerable impact on the esports ecosystem. It has restricted the ability to produce and run physical tournaments, impacted the training and competitive environment for players and teams and has for the foreseeable future changed how fans engage, watch and enjoy esports. The pandemic has also had a direct financial impact on all people working across the ecosystem.
In agreement with our partner teams we have made some amendments to our financial structure, which we believe will help provide a more sustainable model for the broader industry. Moving forward, we will be increasing the participation fees paid to teams and reducing season prize money. The total sum paid by BLAST will remain identical.
Commenting on the change JMR Luna, CEO of OG Esport, said: “Investing in the ecosystem enables all organizations, whether new or established, to develop infrastructure around the players. This change is crucial for the long term sustainability of our ecosystem.”
Robbie Douek, BLAST CEO, said: “We partner alongside the most progressive brands in esports, many of whom have also felt the impact of Covid-19. We believe this realignment will help sustain the broader ecosystem and ensure that we can all emerge stronger together.”
This agreed change will help safeguard, develop and grow all teams and organizations participating in BLAST events. By investing in the foundations of esports we can reap the rewards in the future and help establish a thriving ecosystem for many years to come.
This new structure will also benefit non-partner teams from the 2021 season onwards, with these teams receiving a participation fee for each tournament – in addition to competing for prize money.
CONTACT:
Joe Lovelace at [email protected].
APPENDIX: REVISED BLAST PREMIER PRIZE MONEY 2020-2021
Event Mechanics – Read more
BLAST PREMIER 2020-2021 PRIZE MONEY
EVENTS
PRIZE MONEY
Fall Series 2020
$150,000
Fall Showdown 2020
$150,000
Fall Final 2020
$425,000
Global Final 2020
$1,000,000
Spring Series 2021
$150,000
Spring Showdown 2021
$162,500
Spring Final 2021
$425,000
Fall Series 2021
$150,000
Fall Showdown 2021
$162,500
Fall Final 2021
$425,000
Global Final 2021
$1,000,000
TOTAL
$4,200,000
BLAST PREMIER 2020-2021 PRIZE MONEY
EVENTS |
PRIZE MONEY |
|---|---|
| Fall Series 2020 | $150,000 |
| Fall Showdown 2020 | $150,000 |
| Fall Final 2020 | $425,000 |
| Global Final 2020 | $1,000,000 |
| Spring Series 2021 | $150,000 |
| Spring Showdown 2021 | $162,500 |
| Spring Final 2021 | $425,000 |
| Fall Series 2021 | $150,000 |
| Fall Showdown 2021 | $162,500 |
| Fall Final 2021 | $425,000 |
| Global Final 2021 | $1,000,000 |
TOTAL |
$4,200,000 |
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