With Asia's best gamers taking on the world in a scale of event never before seen in the region, the BLAST Premier Rivals, a popular Counter-Strike 2 tournament, is guaranteed to thrill esports fans in Hong Kong, China, in November.

Competitive entertainment company BLAST, in collaboration with the Esports Association of Hong Kong, China, and supported by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, announced on Tuesday that the high-profile CS2 contest, as part of the BLAST Premier 2025 global circuit, will be held from Nov 12-16 at the AsiaWorld-Arena in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

It will be the largest esports event ever held in Hong Kong and represents a historic milestone as the first esports event to receive the "M" mark designation by the Major Sports Events Committee under the HKSAR government. The "M" mark is granted only to major sporting events that significantly enhance Hong Kong's international image as a premier destination for sports and entertainment.

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The tournament will see the best eight teams from around the world, including four of the best teams from the Valve Regional Standings and four teams from Europe, North America, South America and Asia, respectively, to ensure global representation.

Two Chinese CS2 teams, the Shanghai-based Tyloo and Liaoning-based Lynn Vision, globally ranked 25th and 30th, respectively, are also in contention for entry into the Hong Kong tournament.

Both teams have put on impressive performances during the ongoing BLAST.tv Major 2025 tournament taking place in Austin, Texas, fielding all-Chinese rosters while showcasing the depth, skill and potential of the region on one of the world's biggest stages.

A total of $1 million in prize pool and participation fees will be up for grabs for the teams, with the event to be broadcast in more than 30 languages across over 100 countries and regions and millions of viewers worldwide.

Organizers expect the tournament to cements Hong Kong's status as a key global player in the competitive gaming industry, help drive the growth of esports in Asia, and inspire the next generation of talents.

"It is an honor to witness Hong Kong hosting its first international esports tournament, reinforcing our city's status as a global sports hub," said George Tsoi Kin-pan, commissioner for sports and culture of the Sports and Tourism Bureau of the HKSAR.

"We are committed to supporting its growth as both a competitive sport and a driver of innovation. BLAST Premier Hong Kong Rivals 2025 marks a milestone in our journey, and we look forward to welcoming players and fans to this historic event."

James Woollard, director of market development at BLAST, hailed the Hong Kong tournament as a history-making event for esports' promotion in the region.

"We are incredibly proud to bring the BLAST Premier Rivals to Hong Kong and make history in the process, as the first esports event to receive the 'M' mark recognition," Woollard said at the launch ceremony held at Cyberport, one of Hong Kong's leading tech and innovation hubs.

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"This event will combine world-class competition, state-of-the-art production and a uniquely local cultural experience to create an unforgettable moment for fans in Hong Kong, Asia and around the globe. We are excited to be working with brilliant and trusted local partners such as the Esports Association of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Tourism Board, which will allow us to put this vibrant city at the center of the global esports and gaming world in November," Woollard said.