1xBet named BLAST.tv Austin Major betting partner

Cyprus-based online gambling company 1xBet has become the official betting partner of Counter-Strike 2’s BLAST.tv Austin Major.

Through the partnership, the 1xBet logo will appear across the global broadcast of the Austin Major along with BLAST’s digital platforms.

The two parties will also collaborate on activations that aim to boost global interest in esports and improve fans’ viewing experience.

The deal marks 1xBet’s continued expansion within esports, with tournament organiser BLAST becoming the company’s latest partner. In February, it secured a two-year deal with fellow esports tournament organiser PGL, becoming PGL’s exclusive betting partner for its Counter-Strike and Dota 2 events until the end of 2026.

1xBet is no stranger to supporting Counter-Strike’s Major events. In 2024, it became the betting partner for the PGL Major Copenhagen, the first Major of the Counter-Strike 2 era.

In addition to joining forces with tournament organisers, the company has partnered with several esports organisations, including BESTIA and OG Esports, cementing 1xBet’s position within the esports industry.

Prior to the Major, BLAST replaced BESTIA with Legacy after the Argentine organisation missed the deadline to confirm the visas of players competing at the tournament.

For BLAST, the deal bolsters its existing roster of partners supporting the event. In recent weeks, it has joined forces with the likes of Blacklyte and in-flight entertainment company Encore, marking the first time esports content will be available to watch on board flights.

The BLAST.tv Austin Major is the second Major of the Counter-Strike 2 era and the first to take place in North America in seven years. 32 teams from across the world will compete for a chance to win a share of a $1.25m (~£923,596) prize pool and secure a place in Counter-Strike history.