BLAST has announced a new partnership with Polymarket, naming the platform its “Official Prediction Partner.”
As part of the deal, Polymarket will be integrated across seven of BLAST’s global Counter-Strike 2 and Dota 2 events, beginning at BLAST Slam VI in Malta.
BLAST said Polymarket will receive prominent visibility across live broadcasts, arena events, and digital content.
Alexander Lewin, SVP of Commercial Revenue at BLAST, said: “Esports is evolving rapidly into a more interactive, data-driven entertainment experience, and we are delighted to team up with Polymarket to bring exciting new engagement opportunities to our fans all around the world.”
Polymarket are the official prediction partner of BLAST events. Image Credit: BLAST/Polymarket
The increase in betting sponsors in esports has attracted criticism. Call of Duty world champion Jordan “Jkap” Kaplan said he believes sports gambling is ruining a generation of young men.
Polymarket focused on the platform’s interactive nature compared to traditional sportsbooks, arguing its presence at BLAST events will enhance the fan experience.
Matthew Modabber, CMO of Polymarket, said: “Esports has long been dominated by traditional sportsbooks, but prediction markets open the door to a more transparent and community-driven way for fans to engage with competition.”
Esports markets have become increasingly available on Polymarket, and some users have taken advantage by employing bots to trade on the platform. One bot generated more than $200,000 in three months by wagering on League of Legends and Dota 2 live events.
Modabber believes the deal with BLAST will further integrate prediction markets into esports, adding: “Partnering with BLAST brings that experience to a global audience and helps make prediction markets a natural part of how people watch, debate, and follow competitive gaming. We see this as the beginning of a new chapter for fan participation in esports.”
Polymarket Increasing Sports & Esports Presence
Polymarket has been active in securing partnerships since reentering the U.S. market last year. The platform had been banned from accepting U.S. users since 2022.
In addition to the deal with BLAST, it has signed partnerships with other sports organizations, including MLS, NHL, and UFC.
Others, such as the NBA, NFL, and NCAA, have publicly voiced concern over the expansion of prediction markets into sports, claiming the markets pose integrity risks.
Lewin said BLAST is “proud to join Polymarket’s industry-leading group of partners, alongside the NHL, UFC, and MLS, among others, reflecting the growing global recognition of BLAST’s events.”
He echoed Modabber’s sentiments that the partnership will enhance the esports fan experience, adding: “Together, we’re creating something that feels native to esports culture: fast, live, and deeply connected to the action. This partnership is about enhancing how fans experience competition, whether they’re watching online or inside an arena.”
