Following the recent confirmation of Shanghai as the host city for the 2027 winter Major, attention has turned toward the tournament circuit for 2028. Information from multiple sources circulating since earlier this year suggests the geographical distribution of premier Counter-Strike tournaments will continue favoring regions outside of Europe. Reports indicate that ESL and BLAST are set to organize the two Majors in 2028, with both operators targeting locations in the Americas and the Asia-Pacific region.
ESL considering options in Brazil and Australia for the first 2028 Major
For the first Major of 2028, ESL is reportedly choosing between Brazil and Australia. The potential host cities mentioned in these rumors are Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Sydney, and Melbourne. Both countries have proven track records of hosting large esports events with highly engaged audiences. Brazil previously hosted the IEM Rio Major in 2022, while Australia has been a regular stop for the IEM circuit in Sydney. If ESL selects Australia, it will become a new country on the Major map and underscore the growing presence of Counter-Strike in the Asia-Pacific market.
BLAST targeting the United States for the second 2028 Major
The second Major of 2028 is rumored to be organized by BLAST, with the United States as the intended destination. Currently, no specific city has been named for this event. The United States has a history of hosting Majors, including Columbus in 2016, Atlanta in 2017, and Boston in 2018. BLAST also hosted the Austin Major in 2025. A return to North America would align with efforts by tournament operators to maintain a strong presence in the region and engage the local fanbase.
A potential two-year absence for European Majors
Should these rumors materialize, the Counter-Strike calendar will experience an unprecedented geographical shift. With the 2027 Majors taking place in Buenos Aires and Shanghai, and the 2028 events slated for the Americas or Australia, Europe will go two full years without hosting a Major. Historically, Europe has been the traditional heartland of the game, hosting the first seven Majors exclusively. This potential two-year gap highlights a strategic expansion by tournament operators and Valve to cultivate global markets and diversify the host locations for the most prestigious events in the game.
