Esports, a global phenomenon transcending traditional boundaries, takes center stage in Abu Dhabi this Sunday with the prestigious Blast Premier World Final hosted at the iconic Etihad Arena. Alongside this premier event, the arena will witness a thrilling clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan in the realm of esports.
The intense India-Pakistan rivalry, renowned in various sports like cricket, hockey, and kabaddi, will now extend to esports as gamers from both countries compete for Counter-Strike supremacy. True Rippers Esports from India and Team WahWah from Pakistan will engage in a special match for bragging rights in the Tier One tournament. Each side will feature two elite global esports Blast Premier players selected by fans on Blast.tv, providing them the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of thousands of fans at the Etihad Arena and a global audience spanning over 150 territories.
This exhibition match is part of the partnership between Blast, an esports entertainment company, and Nodwin, South Asia's leading esports and gaming media company. Together, they have launched 'The Draft,' a Counter-Strike tournament set to kick off next year, offering teams from India and Pakistan the chance to compete with tier-one players on the global stage.
Faye Marlborough, brand director for Blast, expressed excitement about the special Showmatch, stating, "We're thrilled to announce the special Showmatch between True Rippers Esports and Team WahWah at the Blast Premier World Final." According to a report by esports market research firm Niko Partners, the Asia and MENA regions contributed to over 56% of global esports revenue in 2022, with India and Pakistan boasting the strongest number of active esports players in the South Asia region.
Marlborough added, "Both countries have a strong following in esports and gaming, especially Counter-Strike, and we cannot wait to see them play in front of a vibrant atmosphere at the Etihad Arena. With the World Final title decider also taking place on the same day, we encourage everyone to book their tickets now for this amazing spectacle." Tickets for the final can be purchased on Ticketmaster and Etihad Arena, with prices starting at Dh160 and discounts of up to 20% for those booking four or more tickets. Hospitality tickets are also available.