BLAST is bringing its Dota 2 Slam series to China for the very first time, with Slam V officially confirmed for Chengdu this December. The tournament will run from 5th to 7th December 2025 at the Wuliangye Chengdu Performing Arts Centre, a massive 12,000-seat arena that’s ready to welcome some of the best teams in the world.

The event marks BLAST’s debut in mainland China and comes as part of a three-year partnership with the Chengdu Broadcasting Film and Television Group. With this deal, BLAST aims to deliver more top-tier Dota 2 events in the region, combining its global reputation with Chengdu’s fast-growing esports scene.

Not just a one off!

BLAST has partnered with Chengdu Television & Media Company in a 3-year agreement, bringing BLAST to Chengdu beyond just 2025.@JamesWoollard1 said: “We can’t wait to create landmark esports moments this December and beyond part of a multi-year partnership.” pic.twitter.com/yKN27wQvzk

— BLAST (@BLASTEsports) August 28, 2025

$1 Million Prize Pool and Global Broadcast

BLAST Dota 2 Slam V will feature 12 teams battling it out for a share of $1,000,000 USD (~£740,000 GBP) in what will be the final Slam event of the year. Direct invites have already gone out to teams like Tundra Esports, HEROIC, Team Spirit, Team Falcons, Parivision, and Team Liquid.

Fans worldwide will be able to catch the action, with the event being broadcast across 50+ territories and in more than 30 languages.

Team Spirit are currently viewed as the frontrunners heading into Chengdu, but Team Falcons have momentum on their side. The Falcons recently defeated Team Spirit at Fissure Universe: Episode 6, showing they have what it takes to cause an upset.

Chengdu’s Rise as an Esports Hotspot

Chengdu has quickly become one of the hottest esports cities in Asia. The BLAST Slam V will join a packed esports calendar for the city, which also includes:

• IEM Chengdu 2025 (Counter-Strike 2) running from 7th to 9th November.
• League of Legends World Championship Final on 9th November.

By December, Chengdu will have hosted three of the biggest esports events in the world, putting millions of eyes on the city and solidifying its reputation as a global esports hub.

A New Chapter for BLAST

This year alone, BLAST has expanded into several new markets. In May, the organiser hosted its first US event, followed by a multi-year deal with the Singapore Tourism Board in August. With Slam V in Chengdu, BLAST is continuing its push across Asia.

Speaking about the move into China, James Woollard, Director of Market Development at BLAST, said:

“We are incredibly proud to bring BLAST’s first-ever event in mainland China to Chengdu, a city with rich culture, cutting-edge infrastructure, a history of live entertainment and a growing reputation for gaming and esports. Partnering with Chengdu Television and Media Company allows us to combine our global competitive entertainment pedigree with trusted local expertise to deliver something truly special.”

Local partners also see it as more than just an esports event. Zhou Wenwen, General Manager of Chengdu Broadcasting Film and Television Group, described the Slam as an “important opportunity to showcase Chengdu as an international cultural, sports and entertainment destination.”

Looking Ahead

With BLAST Slam V closing out the year in Chengdu, fans can expect a high-energy tournament, a stacked lineup of teams, and the chance to see who ends 2025 on top of the Dota 2 world. For BLAST, it’s another milestone in its worldwide expansion, and for Chengdu, it’s yet another chance to shine as the home of some of the biggest esports tournaments on the planet.

The post BLAST Dota 2 Slam V Heads to Chengdu This December for First-Ever China Tournament appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Riot Games has just announced a brand-new tournament for VALORANT players across the EMEA region for a prize pool of €75,000, and it’s looking like a game-changer.

Whirl your way to the top!

Discover what Project Blender is in this video. pic.twitter.com/ChSNQnotG1

— PROJECT BLENDER (@ProjectBlender_) July 31, 2025

Called Project Blender, this open-entry competition is giving players of all levels a chance to compete in a creative, layered tournament that’s shaking up the usual esports format. With phases kicking off in October and running through to December, there’s plenty of time for aspiring teams to get involved.

What’s Different About Project Blender?

Project Blender is built around accessibility. Everyone is welcome, regardless of whether you are a member of a professional squad, a grassroots crew, or even simply a bunch of mates who believe they have what it takes.

The format runs across four phases, starting with a massive 1024-team bracket. If you make it through that, you’ll enter into a series of round robins and elimination rounds, with the best of the best battling it out on LAN during the finals in December.

Image Credit: Project Blender

Even better? There’s a Blender Spotlight, a mixed-gender entry path that offers direct access to Phase 3. It’s a considerate step that allows more diverse teams to perform on a larger platform.

Image Credit: Project Blender

Blender Draft: Pick Carefully, Think Ahead

One of the more strategic changes is the new Blender Draft system. Here’s how it works:

• Draft 1: No restrictions; full agent pool available.
• Draft 2: Agents used in Map 1 are banned.
• Draft 3: Agents used in Map 2 only are banned.

Image Credit: Project Blender

As a result, there are asymmetrical drafts in which each team must be quick to adapt, change tactics, and dive deeply into their agent pools.

Challengers Call and the Bounty System

Riot’s also introduced the Challengers Call, letting qualified teams choose their opponents in later stages. It’s a twist that brings an extra layer of mind games to the competition.

There’s also a bounty system. Teams that manage to take down higher-tier opponents will be rewarded with bonus cash from the €75,000 prize pool. It’s a cool way to support underdog victories and add real stakes to every match.

Image Credit: Project Blender

When, Where, and Who Can Join?

Registrations open in September, and anyone playing from within EMEA, that’s Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, can enter as long as they meet the connection requirements (under 80ms ping to the Paris or Frankfurt servers).

Image Credit: Project Blender

And it’s not just players getting a look-in. Casters and broadcast talent are also being invited to apply, making Project Blender feel more like a community event than just another tournament.

Project Blender feels like a fresh take on competitive VALORANT — one that’s welcoming, rewarding, and refreshingly different. It’s not just about the pros anymore. If you’ve got the skills and a few mates ready to queue up, this could be your shot.

Project Blender is looking to be one of the most intriguing additions to VALORANT’s competitive scene this year, regardless of your goals—trying something new, pushing yourself, or making a name for yourself.

All information and updates about the tournament can be found on the Project Blender website.

The post VALORANT’s New Tournament Project Blender Brings Fresh Competition to EMEA Players appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Delta Force is officially entering the competitive scene with the Delta Force Invitational (DFI), a global esports tournament culminating in a $500,000 Grand Finals in September 2025, hosted in China.

Organized by TiMi Studio Group and Team Jade, this inaugural event is setting a bold tone for Delta Force esports, inviting top talent from eight global regions to compete through a multi-stage format.

Delta Force Invitational (#DFI), the ultimate esports tournament, is about to take place in China this September!

🏆What makes DFI special?
🗺️True Global Tournament: 1000+ teams from 8 regions vying for 1 Championship
💰High Stakes, High Rewards: $500,000 total prize pool… pic.twitter.com/KJ0gMRt27b

— Delta Force Game (@DeltaForce_Game) July 14, 2025

Global Qualifiers Begin in August

The road to the Grand Finals starts with the DFI Open Qualifiers, scheduled for:

• August 2–3: Open Qualifiers
• August 9: Semi-Finals
• August 16: Finals

Teams must register between July 14–27 to be eligible for the Open Qualifiers. Players must be citizens or permanent residents of their respective regions and at least 18 years old to participate.

Students, travelers, and players with banned Delta Force accounts are ineligible. The tournament will be played on official servers using provided accounts, with strict anti-cheating rules in place.

Who’s Competing?

DFI features eight regions, each with designated qualification slots:

From these qualifiers, 12 teams will advance to the Grand Finals in China this December.

Prize Pool Breakdown

DFI Open Qualifiers Finals

• 1st Place: $4,000
• 2nd Place: $3,000
•  3rd Place: $1,000
• 4th–6th: $500 each
• 7th–12th: $100 each

DFI Grand Finals (September 2025)

•  Champion: $150,000
• 2nd Place: $80,000
• 3rd Place: $50,000
• 4th–6th: $30,000 each
• 7th–12th: $20,000 each

Image credit: TiMi Studio Group

A New FPS Challenger Enters the Arena

Delta Force Invitational (DFI) is an important milestone for the game, which places it alongside Valorant, CS2, and Rainbow Six Siege as competitive first-person shooter games. With an accessible open-qualifier system, official server structure, and massive prize pool, DFI may become a yearly staple on the esports calendar.

Whether you’re a rising squad looking for global recognition or an FPS fan looking to discover the next big team, DFI is one to watch.

The post Delta Force Invitational 2025: $500,000 Tournament Heads to China September 2025 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.