Heroic become BLAST member team, acquiring MIBR’s spot

Heroic have become a BLAST Premier member team after acquiring the spot formerly occupied by MIBR, BLAST announced on Thursday. MIBR are owned by Immortals Gaming Club, who decided to sell their position. Multiple teams bid on the spot but Heroic ultimately won.

The BLAST member teams now include: Astralis, Ninjas in Pyjamas, G2 Esports, OG, Vitality, Natus Vincere, FaZe Clan, Complexity, Team Liquid, Evil Geniuses, BIG and Heroic.

“We’re delighted to welcome on board Heroic,” Charlotte Kenny, managing director of BLAST Premier, said. “They’ve proven through their performances on the server over the last few years that they belong alongside the world’s elite of Counter-Strike.”

Heroic is a Danish Counter-Strike: Global Offensive team owned by Norway-based gaming investment company Omaken Sports. Over the past two years, they have consistently been a top CS:GO team and a trophy contender at prestigious events. The team, founded in 2016, have recently won ESL Cologne Europe 2020 and ESL Pro League Season 13.

BLAST Premier is one of the biggest tournament series in Counter-Strike. Up to 32 of the best teams take part in the seven BLAST Premier events across the year with a combined prize pool of $2,475,000 on the line. The year culminates with the crowning of the world champions at the BLAST World Final. Although non-member teams can participate in the BLAST circuit, they have to battle their way in through limited open qualifiers.

“Today marks a massive milestone for Heroic Group,” Joachim Haraldsen, CEO for Heroic, said. “We are really impressed by the product that BLAST has built so far and are super excited to contribute to the continued success of the tournament as one of the 12 members.”

Immortals Gaming were an original BLAST Premier founding member team, playing in the circuit since February 2020. As a non-partner team, they will now have to play their way into the BLAST circuit through qualifiers and regional Showdowns.

“We thank MIBR for being one of our partners for the last two years,” Kenny said. “Their renowned and passionate Brazilian fanbase have ensured there’s never been a dull moment, even when we had to pivot to online-only shows in 2020.”