Online Trading Brand Named Official Partner of BLAST Premier and BLAST Slam to Engage Millions of Digital-First Fans
Esports entertainment network BLAST has officially announced a multi-year partnership naming IC as the Official Online Trading Partner of BLAST Premier and BLAST Slam. This landmark agreement marks a major expansion into global esports for IC, one of the world’s most recognizable online trading brands, as it continues to extend its international sponsorship portfolio.
The collaboration will see IC integrated across BLAST’s premier Counter-Strike and Dota 2 ecosystems. Through live broadcasts, physical arena events, original content, and digital experiences on the BLAST.tv platform, the partnership is designed to reach millions of digitally native, highly engaged esports fans worldwide.
Interactive Integrations: “BLAST Higher Lower” and Arena Activations
The partnership is built to integrate IC directly into the everyday fan experience. Rather than relying solely on traditional logo placement, the trading brand will be woven into broadcast branding, arena visibility, tailored media, fan contests, and on-site activations.
A primary highlight of this collaboration is IC’s presentation of BLAST Higher Lower, an interactive Counter-Strike 2 skin value game hosted on BLAST.tv. This format is designed around price comparison, asset value, and rapid decision-making—skills that directly parallel the core factors of online trading.
Additionally, IC will establish direct touchpoints with live audiences through physical booths and interactive experiences at selected arena events, tapping into the energy of live esports spectacles.
Tournament Profile: BLAST Premier Bounty
The partnership will officially debut at the BLAST Premier Bounty tournament in Malta, marking the start of the second competitive season of 2026.
BLAST Premier Bounty Event Details
| Event Parameter | Tournament Specifications |
| Tournament Name | BLAST Premier Bounty |
| Location | Malta |
| Dates | July 21 to August 3, 2026 |
| Total Competitors | 32 Professional Teams |
| Prize Pool | $1,150,000 USD |
| Unique Format | Teams directly select their own opponents to battle for the bounty |
Executive Perspectives on the Esports Crossover
James Brown, Commercial Director at BLAST, emphasized the importance of bringing an ambitious digital finance brand into the tournament ecosystem:
“IC is exactly the type of ambitious global brand that shows where esports is heading. By choosing BLAST as a platform, IC is investing in one of the most engaged digital audiences in global entertainment. This partnership goes far beyond brand visibility. IC will be part of the broadcast, part of the arena experience, part of our content and part of how fans engage with BLAST.tv. That is what makes this exciting. It is a brand using esports as a serious global media and engagement platform.”
Tony Philip, Chief Marketing Officer at IC, highlighted how the high-performance nature of competitive gaming aligns with modern trading principles:
“At IC, we look for partnerships that reflect what our brand stands for. BLAST brings together technology, performance, precision and highly engaged global communities, making esports a natural extension of our sponsorship strategy. As our brand continues to evolve globally, this partnership allows us to connect with a new generation of digitally native audiences through experiences that reflect the values our brand is built on – technology, precision and performance.”
