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Read Full BioBLAST, a top-tier esports tournament organizer, has announced a new partnership with Underdog Fantasy for three events in 2025.
Underdog is among the fastest-growing sports gaming companies in the US. It became the Official Partner of the BLAST.tv Austin Major, BLAST Premier Rivals, and BLAST Premier Lisbon Open.
How Underdog Will Integrate into the BLAST Fan Experience
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but BLAST announced that Underdog branding will be visible on the English-speaking broadcast and on physical and digital assets around the arena.
Underdog will also be integrated into the BLAST.tv minigame, created for US and Canadian audiences.
BLAST added in a post on X that Underdog fans can expect in-person activations in Austin from 19 June until 22 June at the Moody Center.
As part of the announcement, BLAST’s Chief Business Officer, Leo Matlock, said: “We’re really excited about this collaboration with Underdog. They are a brand who’ve been a key player in the innovative and growing sports gaming space for some years.”
He added: “Underdog has chosen a blockbuster time to partner with BLAST ahead of our sold-out BLAST.tv Austin Major in June. Beyond adding to our live broadcasts and events, we are thrilled that our dedicated and committed BLAST.tv fantasy fans will have the opportunity to engage with Underdog over the next few months.”
Zach Powell, Underdog’s Director of Partnerships, said Underdog is excited to participate in the upcoming events and engage with a new audience during the first-ever in-person esports tournament.
Underdog was founded in 2020 as a sports gaming company targeting the US market. Its core business is fantasy sports games and licensed sports betting.
It first appeared at the BLAST Premier Open S1 in Lisbon, Portugal. Next, BLAST is preparing the BLAST Premier Rivals S1, featuring eight of the best Counter-Strike teams battling for a $350,000 prize pool.
Fantasy as a Fan Engagement Tool in Esports
Fantasy teams have been a significant part of gaming and esports for several years. Dota 2’s flagship event, The International, has had non-monetary fantasy contests embedded in-game through the “Compendium” for many years.
In addition, Riot Games, the creator and owner of League of Legends, has also hosted fantasy as part of its fan engagement strategy across its franchise league portfolio.
Zach Powell highlighted that Underdog is always looking for innovative partnerships in different sectors. The company was one of the first to offer wagering on Disc Golf after the burgeoning sport recently commercialized its data.
