BLAST Pro Series Istanbul in doubt due to snap elections

spectrum 2 case2025-04-20 14:40:013

BLAST Pro Series' upcoming event in Istanbul is in doubt after Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, called for snap elections on June 24, the event's organisers have revealed.

On BLAST Pro Series' Twitter, RFRSH Entertainment revealed that it is "now evaluating our alternatives" as the event is set to clash with the country's parliamentary and presidential polls, which have been brought forward by more than a year.

BLAST Pro Series Istanbul is in doubt

It is currently unclear whether RFRSH will prioritise finding a new location or simply postponing the Turkish event, which was due to be held at the Ulker Sports Arena.

"One thing has not changed: We want to bring World Class Counter-Strike and the most interesting, engaging and fun esports event to Istanbul," RFRSH Entertainment added.

RFRSH had recently pushed the event back a day to June 23-24 to avoid a clash with important university exams that will take place across Turkey, with Space Soldiers, Ninjas in Pyjamas, SK, FaZe, Astralis and Cloud9 all confirmed for the six-team competition.

BLAST Pro Series Istanbul is the first of four international events that RFRSH have planned for 2018. A second event, announced on Tuesday, will be held at Copenhagen Games' Royal Arena on November 2-3, with $250,000 on offer.

Due to the June 24 election just announced in Turkey, we are now evaluating our alternatives. One thing has not changed: We want to bring World Class Counter-Strike and the most interesting, engaging and fun esports event to Istanbul! Stay tuned, we will keep you updated ♥️🙏
— BLAST Pro Series (@BLASTSeries) April 18, 2018