An unmissable event is on offer this weekend at Etihad Arena for AD Gaming’s Blast Premier World Finals. The Blast Premier World Finals, scheduled to commence at 12:00 on Saturday, features two semi-finals leading up to the grand final on Sunday at 18:00. Notably this year, the arena transforms into a gaming festival with competitions for various games, including Valorant, Street Fighter and Call of Duty. Attendees can enjoy a range of activities, from a retro arcade to VR machines, and the opportunity to meet the teams. This tier-one event serves as the pinnacle of the Blast Premier, featuring the best teams in Counter-Strike. They are the elite of the elite, determined through points accumulated and wins throughout the year, competing for a million-dollar prize pool. James Hartt from AD Gaming, the visionary behind Abu Dhabi’s gaming and esports initiative, gave an insight into the selection of Etihad Arena for the Blast Premier World Finals and the evolution of the global gaming event. He said: “There is nowhere better. The atmosphere generated during last year’s Finals was incredible. “The stunning venue offers an unmatched experience, making it the perfect choice for the second-consecutive year.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ethara Live (@etharalive) More exciting plans have been formulated for Abu Dhabi, with a full calendar of gaming tournaments throughout the year. Major events, including those at MEFCC Comic-Con in Abu Dhabi, will feature expanded gaming stages with diverse tournaments in collaboration with different partners. Counter-Strike’s popularity continues to grow, and an ongoing demand for tournaments is expected. AD Gaming remains committed to bringing the very best to Abu Dhabi, catering to this burgeoning fan base. Apex, a seasoned CS:GO2 pro player, provided a deeper understanding of the motivations and experiences that drive professional gamers. He said: “I’ve experienced a 17-year journey in CS, with a love for both the game and competition. The competitions were smaller in the early days and gradually, through dedication, I’ve found myself competing at a higher level “The pinnacle of my career was winning the last CS major in Paris, this year. As a French player, it was an unforgettable experience to secure victory in front of family, friends, and fans. The moment remains etched in my memory as the best of my life. On his third visit to Abu Dhabi, Apex praised the warm welcome and the favorable December weather. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ethara Live (@etharalive) He said: “As a European, escaping the cold for temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees is a delight. I express my gratitude for the chance to connect with fans and look forward to playing in front of the Abu Dhabi crowd.” Apex then discussed the challenge of balancing a career and personal life. He said: “It is important to finding the right balance between personal and gaming life, particularly as I’m approaching the age of 31. Knowing oneself and understanding when to play more or less are key aspects of maintaining a successful gaming career while cherishing personal relationships.” As AD Gaming continues to champion the growth of esports in Abu Dhabi, the Blast Premier World Finals stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to becoming a global gaming hub. Join the excitement and witness the evolution of esports at Etihad Arena this weekend.