CS:GO casters are refusing to work with BLAST over NEOM partnership

Tournament organiser BLAST is starting to see more and more prominent figures in the Counter-Strike community speak out against its partnership with Saudi government-backed venture NEOM - and some on-screen talent are now refusing to work with the company until the partnership ends.

BLAST's deal with NEOM - a project to build a future-proof, technologically-advanced mega city in Saudi Arabia - has caused uproar as it is funded by the Saudi Crown Prince and his government, who have a chequered history when it comes to human rights violations and treatment of journalists, LGBTQ people, and women. The partnership goes further than just brand exposure too, as BLAST will act as advisers to the NEOM project, who want the city to include an esports academy.

While the deal was announced over a week ago now, CS:GO casters and on-screen talent have now come together to take a stance against the deal, and are refusing to work future BLAST events while it is still partnered with NEOM.

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