The esports industry continues its explosive growth as BLAST, the official global esports competition operator for Epic Games’ Rocket League, announces a significant partnership with Visit Raleigh for the highly anticipated RLCS 2025 Raleigh Major. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment for both competitive gaming and North Carolina’s tourism sector, as the state’s capital prepares to welcome 16 of the world’s best Rocket League teams to compete for their share of a substantial $351,000 prize pool.
Scheduled to take place from June 26-29, 2025, at the prestigious Lenovo Center, this tournament represents the second RLCS Major of the year and promises to deliver world-class competitive gaming entertainment to both live audiences and millions of viewers worldwide. The Lenovo Center, traditionally home to professional basketball and ice hockey, will transform into an esports battleground where elite players will showcase their skills in the fast-paced, physics-based soccer game that has audiences globally.
This partnership between BLAST and Visit Raleigh demonstrates the increasing recognition of esports as a legitimate entertainment medium and economic driver. With Progressive Insurance serving as the presenting sponsor for the entire RLCS 2025 season, the tournament benefits from substantial corporate backing that elevates the production value and reach of the event. The collaboration also highlights Raleigh’s commitment to positioning itself as a forward-thinking destination that embraces emerging entertainment trends while supporting the local economy through increased tourism and hospitality revenue.
Tournament Format and Competition Structure
The RLCS 2025 Raleigh Major will feature an innovative tournament format designed to maximize competitive integrity and viewer engagement. The competition begins with a Swiss Stage format running from June 26-27, where all 16 participating teams will compete in a Swiss System with all matches played in best-of-five series. This format ensures that every team faces opponents of similar skill levels, creating more balanced and exciting matchups throughout the initial rounds.
BLAST Partners with Visit Raleigh (Image via Getty)Following the Swiss Stage, the top eight teams will advance to the Playoffs, scheduled for June 28-29. The playoff structure utilizes an AFL Final Eight system, where teams ranked 1st-4th from the Swiss Stage receive a significant advantage by starting with two chances before reaching the Final Four, while teams ranked 5th-8th begin with only one chance. All playoff matches will be contested in best-of-seven series, intensifying the drama and requiring teams to demonstrate sustained excellence under pressure.
Economic Impact and Tourism Benefits
The partnership with Visit Raleigh extends beyond mere venue hosting, representing a strategic investment in the city’s economic future. The tournament is expected to attract thousands of international visitors to Raleigh, generating substantial revenue for local hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues. With fans traveling from across North America and beyond, the event will showcase Raleigh’s hospitality infrastructure and cultural attractions to a global audience.
Ticket pricing has been strategically set to encourage attendance, with All-Weekend Access Standard Tickets ranging from $59.50 to $119.50, while VIP packages are available for $349.50. The availability of merchandise bundles, including RLCS-branded items, further enhances the fan experience while contributing to local economic activity.
Broadcasting and Global Reach
The tournament will benefit from BLAST’s extensive broadcasting capabilities, reaching millions of viewers across multiple platforms and regions. As part of the expanded RLCS 2025 season, which features an increased total prize pool of $5 million, the Raleigh Major represents a cornerstone event in the competitive Rocket League calendar. The global broadcast will showcase Raleigh to international audiences, potentially inspiring future tourism and business investment in the region.
