Esports talent pipeline takes shape as BLAST Roots builds local scene

Project EVERSIO walked away with the €1,000 prize after defeating CEPE6PO in the BLAST Roots final at the BLAST Arena Studios in Ta’ Qali. The tournament is part of a broader push by GamingMalta to turn Malta’s esports ambitions into a working talent pipeline.

GamingMalta CEO Ivan Filletti said the strategy goes beyond attracting big international events. The foundation is also creating space for local players to compete in a professional environment. BLAST Roots brings those two goals together, using the same arena that hosts Tier 1 competition.

Players on the ground see the difference. Ihor ‘Paul9’ from CEPE6PO, who has played Counter-Strike for over fifteen years, said the tournament encourages more teams to join. Stronger local competition, he argued, shows younger players there is a scene they can enter.

Vladimir ‘ZRC’ Raczewski, a veteran of Malta’s esports circuit, described playing on the BLAST stage as a great experience. For Marced, the benefits go beyond gaming. The tournament helped him practice English and build confidence speaking to others.

Harrison from Project EVERSIO made his LAN debut at the previous edition. He said meeting local teams and competing on stage has been a positive experience, one he would recommend to any team thinking of taking part.

Aidan McLoughlin, Malta Grassroots and Community Manager, said the on-stage LAN experience is key to developing players and helping them break into the international scene. BLAST is committed to staying close to the local gaming community, and the partnership with GamingMalta makes that possible.

The event is a direct application of Malta Vision 2050, turning policy goals into practical opportunities for homegrown talent. For the business community, the tournament signals that esports is no longer just a spectator draw. It is becoming a vehicle for skills development, employment and long-term industry growth.