CS2 Budapest Major 2025: Dates, Teams, Format

Fans of Counter-Strike 2, get ready! The history of esports is poised to take a new turn. Bringing the most famous Counter-Strike 2 event to Hungary for the first time, the CS2 Budapest Major is expected to electrify the world’s gaming community.

The top teams in the world will converge on Budapest from November 24 to December 14, 2025, competing for fame, a substantial prize fund, and the coveted Major trophy. The experienced tournament powerhouse Starladder is hosting this eagerly awaited event, which will be their first Major since 2019 and a major comeback to the top esports league.

This is a celebration of ability, strategy, and the active Counter-Strike community rather than merely a tournament.

Overview of the CS2 Budapest Major 2025

StarLadder Budapest Major is the top event on the Counter-Strike 2 competitive calendar. The most important competition in the game is called a “Major,” which is formally supported by Valve and features the best teams and the biggest payouts. Legends are created there, and traditions are cemented.

This event in Budapest is the twenty-third Counter-Strike Major in the franchise’s history and the fourth-ever CS2 Major Championship. It is very important for a number of reasons.

First Major Happening in Hungary

Hungary is hosting a Major for the first time. It also signifies StarLadder’s long-awaited comeback to the Major circuit. Their reputation for producing top-notch productions and amazing events has fans excitedly awaiting what they will bring to the MVM Dome.

In a significant change to the qualification process, all 32 teams will receive direct invitations based on their Valve Regional Standings (VRS) rank, in contrast to previous Majors that used the Regional Major Qualifiers (RMRs).

CS2 Major 2025 Dates & Schedule

Here is a breakdown of the key stages and their timing: This schedule solidifies CS2 Major 2025 as a late-year event and makes clear when the next CS2 Major will take place. The competition lasts roughly three weeks, with a brief break between the group stages and the playoffs.

Location & Venue Details for Budapest Major

The Budapest Major takes place across two venues:

• MTK Sportpark (for Stages 1-3): A dedicated esports facility in Budapest suited for group stage matches.
• MVM Dome (for Playoffs): A massive indoor arena capable of hosting up to ~20,000 spectators.

One of the biggest multifunctional venues in Europe, the MVM Dome offers spectacular staging, lighting, production, and immersive viewing experiences.

For esports enthusiasts, Budapest is a welcoming and energetic host city. Fans from all across Europe and beyond may attend thanks to its strategic position, excellent aviation connections, and tourism infrastructure. The allure is increased by the native way of life, architecture, and hospitality.

Additionally, having two locations disperses the audience and provides fans with additional opportunities to interact. Given the fervor for esports in Hungary, there should be a bustling fan area, side events, and meetups.

Teams and Qualification Path

The Budapest Major 2025 will use Valve Regional Standings (VRS) and direct invites instead of regional qualifying (RMRs), like several previous Majors did. For this Major, StarLadder has really eliminated MRQ (minor qualifying) events.

Here’s how the selection works:

• Teams earn slots based on their VRS rank as of the final cutoff (October 6-8, 2025)
• Some invites go to Stage 2 and Stage 3 directly, bypassing Stage 1.
• Stage 1 includes teams that earned invites but need to compete through the first Swiss stage to reach later rounds.

As of the invite announcements, among the confirmed teams are:

• Europe: FaZe, GamerLegion, Ninjas in Pyjamas, B8, PARIVISION, fnatic, Aurora, Natus Vincere, Astralis, 3DMAX, Team Liquid, MOUZ, G2, Team Vitality, Team Spirit, Team Falcons
• Americas: MIBR, FURIA, paiN
• Asia & APAC: TYLOO, The MongolZ

Team Vitality, the winners of the last Major (Austin 2025), are the current Major champions. The stakes for competition will be high with such well-known names in the field.

Format and Tournament Stages

The tournament’s structure is a mix of Swiss-style group play and playoff elimination.

Swiss Stages (Stage 1 to Stage 3)

• In each stage, 16 teams compete in a Swiss system.
• Each team plays multiple rounds. For non-elimination / progression rounds, matches are best-of-one (BO1).
• When matches are elimination or progression deciders, they become best-of-three (BO3).
• After Stage 3, the top 8 teams qualify for the Playoffs stage.
• Seeding in each stage depends on initial VRS rank and, later, Buchholz scores (a tie-break metric) to balance matchups.

Teams must perform consistently across all Swiss phases to advance to the playoffs, which is a test of their endurance and versatility.

Playoffs (Single Elimination)

• The 8 qualified teams enter a standard single-elimination bracket.
• All matches in the playoffs are best-of-three (BO3).
• Matchups are seeded based on final Buchholz standings from Stage 3.
• This stage will take place in the MVM Dome over four days (Dec 11-14).

All things considered, the format combines the thrill of knockout rounds with the unpredictable nature of Swiss play. The harmony between clutch performances and consistency will excite fans of CS2 Major Budapest and CS2 Next Major.

Prize Pool and Rewards

It has been officially confirmed that the CS2 Budapest Major 2025 will feature a total prize pool of $1,250,000 USD. While some sources have mentioned slightly different figures, the official and most reliable number is $1.25 million.

Here is a rough prize breakdown:

• 1st place: ~$500,000
• 2nd place: ~$180,000
• 3rd-4th: ~$85,000 each
• 5th-8th: ~$50,000 each
• 9th-16th: ~$25,000 each

In addition to financial compensation, becoming the CS2 Major Champion comes with notoriety, legacy, sticker revenue, and seeding advantages for subsequent competitions. In Counter-Strike, majors continue to be the highest level of competition.

Important: This prize distribution is an approximate projection based on previous Majors. The official breakdown for the CS2 Budapest Major 2025 has not yet been announced by Valve or StarLadder.

How to Watch the Budapest Major CS2 Live

There are many methods for fans to follow the action if they are unable to attend the Starladder Budapest Major in person. Live coverage of the event will be available on popular streaming services, including YouTube and Twitch. Several languages will be offered for official streams to serve a worldwide audience.

Although the primary in-arena commentary will be in English, community casters and official partners will also be providing broadcasts in Russian, Portuguese, Spanish, and many other languages.

In addition to the official broadcasts, GOTV, the game’s spectator client, allows you to watch the matches in-game. You may follow your favorite player or team from their point of view thanks to this unique perspective.

Make sure to follow official coverage hubs on social media and esports news websites for the most recent information, live scores, and match highlights. You won’t miss a second of this historic competition thanks to the live broadcast and in-depth coverage.

Tickets & Travel Info

Tickets

Ticket Fairy is offering 2-day and 4-day access bundles for the playoffs (December 11-14) at the MVM Dome. The cost varies according to the level of seating: Reserved Prime, Standard, Premium, etc.

Although there are fewer seats available, tickets are also available for the earlier stages (Stages 1-3 at MTK Sportpark). Children younger than 14 must be escorted by an adult. Venue regulations govern bags and outside food, and beverages.

Travel & Accommodation

Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport provides excellent connections to Budapest. Many European hubs and other locations allow fans to fly in. Budapest has a lot of public transportation options, including buses, trams, and the metro, making event locations easily accessible.

Early reservations are advised because hotels in areas near the city center or the venues will be in high demand. Fans should prepare for the possibility of chilly weather during the tournament time, which runs from late November to December.

Budapest is a popular visit before or after the games because of its landmarks and attractions, which include riverbank views, medieval streets, and hot springs.

History and Importance of CS2 Majors

Starladder Budapest Major is another noteworthy chapter in the illustrious history of Counter-Strike esports. Majors have been the defining events for teams and players since the beginning of CS:GO.

They are the highest level of competition and the true test of a team’s abilities, tactics, and resilience. Since the switch to Counter-Strike 2, these occasions have become even more significant. They serve as both a demonstration of the new game’s potential and a guide for its future in esports.

This event, which is hosted in a brand-new Major nation and planned by a renowned StarLadder tournament organizer, is evidence of the game’s expansion and widespread acceptance.

It selects a new generation of champions and carries on the tradition of legendary Majors. The StarLadder Major in Budapest will be a turning point in the ongoing history of CS2.

The Stage Is Set for the CS2 Major in Budapest

One of the most exciting esports competitions of 2025 is expected to be the CS2 Budapest Major. With a record number of teams, a new city, a new organizer, and a new qualification system, the event is set to provide both players and spectators with an exciting and one-of-a-kind experience.

The best teams in the world will compete in what promises to be a spectacular demonstration of talent and tenacity. Every moment will be a part of Counter-Strike history, from the opening games at MTK Sportpark to the thrilling grand finals in the MVM Dome.

The excitement is evident whether you’re watching from the stands or watching the live broadcast from home. Keep an eye out for all the activity and get ready for the big confrontation.

FAQ

When is the next CS2 Major?

The upcoming CS2 MajorStarLadder is the Budapest Major 2025, which takes place from November 24 to December 14, 2025.

Where is the CS2 Major 2025 taking place?

It takes place in Budapest, Hungary, with the MVM Dome hosting the playoffs and MTK Sportpark hosting the group stages.

Who organizes the Budapest Major?

StarLadder is the organizer, in coordination with Valve.

How can I watch the CS2 Major live?

Watch with multilingual commentary on official Twitch, YouTube, and other partner sites.

What teams are competing in the Budapest Major?

There will be 32 elite teams competing. FaZe, MOUZ, Vitality, Astralis, G2, The MongolZ, FURIA, TYLOO, and more are among the names that have been confirmed.

What’s the prize pool for the CS2 Major 2025?

The prize pool is approximately USD $1,250,000, with $500,000 going to the champion.

When do tickets for the Budapest Major go on sale?

Waves of tickets are being made available. Tickets for the playoffs are now available on Ticket Fairy, and tickets for the group stage will be added gradually.