All About CS2 Budapest Major 2025

The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 is set to be a landmark event in the Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) esports scene, marking StarLadder’s return to hosting a Major since 2019. Scheduled from November 24 to December 14, 2025, this S-Tier tournament will bring together 32 top teams to compete for a $1.25 million prize pool across four thrilling stages. With Major Regional Qualifiers (MRQs) running from October 16-19 and invites announced on October 8, the stage is being set following the recent BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 (June 3-22). Fans can dive into the world of all CS2 skins to see which designs might shine on the servers. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting event.

Event Overview

The Budapest Major will unfold in Hungary, with Stage 1 (November 24-27), Stage 2 (November 29-December 2), and Stage 3 (December 4-7) hosted at the intimate MTK Sportpark, accommodating up to 2,000 spectators. The grand finale, the Playoffs (December 11-14), will take place at the expansive MVM Dome, a 20,000-seat arena featuring a dynamic 360-degree stage. Tickets are already available on Ticketfairy, with prices ranging from €10-30 for the group stages and €80-370 for the playoffs, offering fans a chance to witness the action live. StarLadder CEO Roman Romantsov has promised an unforgettable experience, building on the legacy of their 2019 Berlin Major.

Qualification Process

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Valve has introduced a significant change by canceling the Major Regional Qualifiers (MRQs) originally scheduled for October 16-19 across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Instead, all 32 teams will be invited directly based on the Valve Regional Standings (VRS) following the Austin Major, with invites announced on October 8. This shift aims to standardize community events with Majors, as Valve believes a separate qualification process is unnecessary and disruptive. The decision resolves scheduling conflicts with major LAN events like CS Asia Championships, Thunderpick World Championship, and MESA Nomadic Masters Fall. Further details on regional slot distribution will be clarified post-Austin, with potential adjustments to the planned six Asia, ten Americas, and 16 Europe slots.

Teams to Watch

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Several teams are already generating buzz. FaZe Clan, bolstered by Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev’s loan from Natus Vincere, reached Stage 3 at Austin with standout performances, though s1mple’s future remains uncertain. Virtus.pro, despite a reduced roster after benching Dzhami "Jame" Ali, advanced to Stage 3, showcasing resilience. MOUZ, Team Vitality, and G2 Esports, all starting from Stage 3 in their respective Majors, bring strong recent form from IEM Dallas 2025 and earlier events, with G2 set to integrate Álvaro “SunPayus” García and coach Eetu “sAw” Saha post-Austin. Meanwhile, Falcons’ early Austin exit has sparked rumors of Maxim “kyousuke” Lukin from Spirit Academy joining, though these remain unconfirmed.

What to Expect

The tournament will feature a Swiss system for the initial stages, culminating in a high-stakes playoff bracket. Players may showcase their personalities with iconic skins, like the M4A4 Howl, adding flair to the competition. With Budapest’s rich history and StarLadder’s innovative approach, this Major promises to be a celebration of CS2 skill and strategy, drawing eyes worldwide.

Looking Ahead

As the VRS-driven invite process unfolds after Austin, the CS2 community is abuzz with predictions and excitement. Whether you’re attending in person or tuning in online, the Budapest Major 2025 is poised to be an unmissable chapter in esports history.