The BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 will witness the return of a Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) Major to the United States, after the ELEAGUE Boston Major in 2018. Scheduled to be held from June 2 to June 22, 2025, this S-Tier event will take place at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, and will have an audience capacity of 15,000. Hosted by BLAST, the event promises intense competition as 32 of the world’s best CS2 teams clash for a $1.25 million prize pool. Fans can expect tension-packed matches, fresh team stickers, and an electric atmosphere in one of America’s liveliest cities.
Tournament Format and Key Dates
The CS2 Austin Major 2025 features a four-stage format to ensure an equal and engaging structure. It begins with three Swiss rounds, where teams compete against teams with similar records, followed by playoffs under single elimination for the top players. It begins with the June 2 first Swiss round and goes through consecutive rounds and terminates with the June 20-22 playoffs. This extended format offers strategic richness and surprises as underdog teams become crowd darlings. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster, with demand likely to be strong considering the event’s stature.
The CS2 Teams to Watch
Now that the Major Regional Qualifiers (MRQs) have been completed, all 32 competing teams are locked in. For instance, standout first-time attendees include Metizport, Nemiga, BetBoom, B8, BESTIA, Chinggis Warriors, M80, and Aurora, bringing new dynamics to the event. Seasoned organizations such as Virtus.pro, FURIA, and HEROIC are also competing, with recent roster shifts generating hype. For instance, Virtus.pro got F_1N as their new coach, and FURIA added YEKINDAR as a stand-in. A recent X post revealed s1mple joining FaZe on loan, which is an indication that team strategies can shift. These changes guarantee an unpredictable encounter.
Prize Pool and Rewards
The prize pool is $1.25 million. The teams share this, with the winner taking home $500,000. The runner-up takes $170,000. Third to fourth place are taking $80,000. Lower placements also pay teams decent prizes, while 12th to 16th places take home $15,000. In addition to prize money, teams also benefit from in-game stickers, which are also a huge source of revenue for organizations. Furthermore, souvenir skins, such as AWP | LongDog or USP-S | Whiteout, tied to legendary plays, can see their market value explode, especially with the Pick’Em system allowing fans to make bets and earn rewards.
Why Austin Major 2025 Matters For CS2
Having the CS2 Austin Major take place at the Moody Center accentuates Austin’s growing stature as an esports hub. The tournament aligns with the city’s vibrant tech and cultural landscape and introduces international perspectives. Moreover, for athletes, the competition offers something more than a succession of matches. It’s a chance to engage with new skins, stickers, and the competitive meta of CS2. The new rulebook, unveiled by BLAST, introduces us to renewed roster lock schedules and invitation processes, generating equality and transparency. This Major will be a memorable one, with heritage meshed with the revamped world of Counter-Strike 2.
How to Stay Updated
Fans will get to enjoy the action through BLAST’s official channels, and extensive viewer guides will arrive closer to the event. HLTV.org and Liquipedia will feature live scores, team tables, and match times. Online viewers will enjoy a world-class venue experience, courtesy of the Moody Centre for in-person attendees. CS2 Austin Major 2025 will make a lasting impression with its biggest esports competition ever.