The world of esports is abuzz with excitement as the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 unfolds in Hungary’s capital. This prestigious Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) tournament, running from November 24 to December 14, 2025, has captivated fans worldwide. With 32 top-tier teams competing for a $1.25 million prize pool, the event promises intense matches and unforgettable moments.
Hosted by StarLadder, the Budapest Major marks a significant milestone, being the first CS2 Major held in Hungary and the first Major organized by StarLadder since 2019. The tournament is set against the backdrop of Budapest’s iconic pre-Christmas charm, offering fans not only world-class esports but also a chance to experience one of Europe’s most vibrant cities during its most magical season.
Event Overview: Dates, Venues, and Tickets
The Budapest Major spans from November 24 to December 14, 2025, across two iconic venues in the city. The early stages (Stages 1, 2, and 3) take place at the MTK Sportpark from November 24 to December 7. This newly upgraded esports arena accommodates around 2,000 spectators, offering an intimate setting for fans to get close to the action during the Challengers and Legends stages.
From December 11 to 14, the tournament moves to the massive MVM Dome for the playoffs. The MVM Dome, a state-of-the-art, 20,000-seat arena, will feature a special 360-degree center stage, surround LED screens, and immersive lighting to create a true stadium-scale spectacle for the playoffs.
Ticket sales for the Major have been met with huge demand. StarLadder offered tickets in multiple waves, and early waves sold out quickly as fans rushed to secure their seats. Prices for the group stage matches at MTK Sportpark were budget-friendly (roughly €10, €30 per day), making it accessible for local esports enthusiasts to catch the initial rounds. Playoff tickets, which grant entry to all four days at the MVM Dome, ranged from around €80 up to €370 for premium seating packages.
Format and Structure
The tournament is structured in four stages: three group (Swiss-style) stages, followed by a playoff bracket. Matches use MR12 rules (first to 13 rounds), with overtime continuing in MR3 until a winner is decided. The group stages will filter teams step by step until 8 teams advance to the playoffs. Playoffs will adopt a single-elimination bracket with best-of-3 matches.
The map pool includes traditional maps such as Dust II, Inferno, Ancient, Train, and Anubis, among others.
Invitations and Valve Regional Standings (VRS) standings will play a key role in determining which teams are directly invited versus which must qualify. The Major Regional Qualifiers (MRQs) will take place October 16, 19, 2025. The cutoff for invites via VRS is October 6, 2025. Some last-minute shifts in team standings are expected, as a small number of teams remain in contention for those final invite slots.
Teams and Qualification Breakdown
The road to Budapest is paved by Valve’s Regional Standings, finalized on October 6, 2025, with invites announced on October 8, 2025. Thirty-two teams compete: 16 from Europe, 10 from the Americas, and 6 from Asia, based on Austin Major 2025 performances. Powerhouses like Team Vitality, with stars ZywOo and ropz, aim to defend their title, while FaZe Clan, led by a revitalized s1mple, and MOUZ chase glory. Asia’s Lynn Vision, a surprise Stage 3 contender in Austin, adds spice.
The Swiss system fuels early stages, with elimination brackets in the playoffs, and the winner takes home $500,000.
Major events like Budapest always stir the CS2 skin market, now valued at $600M (CSMarketCap) with a 15% growth since December 2024. Past Majors have spiked team sticker and skin prices by 10-15%, and this one’s no different.
Valve’s CS2 Update A of the Major
In preparation for the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, Valve released a significant update for Counter-Strike 2. This update introduces the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Hub, allowing players to purchase tournament items, participate in the Pick’Em Challenge, and more. By purchasing a Budapest 2025 Viewer Pass, players receive an upgradable Budapest 2025 Coin. With an active pass, players can upgrade their coin and earn extra souvenir packages by playing the Pick’Em Challenge. Additionally, players appear on the Active Pass Leaderboard to compare their Pick’Em performance with friends.
The update also added a new “Sticker Slab” item, a charm that seals any sticker and can be attached to weapons.
The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 stands as a monumental event in the esports calendar, bringing together the best CS2 teams from around the globe to compete in Hungary’s vibrant capital. With its innovative format, state-of-the-art venues, and engaging fan experiences, the Major is set to leave a lasting impact on the esports community. As the tournament progresses, fans eagerly await to see which team will emerge victorious and claim the prestigious title.
As the esports landscape continues to evolve, events like the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 highlight the growing global appeal and significance of competitive gaming. The Major not only showcases the skill and dedication of professional players but also underscores the importance of community engagement and fan participation in the success of such events.