Changes to CS2 Major Grand Finals

Valve has announced that going forward, the grand finals of the acclaimed CS2 Major will be a best-of-five series, starting with the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025. This is a first in the tournament’s history.

This shift is one of the significant changes after Valve’s switch from CS:GO to CS2, most notable of which was the transition to MR12 gameplay. This development ensures that individual maps conclude within a more manageable timeframe.

Details about StarLadder Budapest Major 2025

The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 will be held from November 24 to December 14, 2025 in Budapest, Hungary. The initial stages will take place at the MTK Sportpark, with the playoffs being held at the MVM Dome.

The competition will feature 32 teams, all directly invited. There will be no Major Regional Qualifiers (MRQs) for this event. The championship boasts a considerable prize pool of $1,250,000.

The format of the competition includes three stages with a 16-team Swiss system, leading to a playoff round that will culminate in a best-of-five grand final. StarLadder, who also organized the Berlin 2019 major, is in charge of this year’s event. The team to beat is Team Vitality, the winners of the Austin 2025 Major.

Introduction of the Best-of-Five Grand Final

The upcoming StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 will be the first CS2 Major to employ a best-of-five grand final. This represents a substantial departure from the traditional best-of-three finals used in previous tournaments. The idea behind this move is to heighten the drama and stakes of the final match and offer teams more chances to adapt and exhibit their prowess over a prolonged series.

Discontinuation of Major Regional Qualifiers

Valve has decided to forego MRQs for this Major, leading to the direct invitation of all 32 participating teams. This departure from tradition has sparked heated discussions because MRQs have historically served as a gate for less known teams to qualify. The sudden cancellation was partly attributed to scheduling conflicts with major tournaments slated for October 2025 and feedback from teams and organizers about the short notice given for MRQ participation. The implications of this decision for future MRQs is still unclear.

Impact on the CS2 Community

The termination of MRQs and the direct invitation process have sparked controversy within the CS2 community. There are concerns among some teams and fans about decreased opportunities for less prominent teams to engage in top-level competition. However, others celebrate the new streamlined format that emphasises top-tier competition.

Overall, the decision to use a best-of-five structure for the grand finals has been widely accepted, with many viewing it as a positive progression towards preserving the competitive integrity of the Major.

You can obtain more detailed information about the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 at the official Major website, Liquipedia, and various esports news outlets. For those interested in interviews, player reactions, and more in-depth analysis, the Strafe.com write-up and the official news section on StarLadder’s website offer up-to-date, comprehensive coverage.