BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025: Teams, Format, and Favorites at the Biggest CS2 Tournament of the Year

Get ready for a historic moment in the competitive Counter-Strike 2 scene. The BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 marks the return of the Major to North America after seven years and promises an unmissable spectacle for fans of one of the world’s most iconic FPS games — whether you're watching for fun or placing your bets in eSports.

Considered the World Cup of Counter-Strike, the BLAST.tv Major brings high expectations for 20 days of competition — split into four stages that will test the skill, mental strength, and resilience of the best CS teams in the world. And yes, the tournament format was built to deliver thrills from start to finish.

In total, 32 teams will compete for the season’s most prestigious title and a share of the \$1.25 million prize pool — with $500,000 going to the Major champions. The grand final of the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 will take place at the Moody Center, where 15,000 fans will roar at every clutch, entry kill, or defuse.

And if you’re already counting down the seconds to bet on the biggest tournament in CS2’s competitive calendar, don’t worry — we’ve prepared this guide with everything you need to know about what promises to be an unforgettable event. Let’s go!

What’s the format of the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025?

Get ready: the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 will be played across four distinct phases. The CS2 World Cup begins with three Swiss System stages (Stages 1, 2, and 3), followed by a single-elimination Playoffs bracket. Each phase has its own structure, designed to reward consistency and performance under pressure.

Swiss System (Stages 1, 2, and 3)

Commonly used in various competitive formats, the Swiss System is applied in the first three phases of the CS2 Major. It ensures teams always face opponents with the same win-loss record at the time of the match.

The opening round of each stage is drawn at random. For the following rounds, matchups are determined based on previous results: winners play winners, and losers face off against other losers. This pattern continues until the end of the stage.

The initial rounds of each stage are played as best-of-one (Bo1), while qualification and elimination matches are best-of-three (Bo3). This adds strategic depth and reduces the chances of fluke results.

Whether it’s Stage 1, 2, or 3, teams must win three matches to advance. That means a 3–0, 3–1, or 3–2 record all lead to qualification. Lose three? You're out.

Stage 1 kicks off with 16 teams that qualified through regional qualifiers in Europe, the Americas, and Asia. The top 8 advance to Stage 2, where they’ll be joined by 8 teams invited based on Valve’s global ranking.

Then in Stage 3, half of the field will battle against the top 8 teams in the global rankings — with only 8 teams moving on to the next phase.

Playoffs

After the three Swiss phases, it's time for the most anticipated part of the Counter-Strike 2 Major: the Playoffs. Unlike the Swiss rounds, the Playoffs take place in front of a live crowd in a packed arena.

This is a single-elimination bracket, meaning every series is a Bo3 — and one loss means elimination. Teams need exceptional tactics, communication, mental toughness, and mastery of a deep map pool. And playing in front of thousands of fans at the Moody Center adds pressure that can’t be overlooked.

Playoff seeding is based on each team’s performance in Stage 3. So, in theory, the higher-performing teams will face easier opponents in the bracket — but as always in CS, being a favorite doesn’t guarantee a free path to the title.

BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025’s Fixtures

With four adrenaline-filled stages, the Major will feature 19 days of epic matchups between Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists. Check out the dates for each phase of the 2025 CS Major:

• Stage 1: June 3 to 6
• Stage 2: June 7 to 10
• Stage 3: June 12 to 15
• Playoffs: June 19 to 22

Which teams will play at the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025?

As previously mentioned, 32 teams will compete for the coveted 2025 CS2 Major title. Here’s a look at which squads will begin in each stage of the tournament:

Stage 1: The Challengers

These 16 teams earned their spots through tough regional qualifiers across the Americas, Europe, and Asia/Oceania. Played from June 3 to 6, this phase is known for its unpredictability and high stakes, often where underdogs rise up and shake the scene. Here’s the full list:

Heroic

Ranked 15th in Valve’s standings, Heroic features a solid international lineup with Álvaro "SunPayus" García from Spain, Yasin "xfl0ud" Koç from Turkey, Linus "LNZ" Holtäng from Sweden, Andrey "tN1R" Tatarinovich from Belarus, and Simon "yxngstxr" Boije, also from Sweden. The team is coached by Finnish strategist Eetu "sAw" Saha.

With a recent track record of solid performances in Europe, Heroic arrives at the Major aiming to go beyond the Challengers Stage and fight for top positions. The team has shown great synergy and promises to be a tough challenge for more established opponents.

Complexity

Complexity is ranked 17th in the global CS2 rankings and maintains a strong North American core, featuring a mix of experienced players and rising stars aiming to restore the organization’s prestige.

The lineup is balanced, with a strong tactical structure as its highlight. The team hopes to use its experience to surprise and secure a Playoff spot.

FlyQuest

Ranked 22nd globally, FlyQuest represents the Oceania and Asia region with a young and determined lineup, including players from Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. Despite being one of the Challengers, the team plays aggressively and creatively, with the potential to surprise more traditional squads.

B8

The Ukrainian squad B8 holds the 23rd position in Valve’s ranking, featuring young, high-potential players like Artem "kensizor" Kapran and Danyyl "headtr1ck" Valitov. B8 enters the Major following a consistent European campaign and aims to establish itself as a legitimate contender.

Wildcard

The North Americans from Wildcard enter the tournament with a 66% win rate over 240 matches and hold the 24th position in the global ranking. The mix of youth and experience gives them an interesting profile as they look to secure a spot in the next stage.

TYLOO

TYLOO remains China’s main representative, with players such as YuanZhang "Attacker" Sheng and Yi "JamYoung" Yang. The team sits at 25th in the world rankings and has shown notable improvement, aiming to outperform both Asian and European opponents at the Major.

Lynn Vision Gaming

Also from China, Lynn Vision Gaming is an up-and-coming team that’s been turning heads with its aggressive style and fast-paced gameplay. With players like Westmelon and z4kr, they hope to make their mark on the international stage through the Major, building on their regional experience. They are currently ranked 30th.

Legacy

Representing South America, Legacy is ranked 31st globally and features a promising Brazilian lineup with players like Eduardo "dumau" Wolkmer and Bruno "latto" Rebelatto.

BetBoom

Hailing from Europe, BetBoom Team brings a young and ambitious lineup that’s been carving out space among the continent’s elite. With a strong showing in the qualifiers, this 33rd-ranked team hopes to use the Major as a springboard and showcase their growth against more established names.

NRG Esports

Another team from the U.S., NRG Esports is ranked 34th by Valve and is known for its resilience and adaptability. With a seasoned lineup and a focus on team play, NRG is aiming to reclaim a spot among North America’s top squads, relying on sharp communication and tactical execution to advance in the tournament.

Chinggis Warriors

From Asia, the Chinggis Warriors field a lineup of local talents like aricule and controlez, proudly representing their region. Ranked 37th, the team is known for its discipline and structured gameplay, looking to pull off upsets and gain valuable international experience.

Imperial Esports

Sitting at 39th in the rankings, Brazil’s Imperial Esports enters the CS2 Major with a solid roster, including familiar names like VINI and try. The team has shown significant growth in recent months and will use its experience to push beyond the Challengers Stage, hoping to match or surpass past results.

OG

With an experienced European lineup, OG leans on refined tactics and clean execution. The team aims to reclaim a top spot in the international scene and use the Major as a platform to display its evolution and break into the upper ranks from its current 42nd position.

Fluxo

Another Brazilian squad, Fluxo has been reshaping its roster with talents like arT and zevy. Ranked 45th, they play with an aggressive and fast-paced style, banking on team chemistry to surprise opponents and advance among the best.

Nemiga Gaming

Europe is also represented by Nemiga Gaming, a team with roots in the mid-tier competitive scene now looking to step up at the Major. Backed by a stable roster, the 49th-ranked squad focuses on solid strategies and disciplined execution to challenge the circuit’s top contenders.

Metizport

Finally, the European team Metizport has been steadily climbing the competitive ranks. With young, tactically driven players, the 55th-ranked squad is looking to prove they can go toe-to-toe with top-tier teams and pose a real threat to the Challengers.

Stage 2: The Contenders and the Invited Teams

Between June 7 and 19, Stage 2 will bring even more intensity to the CS2 Major. The eight teams that advance from Stage 1 will be joined by eight invited squads based on Valve’s world ranking — facing experienced rosters with solid structures and big names. The invited teams, meanwhile, will have no room for error and must prove they belong among the best.

Check below to see who will kick off the BLAST.tv Austin Major in the second phase:

Falcons

Ranked 4th globally, Saudi Arabian team Falcons has built one of the most impactful rosters in the current scene. The duo of NiKo and m0NESY, both formerly of G2, brings explosive talent and top-tier chemistry to a squad that already featured veterans like Magisk. With this, Falcons have raised their technical ceiling and now compete toe-to-toe with the biggest powerhouses in CS2.

NiKo, one of the most complete players in history, paired with the prodigy m0NESY, forms one of the most feared duos in modern CS2. Falcons arrive at the Major with only one goal: lifting the trophy.

FaZe Clan

FaZe Clan remains one of the most respected organizations in the competitive Counter-Strike scene, assembling a true constellation of stars. Currently ranked 10th by Valve, the team welcomes the much-anticipated return of s1mple after a year away from competition — the Ukrainian is widely regarded as the greatest AWPer of all time and one of the best players in history.

Alongside tactical mastermind karrigan and North American legend EliGE, FaZe blends experience with young talent in its bid to reclaim international dominance. In short: FaZe enters the Major as a dangerous contender, capable of beating anyone in a best-of-three.

3DMAX

Ranked 14th, French squad 3DMAX has been rising quickly in the European scene, with players like bodyy and Lucky. While they haven't secured major titles yet, the team has shown strong growth and impressive cohesion, and could surprise opponents with their aggressive and strategic approach.

Virtus.pro

With a traditional Russian core featuring players like electroNic and FL1T, Virtus.pro is a historic team with several titles to its name. Currently 15th in the rankings, they return to the Major with a talented and experienced lineup, aiming to reclaim their place among the world’s elite, supported by the squad’s collective experience.

paiN Gaming

Representing Latin America, paiN Gaming fields a multicultural lineup combining Brazilians, Uruguayans, and Chileans. Despite not yet securing major international titles, the team is ranked 20th and has been showing strong growth and cohesion. They rely on their trademark aggression and grit to pull off upsets at the Major.

FURIA Esports

Ranked 16th globally, FURIA Esports underwent a bold and significant transformation, becoming an international lineup with the additions of rising CIS star molodoy and aggressive rifler YEKINDAR.

Led by Brazilian legend FalleN and anchored by KSCERATO and yuurih, the team has found new tactical life and earned solid results in recent tournaments. FURIA enters the Major with renewed confidence, aiming for a deep run and to place Brazil back atop the CS world.

MIBR

Another iconic Brazilian squad, MIBR features veterans like exit and jnt as they aim to restore the organization’s former glory. Ranked 18th by Valve, the team has focused on development to compete on even ground with the world's best.

M80

Representing Germany, M80 is a relatively new face on the international stage, featuring players like slaxz- and reck. Though they lack major titles, the 26th-ranked squad has been steadily improving and is working to establish itself as a competitive force in Europe.

Stage 3: The World’s Elite

Now it’s time for the big games. Stage 3 will take place from June 12 to 15 and will feature the top eight CS2 teams in the world, selected based on Valve’s global rankings. This is the moment when the top contenders join the fray to face red-hot challengers — separating the good from the legendary.

Here are the teams entering Stage 3:

Team Vitality

There’s no doubt: Team Vitality is the best CS2 team in the world right now, sitting atop the global rankings. With near-total dominance, the French squad is on a 30-match win streak and has claimed six consecutive titles in 2025, breaking records along the way.

Led by apEX and powered by the genius of ZywOo, the team recently won the prestigious Intel Grand Slam — a $1 million prize awarded to organizations that win four ESL events within ten tournaments. With this incredible record, Vitality enters the Major as the clear favorite and a symbol of CS2 excellence.

MOUZ

MOUZ is enjoying its best run in years, ranked 2nd in the world. Known for their tactical flexibility and in-game discipline, the team — featuring stars like Brollan and Jimpphat — has impressed with its consistency in playoffs and finals, even against the strongest opponents.

Coached by Sycrone, MOUZ aims to crown this excellent phase with a Major title and is expected to challenge every opponent deep into the tournament.

Team Spirit

The leading Russian squad today, Team Spirit revolves around the phenomenon Donk — the best player of 2024. At just 17 years old, Donk already boasts multiple MVP awards and legendary performances, and he’s the main reason Spirit has climbed into the world’s top three.

Alongside names like sh1ro and magixx, Spirit blends youth, discipline, and tactical aggression. With Donk in top form, the team is a serious title threat and could mark the beginning of a new era in Counter-Strike. They are currently ranked 3rd globally.

G2 Esports

G2 Esports is a legendary organization now fielding a newly rebuilt roster led by Snax. The team aims to return to the top by banking on the experience and tactical acumen of its players — hoping to rise above its current 8th-place standing.

Aurora Gaming

Currently ranked 6th, Aurora is Turkey’s top team on the international scene, with stars like XANTARES and woxic. Known for their explosive style and exceptional individual talent, the team’s recent results have not been ideal — but they still possess the tools to challenge anyone.

The MongolZ

The MongolZ are Mongolia’s flagship CS2 team, fielding a 100% local lineup including bLitz and Techno. Though they haven't yet claimed major international titles, they are ranked 5th globally and have reached multiple semifinals in top-tier events, showing strong growth and potential to make waves among the elite.

Natus Vincere

Natus Vincere (NaVi) is one of Counter-Strike’s most iconic organizations, with two Major titles in its history and currently ranked 7th. However, recent struggles have seen the team fall short in big events.

Now led by Aleksib and featuring talents like b1t and jL, NaVi is looking to rediscover its championship form and prove it still belongs among the elite.

Team Liquid

A traditional North American powerhouse, Team Liquid is in a rebuilding phase. Currently ranked 11th, the squad includes players like NAF, Twistzz, NertZ, ultimate, and the newly signed siuhy. The team has shown glimpses of its potential.

NertZ has added explosive firepower to Liquid’s style, while ultimate has stepped into the AWPer role with promise. siuhy’s leadership has also boosted their tactical depth. With further synergy and refinement, Liquid aims to convert potential into results and make a strong run on the global stage.

What is the prize pool for the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025?

The glory of winning one of the biggest eSports tournaments isn’t the only reward. The total prize pool for the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 is $1.25 million, distributed among teams based on performance. Here’s how the payouts break down:

1st place: $500,000

2nd place: $170,000

3rd to 4th place: $80,000

5th to 8th place: $45,000

9th to 16th place: $20,000

17th to 24th place: $10,000

25th to 32nd place: $5,000

Where to watch the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025?

To watch the CS2 Major, just tune in to the BlastPremier channel on Twitch, where matches will be streamed live. You can also follow the match pages directly on Blaze and watch while placing Live Bets — with five language options available.

Bet on the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 at Blaze!

The biggest Counter-Strike 2 tournament has begun and is already heating up Texas — and the world. Now that you know the format and teams of the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025, it’s time to plan your experience.

Love stats? Bet on HLTV MVP, top players and teams by HLTV rating, or even on the most played map of the tournament. Prefer strategy? Markets for highest CT or T win percentages might be your thing.

But remember: always bet responsibly. Betting is as risky as it is exciting, and it can affect your mental and financial health. Study stats, analyze data, and wager with caution. Betting should never be treated as a source of income — it’s entertainment.

Ready to turn your passion for CS2 into extra thrills? Bet on the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 here at Blaze and enjoy it smartly!