Valve has officially announced a major structural change to Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) Majors, starting in 2025. The number of teams will increase from 24 to 32, and the long-standing Regional Major Ranking (RMR) events will be replaced.
These updates mark a significant shift in the competitive landscape, starting with the BLAST.tv Austin Major, set for June 9-22, 2025.
Expansion to 32 Teams: New Swiss Stage and Longer Tournaments
Starting with the BLAST.tv Austin Major, Counter-Strike Majors will feature 32 teams instead of the previous 24. To accommodate this expansion, Valve is introducing a new Swiss stage, which will add eight additional teams and extend the tournament by approximately four extra days, making the total event length 18 days.
Stages of the Expanded Format
The expanded tournament format will now consist of three stages:
- Opening Stage – A new phase to accommodate the extra teams.
- Elimination Stage – A continuation of the knockout format.
- Swiss Stage – A phase designed to ensure the best teams make it to the next stage.
This extended schedule will allow the event to run smoothly without overlapping other major events like StarLadder StarSeries and Skyesports Masters, which conclude on June 1, 2025. The longer competition duration aims to give teams more time to showcase their talent and provide fans with more high-quality matches.
The Evolution of Counter-Strike Majors: From 16 to 32 Teams
The history of Counter-Strike Majors has been one of steady growth. When the first Major was held at DreamHack Winter 2013, it featured only 16 teams. That format persisted until ELEAGUE Major 2018, when the number of teams expanded to 24 by incorporating the “Main Qualifier” into the official tournament.
Now, with the jump to 32 teams, 2025 will see the largest Major in CS history. Valve’s decision to expand the number of teams signals the game’s growing popularity and the increasing depth of talent in the CS2 competitive scene.
RMRs Removed: A New Qualification System
Perhaps the most significant change is the removal of the RMR (Regional Major Ranking) events, which have been the cornerstone of Major qualification since 2018.
In place of RMRs, Valve will rely on its Team Ranking System and Valve Regional Standings (VRS) to determine Major invitations. This new method is expected to simplify the qualification process but raises questions about how teams will adjust to the new criteria.
Will There Be Alternative Qualification Routes?
Although details remain unclear about whether other qualification methods will complement the VRS, this change signals a shift away from the regional qualification format that RMR events offered. Removing the RMR system could also open the door for more flexibility in how teams qualify, possibly creating opportunities for newer or lesser-known teams to make their mark.
What This Means for Counter-Strike Esports
The expansion to 32 teams and the removal of RMR events marks a bold new direction for Counter-Strike esports. These adjustments not only signal a new era for CS2 but also promise to raise the level of competition.
With more teams participating and a streamlined qualification system, fans can expect more exciting matchups and greater unpredictability in how teams perform.
As the BLAST.tv Austin Major kicks off in June 2025, it will usher in this new structure, making it one of the most anticipated Majors in recent memory. The changes will bring new opportunities for teams and challenge them in ways not seen before, ensuring that 2025 is a pivotal year for the Counter-Strike franchise.
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