The lineup for the highly anticipated PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025 Counter-Strike 2 tournament has been revealed, featuring top-tier teams from around the globe. However, notable absences such as G2 Esports, Team Spirit, NAVI, and Team Vitality have surprised fans and shifted the competitive dynamics of the $1.25 million event.
Key Details About the Tournament
The PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025 tournament, scheduled to take place from February 14–23, 2025, will feature a total prize pool of $1.25 million (~£1.04 million). The competition will kick off with a group stage in Bucharest, Romania, followed by playoffs in Cluj-Napoca.
The Swiss system format will decide the top eight teams advancing to the playoffs, where a single-elimination bracket will lead to the Grand Finals, played as a best-of-five (BO5) series.
Image via PGL.
Absences Shake Up the Scene
Despite being among the top-ranked teams on the Valve Ranking Standings (VRS), G2 Esports and Team Spirit will not participate. Both teams have recently showcased strong performances but have opted out of the event for undisclosed reasons.
Similarly, Team Vitality and NAVI, both dominant names in the Counter-Strike 2 esports ecosystem, have chosen to skip the tournament. Their absence is partially attributed to the tight scheduling of IEM Katowice 2025, which concludes just five days before PGL Cluj-Napoca begins.
These gaps have allowed lesser-seen teams to enter the spotlight, reshaping the competitive landscape.
Image via BLAST.
Participating Teams and Rankings
The 16 confirmed teams for PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025, ranked by their VRS as of January 6, 2025, include:
- The MongolZ (3rd): Fresh off their victory at the 2024 Thunderpick World Championship.
- FaZe Clan (5th): Looking to bounce back after failing to qualify for BLAST Bounty Spring 2025.
- MOUZ (6th): Debuting their new roster featuring Lotan ‘Spinx’ Giladi, signed on January 23.
- Team Falcons
- FURIA Esports (10th)
- paiN Gaming (11th)
- MIBR (12th)
- 3DMAX (13th)
- Eternal Fire (14th)
- Complexity (16th)
- SAW (17th)
- BIG (18th)
- FlyQuest (19th)
- Astralis (20th)
- Wildcard (21st)
- Virtus.Pro (22nd)
Image via PGL.
Tournament Highlights
PGL Cluj-Napoca will mark a significant moment for several teams:
- The MongolZ emerge as the highest-ranked team in the absence of G2 and Spirit, putting them in a prime position to dominate.
- MOUZ will showcase their revamped lineup, adding intrigue to their debut performance.
- FaZe Clan is under pressure to redeem themselves after recent setbacks.
Conclusion
With some of the world’s best teams missing, PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025 offers a unique opportunity for rising stars to claim the spotlight. The stage is set for intense competition, unpredictable outcomes, and potential breakout performances.
Fans can look forward to exciting matches as the teams battle for the prestigious title and the lion’s share of the $1.25 million prize pool.
BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025: Dates, Format, and What to Expect