The BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 is set to be a landmark event in the Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) competitive scene, marking the third Major for CS2 and the 22nd in the series’ history. Scheduled from June 3 to June 22 in Austin, Texas, this tournament introduces an expanded format, featuring 32 teams competing across four distinct stages, a first for CS2 Majors.
Tournament Structure
Stage 1: Major Regional Qualifiers (MRQs) Sixteen teams earn their spots through regional qualifiers: six from Europe, four from the Americas, and four from Asia-Pacific. This stage employs a Swiss system format, where teams play best-of-one matches, with elimination and advancement matches being best-of-three. Teams achieving three wins advance to Stage 2, while those with three losses are eliminated.
Stage 2: Challengers Stage This stage features the eight successful teams from Stage 1, joined by eight teams directly invited based on Valve’s Regional Standings as of April 7. The format mirrors Stage 1, with a Swiss system determining the eight teams that will progress to Stage 3.
Stage 3: Legends Stage The eight teams advancing from Stage 2 are joined by another set of eight top-ranked teams, again based on Valve’s Regional Standings. Following the same Swiss system format, this stage determines the final eight teams that will move on to the Playoffs.
Playoffs The culmination of the tournament features a single-elimination bracket with best-of-three matches, leading to the crowning of the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 champion. The Playoffs are scheduled to take place at the Moody Center in Austin.
Qualified Teams
Stage 3 Invites:
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Team Vitality
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MOUZ
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Team Spirit
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Aurora Gaming
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Natus Vincere
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G2 Esports
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Team Liquid
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The MongolZ
Stage 2 Invites:
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Team Falcons
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FaZe Clan
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3DMAX
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Virtus.pro
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paiN Gaming
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FURIA
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MIBR
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M80
Stage 1 Qualifiers: The remaining 16 teams will be determined through the MRQs, with regional qualifiers taking place across Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific. These qualifiers are scheduled between April 14 and April 17, with teams competing for a coveted spot in the Major.
Prize Pool
The tournament boasts a substantial prize pool of $1,250,000, distributed among the participating teams based on their final standings. The champion will take home $500,000, with the remaining funds allocated accordingly.
The BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 promises to be a thrilling event, bringing together the world’s elite CS2 teams in a battle for supremacy. With its expanded format and high stakes, fans can anticipate intense competition and memorable moments throughout the tournament.
