With G2 Esports becoming the latest winner of a Tier 1 event, Counter-Strike esports is set for an exciting end to 2025 as several teams begin to establish themselves as championship contenders. Team Vitality cruised through the Group Stage with wins over FaZe Clan and Virtus.pro before sweeping aside The MongolZ in the semi-final to set up a blockbuster clash with Team Spirit in the final. 2025 is set to be one of the most exciting seasons in the history of Counter-Strike 2 esports! The second Major is likely to be held in one of the countries with a rich history of hosting major esports events, which will attract even more viewers and participants. In addition to the standard set of Valve Global Standings teams — four participants are from regional qualifiers.
On November 12, 2023, Perfect World, who are responsible for distributing Counter-Strike 2 in China, announced the second major following the release of Counter-Strike 2, taking place in Shanghai between December 1-15, 2024. The first Counter-Strike 2 Major was announced to be the PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen 2024 which was held from March 17–31 in the Royal Arena. BLAST Paris Major 2023 was held in Paris on May 8 – May 21, 2023 with a prize pool of $1,250,000 USD. The previously cancelled ESL One Rio 2020 Major was replaced with IEM Rio Major 2022 and was held in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil on October 31 – November 13), 2022. On January 14, 2021, Valve announced that the championship would be held between October 23 and November 7 in Stockholm. The November Major was announced with a US$2,000,000 prize pool — combining the amounts that would have been set aside for both Majors.
Several prominent players from the top ten of the VRS participated in the second edition of the FISSURE Playground tournament series held in Belgrade (Serbia), aiming to secure their position among the top 32 teams. Despite the event’s unconventional format, the trophy was claimed by Team Spirit after defeating The MongolZ in the Grand Final. After claiming his first MVP award following Team Spirit’s victory in BLAST Bounty Season 1, the Russian prodigy earned his second of the year. With a victory over Team Spirit in the semi-finals, Vitality prepared for a rematch against Team Falcons in the Grand Final of IEM Melbourne. By achieving comfortable victories against Wildcard and MOUZ (Team Vitality secured the top position in its group), ensuring another playoff appearance at a Tier 1 event.
If two teams exhibit identical round wins after both halves, additional rounds will be played , overtime, – consisting of two halves with three rounds each. The competition’s format determines the number of maps required to be cs2 skins played in each match. Since Cologne 2014, maps have been categorized into Active Duty and Reserves, with the former being utilized for all Major tournaments. The third Swiss-stage group at the upcoming IEM Cologne Major 2026 consists solely of best-of-three matches. While the playoff phase of the Majors has typically adhered to a standard single-elimination format featuring eight teams — the group stages have undergone numerous alterations.
This venue is where the elite compete to settle their differences on a pure LAN stage — typically concluding in a best-of-five showdown that determines the season’s outcome. When a team emerges victorious in a match, they immediately receive half of their opponent’s bounty. His expertise lies in assessing new releases within the realm of computer games (gaming services), and in-game economies. The first event will occur from June 9 to 22 in Austin, USA, whereas the second is anticipated to take place in December in Europe. In 2026 (the tournament series will expand its geographical reach), introducing two additional locations to be revealed later, which will aid in attracting a global audience.
It’s their chance to earn good cash, but making it to the finals is a great challenge. The year is filled with exciting tournaments, so we have lots of opportunities to enjoy the competition and learn from the best. FACEIT Points can be redeemed for games, skins, and other rewards on the FACEIT shop. Specific details on maps and rules will be announced with each tournament.
CS2 Esports Schedule for Spring 2026
After Berlin 2019 (Valve and ESL announced the following Major), ESL One Rio 2020, which was to be the first Major to be hosted in South America. With wins at London 2018, Katowice 2019, and Berlin 2019, Astralis become the first team to win three Majors in a row and four majors total. This feat has only been matched by Astralis and Team Vitality, although Vitality did not maintain the same roster core throughout their Major wins. The tournament took place in late November and was won by the Swedish team Fnatic who upset Ninjas in Pyjamas in the finals. Many teams from other parts of the world would win Majors, including Team 3D from the United States at CPL Winter 2002 and WCG 2004, NoA from Norway at CPL Winter 2004, mibr from Brazil at ESWC 2006, and WeMade FOX from South Korea at WEM 2010.
