Counter-Strike’s next Major championship is headed to Budapest, marking the first time Hungary plays host to a CS2 Major. The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 will run from late November into mid-December, bringing 32 of the world’s best teams to compete for a $1.25 million prize pool, and for many the excitement also extends to the skin economy that has long been part of the game. Platforms like DaddySkins give players a way to engage with that side of Counter-Strike while waiting for the action to kick off in Budapest. All phases of the tournament will be held in front of live audiences, giving fans an electric atmosphere from the opening match all the way to the grand final. As the second CS2 Major of 2025 (following the spring Major in Austin), this event not only caps off the competitive season but also represents StarLadder’s high-profile return as a Major organizer after a five-year hiatus.
Event Overview: Dates, Venues, and Tickets
Spanning November 24 – December 14, 2025, the Budapest Major unfolds across two iconic venues in the city. The early phases (Stages 1, 2, and 3 of the competition) take place at the MTK Sportpark from November 24 to December 7. This newly upgraded esports arena accommodates around 2,000 spectators, offering an intimate setting for fans to get close to the action during the Challengers and Legends stages. For the decisive Champions stage, the tournament moves to the massive MVM Dome from December 11 to 14. The MVM Dome – a state-of-the-art, 20,000-seat arena – will feature a special 360-degree center stage, surround LED screens, and immersive lighting to create a true stadium-scale spectacle for the playoffs. This dual-venue format means 16 days of non-stop Counter-Strike, culminating in a grand final held under the Dome’s roof just as Budapest’s festive pre-Christmas season is in full swing.
Ticket sales for the Major have been met with huge demand. StarLadder offered tickets in multiple waves, and early waves sold out quickly as fans rushed to secure their seats. Prices for the group stage matches at MTK Sportpark were budget-friendly (roughly €10–€30 per day), making it accessible for local esports enthusiasts to catch the initial rounds. Playoff tickets, which grant entry to all four days at the MVM Dome, ranged from around €80 up to €370 for premium seating packages. These higher-tier tickets reflect the scale of the arena experience and the high-profile nature of the Champions stage. By the final wave of sales in September, the MVM Dome was on track for a sell-out crowd, promising one of the largest live audiences in Counter-Strike Major history. Fans who secured tickets can look forward to not only top-tier CS2 matches but also likely special on-site events, merchandise booths, and the unique backdrop of Budapest’s holiday markets just outside the venue.
Teams to Watch: Likely Top Contenders
With 32 teams in contention, the StarLadder Major will feature a mix of seasoned champions and hungry challengers. Heading into the event, a handful of squads have distinguished themselves as front-runners on the server throughout 2025:
- Team Vitality: The French-based powerhouse led by superstar AWPer ZywOo remains the team to beat. Vitality carried major momentum through 2025 with multiple titles (including triumphs at IEM Katowice and ESL Pro League earlier in the year) and have consistently been ranked #1 in the world. Now featuring a revamped lineup that added riflers like ropz and mezii alongside veteran captain apEX, Vitality combines tactical stability with explosive skill. They will arrive in Budapest as a clear favorite to make a deep run and potentially lift the trophy, especially after narrowly missing out on the last big event (they were runners-up in a thrilling BLAST Open London final).
- MOUZ: Once an underdog, MOUZ has risen to elite contender status thanks to savvy roster moves and strong results. The international squad surprised many by clinching the PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025 championship and consistently placing high at other events (they were runners-up at ESL Pro League Season 21). The current MOUZ lineup blends experienced names with young talent: the addition of star rifler Spinx and former NiP entry fragger Brollan this season boosted their firepower, complementing the homegrown core of torzsi, Jimpphat, and xertioN. With their resilience and adaptability, MOUZ have proven they can go toe-to-toe with any team — making them a serious title threat in Budapest.
- Team Spirit: The CIS dark horse has transformed into a top-tier force, earning respect for their tactical prowess. Team Spirit’s roster moves in 2025 signaled their ambition: they brought in an elite AWPer, sh1ro, and have nurtured one of the scene’s brightest up-and-comers in rifler donk. Under the leadership of veteran in-game leader chopper, Spirit has delivered impressive performances at recent tournaments, often out-strategizing more star-studded opponents. Their cohesive teamwork and discipline in clutch moments have led analysts to peg Spirit as a potential Major finalist. If they can maintain their momentum, Spirit could very well turn their underdog status into a championship story in Budapest.
- G2 Esports: G2’s road this year has been one of rebirth, and it’s paying off just in time for the Major. After significant roster changes, G2 assembled a new lineup mixing proven veterans and fresh talent, and the squad is quickly finding its stride. Led by long-time star rifler huNter- and anchored by the sharpshooting of Spanish AWPer SunPayus, this rejuvenated G2 lineup captured a landmark victory at BLAST Open London 2025, defeating Vitality in an epic final. That championship has injected confidence into the team, which also features promising players like malbsMd and MATYS stepping up. G2’s trademark aggressive playstyle and high individual skill ceiling make them a dangerous opponent for any favorite. If their new roster synergy continues to improve, G2 could be on course to challenge for their first Major title.
- FURIA Esports: The top hope from the Americas region, FURIA enters the Major with a roster blending Brazilian flair and international experience. Legendary AWPer FalleN now helms the team, bringing veteran leadership and two Major titles’ worth of wisdom to the squad. Around him, FURIA boasts the firepower of KSCERATO and yuurih (two of Brazil’s finest riflers) and a new injection of talent from abroad: star entry fragger YEKINDAR joined the lineup, adding an aggressive edge honed in Europe. This mix has revitalized FURIA’s play, making them a consistent contender at international events this year. They haven’t yet clinched a big trophy in 2025, but FURIA’s deep runs and close series against top European teams suggest they are on the cusp. In Budapest, FURIA will aim to break through to the playoff stage and beyond, carrying the pride of the Americas with them.
While the above teams are considered the prime contenders, the Major could still see surprises. Team Falcons, for example, is an intriguing wildcard – this new European lineup features superstars NiKo and m0NESY and has rapidly climbed into the top ten rankings after a string of strong showings. If Falcons manage to qualify and click in time, their sheer talent could rattle the established order. Another name to watch is The MongolZ, a team that has dominated the Asian CS2 scene throughout the year. The MongolZ shocked observers by rising to a top-5 world ranking on HLTV, largely on the back of regional successes and an unrelenting, aggressive playstyle. While unproven on the Major playoff stage, they have the potential to upset more heralded teams in the group phases. Beyond these, plenty of other challengers will be hungry to prove themselves – from storied organizations like Natus Vincere (NAVI) rebuilding with a new roster, to surging squads like Aurora Gaming (led by Turkish veterans XANTARES and woxic) looking to make their mark. All told, the competitive field in Budapest is stacked, and even the favorites will need to be at the top of their game to avoid early upsets.
StarLadder’s Return and Major Legacy
The Budapest Major also represents a homecoming of sorts for StarLadder, the tournament organizer. StarLadder is a Kyiv-based esports company with deep roots in Counter-Strike, known for hosting the popular StarSeries tournaments throughout the 2010s. Their events often earned praise for high production values and passionate local crowds, especially in CIS regions. StarLadder’s previous Major experience came in 2019, when they hosted the StarLadder Berlin Major. That Berlin Major – remembered for Astralis’s championship run – was StarLadder’s first (and until now, only) Valve-sponsored Major. It demonstrated the organizer’s ability to deliver a world-class event, but shortly after, StarLadder’s CS:GO activity waned. The company stepped back from hosting big Counter-Strike events in the ensuing years, a hiatus influenced by the pandemic as well as the increasingly competitive landscape dominated by ESL and BLAST.
Fast forward to 2025, and StarLadder is making a significant comeback. Early in the year, StarLadder received new backing when it was acquired by NODWIN Gaming, an esports firm based in India. This investment infused StarLadder with fresh resources and a global vision, allowing them to re-enter the top-tier CS2 scene. The choice of Budapest for the Major signals StarLadder’s intent to branch into new regions – Hungary has a growing esports community but had never hosted a Major before. In preparation, StarLadder even organized a StarSeries Season 19 tournament in Budapest in September as a lead-up event, testing the logistics and drumming up local excitement. By leveraging their past experience (from many StarSeries & i-League seasons and that 2019 Major) and incorporating modern production innovations, StarLadder aims to deliver an unforgettable spectacle in Budapest.
Case Battles and the Skin Game at DaddySkins
Counter-Strike Majors are about more than just the competition on stage. They are also a celebration of the game’s culture, and that includes skins. While the Budapest Major will showcase the world’s best fragging, many fans also engage with the skin economy off the server. Platforms like DaddySkins keep that excitement alive with their case battle mode, where players can open cases head-to-head in a competitive format. Much like the matches in Budapest, case battles are about risk, reward, and bragging rights whether you are pulling a rare knife skin or edging out your opponent with a clutch final round.
As anticipation builds for the Champions Stage in the MVM Dome, case battles offer a parallel thrill for fans following along at home. For many, opening cases together and competing for the best drops adds another layer of hype to Major season. In a year where Counter-Strike is expanding its horizons from Budapest’s first ever Major to StarLadder’s return, it is fitting that the skin side of the game continues to evolve as well.