Rumor: Counter-Strike 2 Majors Expanding to 32 Teams from 2025

Starting in 2025, the number of participating teams will rise from 24 to 32, marking one of the most substantial changes in the tournament's history according to HLTV, which cites "multiple sources".

This expansion will introduce additional stages, extend the tournament duration, and reshape how teams qualify for the prestigious event. The BLAST.tv Austin Major, slated for June 2025, will be the first tournament to implement these adjustments, reshaping the landscape of one of esports’ most iconic competitions.

The Expansion to 32 Teams: Enhancing Competitive Depth

The decision to expand Counter-Strike Majors from 24 to 32 teams is poised to deepen the competitive pool, allowing a broader range of talent from across the globe to compete on the world stage. For the first time since the format change in 2018, which raised the number of teams to 24, this expansion will provide an opportunity for more emerging teams to enter the fray. Such a move has the potential to increase the diversity of playing styles and strategies, ultimately enriching the competition.

With the additional eight teams, we can anticipate a surge in competitive intensity, as more underdog stories unfold, and established teams face greater challenges to maintain their dominance. The larger field means more opportunities for regions traditionally underrepresented at the highest level, elevating the global profile of the game.

Major Qualification Process Overhaul: Goodbye to the Regional Major Rankings

As part of the expansion, the Regional Major Rankings (RMR) system, which has served as the key qualification route for Majors over the past four years, will be phased out. Instead, Valve will pivot to its Valve Regional Standings (VRS) to determine the teams that qualify. The VRS system will likely reward consistent performance over time, meaning teams will need to prove their mettle across the entire Counter-Strike circuit to secure a spot in the Major.

While the specifics of this new qualification process remain under wraps, this change reflects a shift towards a more inclusive and merit-based system. The removal of the RMR will also reduce the pressure on teams during a specific set of events, creating a more balanced approach to qualification that spans multiple tournaments and timeframes.

A New Swiss Stage and Extended Tournament Duration

To accommodate the increase in team numbers, the Major format will now feature an additional Swiss Stage, in which teams compete to qualify for the next round based on their win-loss record. This stage will act as a prelude to the existing Opening and Elimination stages, making the path to the playoffs even more arduous.

The introduction of this new stage means that Major events will extend by an extra four days, increasing the total duration to 18 days. The additional time will allow for a more gradual progression through the tournament, offering teams greater opportunity to prepare between matches and adapt to their opponents.

The expanded timeframe is also expected to enhance the viewing experience for fans, who will have more content to enjoy, and sponsors, who will benefit from extended exposure. This shift should create a more spectator-friendly event, with the action spread out more evenly, keeping viewers engaged over a longer period.

Strategic Implications of the Format Shift

From a competitive standpoint, the new format will bring several strategic challenges for both teams and organizers. The lengthened Swiss format will place a premium on endurance, with teams needing to demonstrate sustained performance over a longer period. Preparation will become more critical than ever, as the extended tournament will require more adaptive strategies and greater mental resilience.

Furthermore, teams will have to contend with the increased likelihood of facing unfamiliar opponents. The larger field, combined with the Swiss system, means that even top-tier teams may encounter wildcard competitors in the early stages. These matchups can be unpredictable, introducing an element of uncertainty that could lead to surprising upsets.

For organizers, the expanded schedule will require careful coordination to avoid conflicts with other major events. The proximity of the StarLadder StarSeries S19 and Skyesports Masters 2025 to the BLAST.tv Austin Major underscores the importance of managing the esports calendar. Nevertheless, early indications suggest that no major scheduling clashes are anticipated, allowing fans to fully immerse themselves in the extended Major experience.

The Legacy of Counter-Strike Majors: From 16 Teams to Global Spectacle

The upcoming changes represent the latest evolution in the history of Counter-Strike Majors, which began as 16-team competitions with the inaugural Valve-sponsored event at DreamHack Winter 2013. Over the years, these tournaments have grown in scale and prestige, reflecting the increasing professionalism and popularity of competitive Counter-Strike.

The shift to 24 teams in 2018, alongside the introduction of the Major Qualifier as part of the main event, was a pivotal moment in the tournament’s history. Now, with the jump to 32 teams and the removal of the RMR, we are witnessing the next step in the continuous growth of the Major ecosystem. These adjustments are not merely logistical; they signal a broader commitment to fostering the global growth of Counter-Strike and ensuring that its most significant tournaments remain at the pinnacle of competitive gaming.

Looking Forward: The Future of Counter-Strike Majors

As we approach 2025, it’s clear that the upcoming changes will redefine the competitive Counter-Strike landscape. The expansion to 32 teams, the overhaul of the qualification system, and the extended duration of Majors are all part of a broader strategy to elevate the tournament to new heights. The BLAST.tv Austin Major will serve as the proving ground for these innovations, setting the stage for a new chapter in the history of Counter-Strike esports.

With these changes, we can expect a more diverse, challenging, and globalized competition, one that pushes the limits of both players and organizers. As the Counter-Strike community looks ahead to this new era, the 2025 Majors promise to deliver unprecedented excitement, drama, and opportunity for both established teams and emerging contenders.