Valve has updated the rulebook ahead of the StarLadder Budapest Major, issuing two notable changes: a new regional invite distribution and stricter rules around roster registration.
Compared to the Austin Major, the new system reduces Europe’s direct invites to Stage 3 from six to five. The Americas gain one as a result, with two teams from the region now heading straight to Stage 3, largely thanks to FURIA and paiN finishing top eight in Austin.
Stage 2 invites have also been updated. Europe and Asia now receive five and one, respectively, while the Americas drop to two.
As for Stage 1, all 16 slots are currently marked as ‘TBD’, suggesting a departure from the previous fixed 6/6/4 regional split.
Here’s the current invite breakdown:
Stage 3:
- Europe: 5 teams
- Americas: 2 teams
- Asia: 1 team
Stage 2:
- Europe: 5 teams
- Americas: 2 teams
- Asia: 1 team
Stage 1:
- TBD: 16
Roster locks now stricter
In addition to the regional reshuffle, Valve has introduced a rule preventing teams from changing their core roster after receiving a Major invite.
Teams must now register the exact five-man lineup that appears on the VRS (Valve Regional Standings) at the time the invites go out.
One substitute is allowed, but only if that player does not affect the team’s regional assignment. The registered sub must also be the same individual who appeared in the team’s most recent official match, if applicable.
You can read the entire Major rulebook here.
