BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025: Comprehensive Overview

The BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025, commencing on June 3, 2025, in Austin, Texas, marks a significant milestone in Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) esports. This tournament is notable for its expanded format, featuring 32 teams and a substantial prize pool of $1.25 million.

Tournament Structure

The competition is divided into four distinct stages:

• Stage 1 (June 3–6):
  Features 16 teams that qualified through Major Regional Qualifiers (MRQs) from Europe, the Americas, and Asia. This stage follows a Swiss-system format, with best-of-one (Bo1) matches, except for elimination and advancement matches, which are best-of-three (Bo3). The top 8 teams advance to Stage 2.

• Stage 2 (June 7–10):
  Comprises the 8 advancing teams from Stage 1 and 8 directly invited teams based on Valve Regional Standings (VRS). The format mirrors Stage 1, with Bo1 matches and Bo3 for critical matches. The top 8 teams proceed to Stage 3.

• Stage 3 (June 12–15):
  Includes the 8 successful teams from Stage 2 and another set of 8 directly invited teams via VRS. The Swiss-system format continues, with the top 8 teams moving on to the Playoffs.

• Playoffs (June 19–22):
  The final stage features a single-elimination bracket with Bo3 matches, culminating in the championship decider.

Prize Pool Distribution

The total prize pool of $1.25 million is allocated as follows:

• 1st Place: $500,000

• 2nd Place: $170,000

• 3rd–4th Place: $80,000 each

• 5th–8th Place: $45,000 each

• 9th–16th Place: $20,000 each

Participating Teams

The tournament features a mix of directly invited teams and those that secured their spots through MRQs:

• Stage 1 Teams (MRQ Qualifiers):

  • Europe: OG, HEROIC, Metizport, Nemiga, BetBoom, B8

  • Americas: Complexity, Wildcard, NRG, Imperial, Fluxo, Legacy

  • Asia: Lynn Vision, TYLOO, Chinggis Warriors, FlyQuest

• Stage 2 Teams (VRS Invites):

  • Europe: Team Falcons, FaZe Clan, 3DMAX, Virtus.pro

  • Americas: paiN Gaming, FURIA Esports, MIBR, M80

• Stage 3 Teams (VRS Invites):

  • Europe: Team Vitality, MOUZ, Team Spirit, Aurora Gaming, Natus Vincere, G2 Esports

  • Americas: Team Liquid

  • Asia: The MongolZ

Venue and Broadcast

The Playoffs will be hosted at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, providing a live audience experience. Matches will be broadcast on BLAST.tv’s official platforms, including YouTube and Twitch, ensuring global accessibility for fans.

Talent Lineup

The event features a distinguished lineup of hosts, analysts, and casters, including Eefje "sjokz" Depoortere, Tres "stunna" Saranthus, James "BanKs" Banks, Freya Spiers, Alex "Mauisnake" Ellenberg, Jacob "Pimp" Winneche, Peter "dupreeh" Rasmussen, Jason "moses" O'Toole, Danny "mahone" Hsieh, Mohan "launders" Govindasamy, Conner "Scrawny" Girvan, Chad "SPUNJ" Burchill, Alex "Machine" Richardson, Harry "JustHarry" Russell, Hugo Byron, Daniel "ddk" Kapadia, and Anders Blume.

The BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 stands as a landmark event in the CS2 competitive scene, bringing together top-tier teams and talent in a comprehensive tournament structure. With its expanded format and significant prize pool, it promises to deliver high-stakes matches and showcase the pinnacle of professional Counter-Strike gameplay.