CS2’s First-Ever 32-Team Major Nears Climax in Austin Arena

The BLAST.tv Austin Major is on the verge of making Counter-Strike history, marking the first time a 32-team format has been used in a CS2 Major. Hosted at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, the expanded structure has brought unprecedented global diversity, giving more regions and lesser-known teams a shot at the spotlight.

Prior to this, Valve-sponsored Majors followed the 24-team format, consisting of the Challengers, Legends, and Champions stages. While it produced memorable storylines, critics long argued that it limited international representation and left many rising rosters out of the top-tier circuit. The new 32-team format eliminates that bottleneck by allowing more teams from regional qualifiers to break through — a move widely praised by the community.

The shift has already delivered — from stunning upsets to new rivalries forming, the Austin Major has set a new benchmark for future events. With the grand final just one day away, fans are gearing up for a defining moment in the CS2 competitive era.