StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Begins — the Main Event of the Year

Nov 24, 2025

Today in Budapest, the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 officially begins — one of the key tournaments of the season and the central Counter-Strike Major. The organizers return to hosting a Major for the first time since 2019, and the scale of the event makes it especially significant for the entire competitive scene.

The tournament runs from November 24 to December 14, featuring 32 teams divided into four stages. The first three phases are held at the MTK Sportpark, a venue with a capacity of around two thousand spectators. The final stage will take place at the large MVM Dome arena, where the tension and excitement will reach their peak. The total prize pool exceeds one million dollars, with the champion taking half of the amount.

Opening matches of StarLadder Budapest Major 2025

B8 vs M80 at 13:00 CEST
Imperial vs Rare Atom at 13:00 CEST
Legacy vs FlyQuest at 14:00 CEST
PARIVISION vs The Huns at 14:00 CEST

These matchups set the pace for the opening day and shape the foundation of the Swiss format used during the first stage. The initial wave of games already draws increased attention, as it features teams from different regions, making the early phase unpredictable.

Why Budapest Major 2025 matters

This tournament stands out because all stages are held with a live audience. This brings back the atmosphere of large LAN events, something both CS2 players and viewers have long been waiting for. The tournament structure includes a transition from Bo1 to more intense Bo3 matches, leading up to a Bo5 grand final — creating a fair and competitive path to the title.

Budapest Major is already considered one of the most anticipated tournaments of the year, and the opening matchups confirm that several weeks of intense and exciting competition lie ahead.