The first CS2 Major of 2025 is scheduled to start next week, on June 3, and will end on June 22. For nearly three weeks, esports fans from around the globe will be able to enjoy hyped matches that feature the world’s best teams.
Location and Format
As the name suggests, BLAST.tv Austin Major takes place in the US. The competition features 32 teams instead of 24 and will have four stages instead of three.
In previous years, Majors used to consist of two Swiss System elimination rounds followed by playoffs. Now there are three such rounds. Eight teams are waiting in stage 3, another eight in stage 3, while the remaining 16 will start in stage 1.
For each stage, elimination and advancement matches are best-of-three while the remaining matches are best-of-one. This format favors upsets at the stage level because even the best teams in the world can lose a map against an underdog.
However, given the number of stages and the fact that only eight teams will qualify for the playoffs, it’s hard to imagine stage 1 underdogs causing sufficient upsets to earn a spot in the final stage.
The playoffs of the Austin Major will be played in the single-elimination format. Every match is best-of-three.
Stage 1 Participants
Here are the 16 teams that will start the Major in stage 1:
- Complexity
- HEROIC
- B8
- BetBoom Team
- TYLOO
- Lynn Vision Gaming
- Wildcard
- FlyQuest
- OG
- Chinggis Warriors
- Imperial Esports
- Nemiga Gaming
- NRG
- Legacy
- Metizport
- Fluxo
The favorites here are HEROIC, B8, Wildcard, and OG. The remaining spots could be claimed by anyone.
Stage 2 Participants
Here are the eight teams that will start the Major in stage 2:
- Team Falcons
- FaZe Clan
- 3DMAX
- Virtus.pro
- paiN Gaming
- FURIA
- MIBR
- M80
Apart from HEROIC and possible OG, none of the stage 1 teams are likely to advance to stage 3. Team Falcons, FaZe Clan, 3DMAX, VP, and FURIA should all qualify.
Stage 3 Participants
Here are the eight teams that will start the Major in stage 3:
- Team Vitality
- MOUZ
- Team Spirit
- G2 Esports
- The MongolZ
- Aurora Gaming
- Natus Vincere
- Team Liquid
At this point, only the best of the best will make it through. Vitality, Falcons, Spirit, MOUZ, The MongolZ, Aurora, G2, and NAVI will be the favorites, assuming they’re all present in stage 3.
