Counter-Strike Majors are heading to an entirely new destination. According to Sheep Esports sources, the second CS2 Major of 2025 will take place in Budapest. While Europe—and neighboring Poland in particular, with its prestigious IEM Katowice—has hosted numerous Majors, this marks the first time Hungary will serve as the stage for such an event.

The first 2025 Major in Austin

Adding to the significance, this Major will be organized by StarLadder, marking the company's return to the esports scene after a hiatus since 2019. With the expiration of franchise contracts between teams and tournament organizers, StarLadder is set to make a comeback next year, including the relaunch of the StarLadder StarSeries with Season 20. StarLadder previously organized a Major in August 2019—the Berlin Major—where the indomitable Astralis claimed victory before the operator paused its activities.

As the second Major of the year, this tournament will take place between 1st and 14th December, according to HLTV. Earlier in the year, the world's top teams will gather in June in Austin, USA, for the season's first Major. Currently, the competitive scene is in the midst of the Major cycle, with the RMR B EMEA qualifier underway for the Shanghai Major, in China (gg 3DMAX). The Main Event of the Shanghai Major begins on November 30, culminating in the final on December 15.