Major Counter-Strike 2 Event Announced for November
On May 12, 2025, StarLadder officially announced its return to the Counter-Strike Major circuit, revealing plans to host the second CS2 Major of the year in Budapest, Hungary. This will be StarLadder’s first Major since 2019, marking a significant comeback for the Ukrainian tournament organizer after years of inactivity due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.
The event is scheduled to run from November 24 to December 14, 2025, featuring 32 of the world’s top teams competing for a $1.25 million prize pool, with early stages held at the 2,000-seat MTK Sportpark and the playoffs at the 20,000-seat MVM Dome in Budapest.
A Four-Stage Event Across Budapest
Early Stages at MTK Sportpark
The first three stages of the event will be held at MTK Sportpark, a recently modernized venue with seating for 2,000 spectators. These stages will run on the following dates:
Stage 1: November 24–27
Stage 2: November 29–December 2
Stage 3: December 4–7
All stages will feature a live audience, continuing the trend set by this year’s Shanghai Major.
Playoffs in the MVM Dome
The final playoff stage will move to the impressive MVM Dome, Hungary’s largest indoor arena with a capacity of 20,000. Scheduled for December 11–14, the playoffs will utilize a 360-degree stage setup, promising a spectacular viewing experience with record-breaking LED installations and immersive special effects.
Budapest gives us the perfect stage to push the boundaries of what a live CS2 event can look and feel like. From day one to the Grand Finals, we’re building something that fans—both in the arena and watching around the world—will remember.”
Ticket Information
Tickets are already on sale through the Ticketfairy platform. Pricing is as follows:
Group Stages (MTK Sportpark): €10 to €30 (two or four-day bundles)
Playoffs (MVM Dome): €80 to €370
Community Reactions
The announcement of the Budapest Major has generated significant excitement within the Counter-Strike community. Many fans are thrilled to see StarLadder return to hosting a Major after a six-year absence
The decision to feature a live audience at every stage of the event has also been well received, as it promises an electrifying atmosphere from the very start of the tournament.
However, the announcement also sparked some debate. A number of community members expressed concerns about the late timing of the official reveal, which may complicate travel planning for international fans. Additionally, while the grand scale of the MVM Dome has been praised, some questioned whether the higher ticket prices for the playoffs might be out of reach for some attendees.
