By Alex Contreras
Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), released in September 2023 by Valve, is the latest version of the iconic Counter-Strike game. It’s been part of esports since it became a Half-Life mod in 1999. As a first-person shooter, CS2 has two teams, Counter-Terrorists and Terrorists, against each other, where you either have to defuse the bomb or detonate it. CS2’s place as a leading game has earned it’s spot in the esports world, with its majors being the highest level of professional competition.
From November 24 to December 14, 2025, Budapest, Hungary, will host the StarLadder Budapest Major, the second CS2 Major of the year. It will be hosted by StarLadder, a well-known tournament organizer. The event will have 32 of the world’s top CS2 teams fight each other for a $1.25 million prize and one of the most desired titles in esports. The tournament will have four stages, with the first three stages (November 24 to December 7) being at the MTK Sportpark, an arena with a 2,000-seat capacity. The playoffs, from December 11 to 14, will take place in the MVM Dome, one of Europe’s largest esports venues, being able to seat 20,000 fans. This tournament is a historic moment for Hungary, as it will be the first time the country hosts a Counter-Strike Major.
The StarLadder Budapest Major is a big deal for several reasons. StarLadder is returning to hosting majors after five years, because of COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine. Their 2019 Berlin Major set a high standard for production quality, and Budapest is expected to push these standards even further. The choice of the MVM Dome, with its massive seat capacity and 360-degree stage setup, makes this one of the largest CS2 major events yet. The event will probably attract over 50 million viewers worldwide on platforms like Twitch and YouTube.
Hungary has hosted smaller Counter-Strike tournaments, such as the Hungarian National Esport Championship in 2020. Holding a major will most likely boost tourism and inspire local players, as seen with Hungarian pro Bence “Deadfox” Böröcz, who competed in a CS:GO Major. This event might just pave the way for more high-profile tournaments in Hungary.
The Budapest Major will be on for three weeks, and all stages will be open to live audiences, a change from other majors where the early matches were closed to audiences. The group stages at MTK Sportpark will be from November 24 to December 7, with tickets being between €10 and €30. The playoffs at the MVM Dome, from December 11 to 14, will have a built stage, with ticket prices ranging from €80 to €370. If you are looking to attend, then you can buy your tickets now on the Starladder website.
Success in these majors shows off teamwork and leadership, as shown by the professionals. Olofmeister, a legendary player, said, “What makes a great CS player is playing for the team rather than playing for yourself.” FalleN, a Brazilian professional, also said, “Don’t fool yourself into thinking you can only have one role in a team.” Oleksandr Olehovych Kostyliev, aka s1mple, one of the best to have ever played, said, “If you are in a team and you have a problem, it means the whole team has a problem, and you should fix it together.” These quotes show the spirit that’s required to succeed in these tournaments.
The Budapest Major is going to be a massive moment for CS2 and Hungary. StarLadder’s return will give fans a high-quality event, and the event’s global reach will have millions watching from every part of the globe. As the anticipation builds, the Budapest Major promises to give us thrilling matches, unforgettable moments, and a new chapter in esports history.
