The ES Times — StarLadder is making a major comeback. The tournament organizer has officially announced that it will host the second Counter-Strike 2 Major of 2025 in Budapest, Hungary — marking a significant milestone since its last Major in 2019.
For those closely following the CS competitive scene, this is a bold and exciting move.
Event dates and venues
The Budapest Major is set to take place from November 24 to December 14, 2025. In a break from tradition, StarLadder plans to open its doors to fans from the very beginning of the tournament.
Opening matches will be held at the MTK Sportpark, a venue with a 2,000-fan capacity. This shift from typically closed early-stage matches is expected to inject fresh energy and live audience atmosphere from day one.
The event will then transition to the MVM Dome — a 20,000-seat arena — where the championship will be decided.
A vision from StarLadder leadership
Roma Romantsov, CEO of StarLadder, shared his ambitions for the Budapest Major: “Hosting another Major is a great honor, and we are determined to make it unforgettable.”
He also emphasized the importance of the host city: “Budapest provides us with the perfect stage to push the boundaries of what a live CS2 event can look and feel like.”
StarLadder is clearly aiming to make a lasting impression.
Legacy and new ownership
This marks StarLadder’s return to Major hosting since 2019, when it delivered a standout tournament won by Astralis — a moment still remembered by fans worldwide.
Now operating under NODWIN Gaming, which acquired the company for $5.5 million (SR20,625,000) in January 2025, StarLadder is poised for a renewed presence at the top of the CS2 scene.
Format, prizes, and tickets
The Budapest Major will follow the new CS2 Major format, with 32 teams competing for a $1.25 million prize pool (SR4,687,500). The largest share will go to the winning team.
Tickets are already on sale. Group stages and playoffs will run from November 24 to December 7, with the finals scheduled from December 11 to 14.
If you’re planning to attend, act quickly — this is shaping up to be one of the year’s most anticipated Counter-Strike events.
Sami Belhamra – Esports and Gaming Writer
