The wait is over — the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 team list is now officially set. With the Valve Regional Standings (VRS) cutoff passing on October 6, no more roster moves or event results can affect qualification. The top 32 teams from all around the world have locked in their invitations to Counter-Strike 2’s next Major, and the road to Budapest is clear.
This marks the final step in Valve’s VRS system, and several teams secured their spots in dramatic fashion, making it to the invite list last week.
A Tight Race to the Finish
The VRS system has proven once again how razor-thin the margins can be in Counter-Strike 2. Teams chased every available ranking point in regional events leading up to the deadline.
- PARIVISION edged out BetBoom with a strong performance at Moscow’s Majestic LanDaLan, clinching the last CIS spot.
- In South America, Red Canids and Fluxo capitalized on deep runs at Circuit X Curitiba, while Legacy narrowly held onto their invite.
- Fnatic made headlines with an unexpected trip to the United States, where they triumphed at Fragadelphia Blocktober, beating 9INE in the final and earning a direct invitation.
Each of these results proved decisive, as teams’ fates were sealed by just a handful of VRS points in some cases.
The Full StarLadder Major Invite List
With the standings finalized, here’s how the 32 invited teams are divided across the three competition stages:
Stage 3 (Legends Stage)
| Vitality | Spirit |
| Falcons | MOUZ |
| G2 | FURIA |
| paiN | TheMongolZ |
Stage 2 (Elimination Stage)
| Aurora | Natus Vincere |
| Liquid | 3DMAX |
| MIBR | Astralis |
| TYLOO | Passion UA |
Stage 1 (Opening Stage)
| FaZe | PARIVISION |
| GamerLegion | Ninjas in Pyjamas |
| B8 | Fnatic |
| Legacy | M80 |
| Imperial | NRG |
| Fluxo | RED Canids |
| Lynn Vision | The Huns |
| FlyQuest | Rare Atom |
The mix showcases a strong regional balance, with representatives from every major CS2 scene — Europe, the Americas, and Asia — all earning a place on the biggest stage.
When and Where: The Major Schedule
The StarLadder Major will unfold across three consecutive stages in Budapest:
- Stage 1 (Opening Stage): November 24–28
- Stage 2 (Elimination Stage): November 29–December 3
- Stage 3 (Legends Stage): December 4–8
The event marks StarLadder’s long-awaited return to hosting a Counter-Strike 2 Major after several years away from Valve’s premier circuit. The tournament will also be the first CS2 Major ever held in Hungary.
What Comes Next
The teams now shift focus from qualification to preparation. With no more VRS points in play, every roster will have nearly two months to refine strategies, integrate new maps, and adjust to CS2’s ever-evolving meta before the Opening Stage kicks off.
The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 promises one of the most competitive and unpredictable fields in recent memory. Between powerhouse veterans and rising underdogs, fans are guaranteed world-class Counter-Strike as the year closes out.
