Less than a day before the start of a new stage of the Counter-Strike season, the community’s attention is focused on Romania’s capital. PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 promises to become the central arena for determining who dictates the pace in modern CS2. After several months of turbulence on the competitive scene, fans are hoping for stability — while teams, in turn, are seeking the chance to prove that they are ready to replace the former giants.
The tournament that will set the rhythm for the end of the season
PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 is not just another LAN — it is a tournament that could define a new balance of power in CS2.
The competition runs from October 26 to November 1 in Bucharest, Romania. The prize pool totals $1,250,000, and 16 of the world’s strongest teams are taking part — including regional champions, Major contenders, and new rosters just beginning their journey to the top level.
The group stage format follows a Swiss system, ensuring every team has a chance to prove themselves in a series of matches up to three victories. For the players, this means not only a battle for playoff spots but also a test of stability, adaptability, and psychological endurance — qualities that in CS2 often matter more than individual skill.
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Top 5 favorites according to bookmakers
According to leading betting platforms, the Turkish team Aurora enters the tournament as the main favorite. Their chances of winning are estimated at 22.6%, significantly higher than those of their closest competitors.
The top five contenders also include:
- 3DMAX — 13.91%
- Astralis — 12.05%
- GamerLegion — 10.33%
- Liquid — 8.04%
These figures highlight a relative balance among European teams, while Aurora stands out as the most stable roster of the autumn season.
Aurora — the symbol of Turkish consistency
The team of XANTARES, woxic, and MAJ3R has shown confident results in recent months, firmly establishing themselves within the world’s top 10. Aurora has delivered a strong run of performances: second place at the Esports World Cup 2025, fourth at the Thunderpick World Championship, and a solid ESL Pro League campaign, where they repeatedly defeated favorites such as Astralis and Gentle Mates.
Despite the lack of a trophy, Aurora has shown a clear trend toward stability:
- 54.2% win rate over the last three months
- Average roster age: 27.2 years
- Experienced coach: Sezgin “Fabre” Kalaycı, who has built a flexible tactical system around XANTARES
This makes the team not just a favorite for this specific tournament, but also a potential long-term contender for regional dominance.
The challengers: France, Denmark, Europe, and North America
- 3DMAX
Under the leadership of Pierre “YouKnow” Marco, is experiencing the best period in its history. The French squad finished second at the CS Asia Championships, defeating Liquid and fnatic, and maintains a 60% win rate. Their strengths lie in an aggressive attack and the consistent form of Maka, one of the most efficient AWPers of the autumn season.
- Astralis
Despite a modest 40.9% win rate, remain dangerous thanks to a lineup featuring Magisk, jabbi, and device. The Danes continue their rebuilding phase after a series of setbacks, but the roster’s potential keeps fans hopeful for a revival — especially since Bucharest might serve as their “reset point.”
- GamerLegion
The European team is currently in decline, with only 33.3% wins and several early tournament exits (13–16th place at the CS Asia Championships). However, with a young core led by ztr and REZ, the team is known for its adaptability to tournament tempo — meaning GL should not be completely written off.
- Liquid
Finally, the only North American team among the top favorites.
After bringing in siuhy as captain and NertZ as a versatile rifler, the roster has regained its competitiveness:
- 53.6% win rate
- 3rd place at CS Asia Championships 2025
- 8th place in the world rankings at their peak
Liquid enter the tournament in solid form and with renewed confidence after a consistent streak of top-three finishes.
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What these predictions mean
The current odds reflect a shift in the balance of power — from traditional giants to new regional leaders. Aurora stands as the only team with a clear in-game identity, maintaining stability without lineup changes. 3DMAX and Liquid are steadily climbing back to the top, while Astralis and GamerLegion are seen more as potential dark horses.
PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 could become the tournament that closes the chapter on an era of instability and opens a new one — with well-defined centers of influence. And if the bookmakers are right, Aurora have every chance to lead that transition on their own terms.
