From November 12 to 16, Counter-Strike 2 returns to Chek Lap Kok, Hong Kong, for BLAST Rivals 2025 Season 2 — an S-Tier event hosted at the AsiaWorld-Arena. Eight elite teams will clash for prestige and preparation value ahead of the StarLadder Major Budapest 2025. With its tight format and high stakes, this event could redefine the power balance before the final Major of the year.
Format
The tournament will feature two double-elimination (GSL) groups with four teams each. All matches will be played in best-of-three format. The top three teams from each group will advance to the playoffs:
- Group winners move directly to the Semifinals.
- Runners-up advance to the Quarterfinals as high seeds.
- Third-place teams proceed as low seeds.
The playoffs will follow a single-elimination structure.
Quarterfinals and Semifinals will be best-of-three, and the Grand Final will be best-of-five.
S-Tier — FURIA, Vitality
The IEM Chengdu finalists arrive in excellent form. FURIA are on a high after lifting the trophy in China — their confidence and aggressive mid-round decisions are working perfectly. Vitality remain the benchmark of structure and discipline, led by ZywOo’s consistent brilliance. Both teams are expected to dominate their groups and could easily meet again in the Grand Final.
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A-Tier — Falcons
After finishing third at IEM Chengdu, Falcons look increasingly dangerous. The team’s coordination is improving, and their key players are finding rhythm at the right time. With a favorable bracket, Falcons could realistically reach the final and challenge the tournament favorites.
B-Tier — Spirit, The MongolZ
Spirit are still in a transitional phase before the Major. Their mechanical skill remains elite, but cohesion and tactical balance are not yet stable. They may even hold back key strategies ahead of Budapest. The MongolZ, on the other hand, continue to rise. Their refreshed roster looked promising in Chengdu, but it’s unclear whether that success will continue. They are unpredictable and capable of surprising stronger opponents.
C-Tier — Passion UA, paiN
Passion UA have not played an official match since September 30, which means nearly six weeks without competition. That could cause early struggles, but their unorthodox style can still produce upsets. paiN are equally volatile — capable of brilliance or collapse depending on the day. Their individual talent gives them a chance, but consistency remains the main question.
D-Tier — TYLOO
TYLOO will enjoy the advantage of playing on home soil in Hong Kong. The local support could give them the energy to exceed expectations, even if their international results have been limited. They enter as underdogs but could play spoiler with one strong series.
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Why Watch BLAST Rivals 2025 Season 2
BLAST Rivals 2025 Season 2 is the final test before the StarLadder Major in Budapest — a last chance for teams to show form, fix mistakes, and build momentum. FURIA and Vitality look to confirm dominance after Chengdu, Falcons aim to break through, while Spirit and The MongolZ seek stability. For Passion UA, paiN, and TYLOO, it’s a chance to prove themselves and gain confidence before the season’s biggest stage.
