While the professional CS2 scene undergoes the biggest transformation in years, the financial side of the discipline continues to grow rapidly. New data confirms: the 2025 season is set to become one of the richest in the history of the game.
Prize pools of the second season of 2025 are massive
The combined prize pool of all tournaments in the second season reached $6,925,000. The calculation includes only Tier-1 and Tier-2 events, where the minimum prize pool starts at $250,000 and above — meaning the competitions that truly shape the professional hierarchy of the scene.
These are the seasons where the best teams in the world compete, and the financial figures directly reflect the competitiveness of the teams and the commercial strength of tournament operators.
With the Major included, the total rises
If we add the upcoming Major, which traditionally features the largest prize pool of the season, the final annual sum is: $8,175,000
This is one of the highest figures in the history of Counter-Strike, especially considering that this number represents only the second season — without counting additional online tournaments, regional leagues, or showcase events.
What drives the prize pool growth
This increase is driven by several factors:
- the stabilization of CS2 after release and the return of major investors;
- intensified competition between tournament organizers trying to retain viewer attention;
- the rise of Tier-2 events, where prize pools now confidently approach Tier-1 levels;
- new partnership programs that expand the financial base of each season.
All these changes are pushing professional Counter-Strike in 2025 to a new financial tier.
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Record-breaking growth
The second CS2 season of 2025 demonstrates record development momentum. $6.9 million from core LAN tournaments and $8.17 million including the Major is a clear signal: despite any transformations, Counter-Strike remains the most profitable discipline in the world of tactical shooters.
