The upcoming Major tournaments of 2027–2028 have already become a topic of discussion within the CS2 community. While Valve continues to accept applications from organizers, analysts have noticed several unusual details in ESL’s schedule that may suggest the company is preparing for another major step.
Potential IEM Kyiv Major 2028
The first wave of speculation arose from an analysis of ESL’s yearly calendar, which traditionally includes seven tournaments per year. When only six events appear on the list, the seventh is usually a Major. The same pattern seems to be forming for 2028.
This coincidence has led many to believe that the organizers might host the IEM Kyiv Major 2028. Such an event would mark a symbolic return of top-tier Counter-Strike to Ukraine — Kyiv has previously hosted major tournaments such as StarLadder, WePlay!, and EPICENTER, but has never before been home to a Major of this scale.
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The American scenario: the empty May slot
However, another theory seems just as plausible — a Major in the United States. In the current ESL calendar, there is no mention of the traditional IEM Dallas, which typically takes place in May. That empty slot perfectly aligns with the spring Major window for 2028 (May 29 – June 18), as defined by Valve.
This has led to speculation that ESL could move the Major to that period — possibly keeping it in Dallas, a city with the infrastructure and experience required to host high-level LAN tournaments.
ESL as the leading contender
ESL remains the most stable and consistent tournament organizer on the modern CS2 scene. The company is behind some of the most iconic events of the decade — from Cologne and Katowice to Rio Major 2022. The IEM Cologne Major is already scheduled for 2026, and it is entirely possible that by 2028, ESL will once again earn the right to host one — or even both — of the Majors that season.
What comes next
Valve will accept Major applications until March 1, 2025, with final decisions expected by June 1. For 2028, two time frames have been defined — the spring window (May 29 – June 18) and the autumn window (November 20 – December 10). This creates the possibility of two separate Majors: one potentially in the United States, and another in Europe — or perhaps even in Kyiv.
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Analytical indicators
Although there has been no official confirmation, analytical signs point toward ESL preparing for another Major in 2028. Kyiv and Dallas currently appear to be the main contenders — both cities have a strong history of hosting major tournaments and the potential to deliver an event on a global scale.
Where exactly the main trophy will be contested — we will find out by next summer.
