From October 26 to November 1, Bucharest becomes the next major stop on the Counter-Strike 2 circuit. Sixteen teams from around the world will compete for a $425,000 prize pool at PGL Studios, one of Eastern Europe’s most iconic esports venues. Though not a full arena event, the Masters serves as a vital checkpoint before the winter Major — the last opportunity for teams to prove form and earn crucial ranking points before the new season begins.
Format
The Swiss Stage runs from October 26 to 30, with all matches played in a best-of-three format. The top eight teams advance to the single-elimination playoffs, scheduled for October 31 to November 1.
Quarterfinals and semifinals will be best-of-three, while the Grand Final will be a best-of-five.
read more
Prize Pool Distribution
The $1,250,000 prize pool will be split among all 16 teams, with the winner taking home $200,000.
-
1st place — $200,000 (+ $200,000 club share)
-
2nd place — $93,750 (+ $93,750 club share)
-
3rd place — $75,000 (+ $75,000 club share)
-
4th place — $43,750 (+ $43,750 club share)
-
5th–8th place — $31,250 (+ $31,250 club share)
-
9th–11th place — $15,625 (+ $15,625 club share)
-
12th–14th place — $9,375 (+ $9,375 club share)
-
15th–16th place — $6,250 (+ $6,250 club share)
Each placement includes both direct team earnings and an additional club share, strengthening PGL’s commitment to supporting partnered organizations.
Schedule (All times in CEST)
Sunday, October 26 — Swiss Round 1
-
09:00 — Legacy vs Liquid
-
09:00 — paiN vs Gentle Mates
-
12:00 — GamerLegion vs FlyQuest
-
12:00 — HEROIC vs Ninjas in Pyjamas
-
15:00 — 3DMAX vs SAW
-
15:00 — BetBoom vs MIBR
-
18:00 — Aurora vs Fnatic
-
18:00 — Astralis vs B8
Monday, October 27 — Swiss Round 2
-
09:00 — Swiss Round 2 #1
-
09:00 — Swiss Round 2 #2
-
12:00 — Swiss Round 2 #3
-
12:00 — Swiss Round 2 #4
-
15:00 — Swiss Round 2 #5
-
15:00 — Swiss Round 2 #6
-
18:00 — Swiss Round 2 #7
-
18:00 — Swiss Round 2 #8
Tuesday, October 28 — Swiss Round 3
-
09:00 — Swiss Round 3 #1
-
09:00 — Swiss Round 3 #2
-
12:00 — Swiss Round 3 #3
-
12:00 — Swiss Round 3 #4
-
15:00 — Swiss Round 3 #5
-
15:00 — Swiss Round 3 #6
-
18:00 — Swiss Round 3 #7
-
18:00 — Swiss Round 3 #8
Wednesday, October 29 — Swiss Round 4
-
09:00 — Swiss Round 4 #1
-
09:00 — Swiss Round 4 #2
-
12:00 — Swiss Round 4 #3
-
12:00 — Swiss Round 4 #4
-
15:00 — Swiss Round 4 #5
-
15:00 — Swiss Round 4 #6
read more
Thursday, October 30 — Swiss Round 5
-
09:00 — Swiss Round 5 #1
-
12:00 — Swiss Round 5 #2
-
15:00 — Swiss Round 5 #3
Friday, October 31 — Playoffs
-
09:00 — Quarterfinal #1
-
09:00 — Quarterfinal #2
-
12:00 — Quarterfinal #3
-
12:00 — Quarterfinal #4
-
15:00 — Semifinal #1
-
18:00 — Semifinal #2
Saturday, November 1 — Finals
-
09:00 — 3rd Place Decider Match (Bo3)
-
12:00 — Grand Final (Bo5)
read more
Where to Watch
All matches will be streamed live from PGL Studios in Bucharest on Twitch and YouTube, with additional regional co-streams and community broadcasts.
English coverage will be produced by PGL’s main broadcast team, accompanied by localized European-language streams.
Why You Need to Watch PGL Masters Bucharest 2025
PGL Masters Bucharest 2025 arrives at a crucial point in the season — just before the next Major. For the top contenders, it’s the final dress rehearsal to refine playbooks and build form under LAN pressure. For rebuilding squads, it’s a rare chance to reset, test new ideas, and prove they still belong among the elite. Every map, every round, and every clutch in Bucharest will ripple forward — shaping narratives, seedings, and confidence ahead of Counter-Strike’s biggest stage.
