StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 will feature just 19 first-time Major players — one of the lowest debut counts in modern Counter-Strike history. For comparison, BLAST.tv Austin Major earlier this year introduced 46 new faces. Budapest is shaping up as a Major defined not by a new generation, but by the consolidation of the current elite. And yet, for those nineteen debutants, this tournament will be the biggest stage of their careers.
Tournament Details
StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 will take place from November 24 to December 14, bringing 32 of the world’s best Counter-Strike 2 teams to the Hungarian capital. The first three stages will be played at MTK Sportpark, while the playoffs move to the MVM Dome, one of Budapest’s largest indoor arenas. The event maintains the standard Major prize pool of $1,250,000, with $500,000 awarded to the champions.
The format follows a familiar structure: three consecutive 16-team Swiss stages, each eliminating eight teams. All elimination and advancement matches are Best-of-3, while the rest are Best-of-1. The top eight teams from Stage 3 advance to the playoffs, where a single-elimination bracket determines the champions. All playoff matches except the Grand Final are Bo3, with the title decided in a Best-of-5 series.
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Debutant Teams
PARIVISION is the project built and guided by Jame and Dastan, and Budapest marks the successful realization of their long-term vision. What started as a developmental path for new CIS talent has now turned into a roster capable of qualifying for a Valve Major. Their structure, discipline, and the signature Jame-style approach make them one of the most intriguing storylines to follow at this tournament.
RED Canids – the Brazilian lineup finally breaks through after years of grinding the regional circuit. RED Canids fought through countless qualifiers, roster experiments, and setbacks before earning their first-ever Major appearance. With Brazil experiencing a new wave of competitive depth, their qualification is a testament to persistence and the region’s growing strength.
The Huns – coming from one of the weakest regions in the VRS system, The Huns capitalized on their regional ranking opportunity to reach the biggest stage in Counter-Strike. Their qualification highlights both the rise of Mongolian esports and the unique openings provided by the new ranking structure. Budapest will be their first real test against top-tier international opposition.
Player Debuts: Years in the Making
Only 19 players will make their Valve Major debut in Budapest — one of the lowest debut counts in modern Counter-Strike. While recent Majors introduced dozens of new names, Budapest stands out as a tournament dominated by experience. For those who do break through, however, this will be the defining moment of their careers.
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Some players have been chasing this opportunity for six, seven, even eight years, grinding through regional qualifiers, rebuilding after roster cuts, and waiting for the one perfect run. Others reached the Major stage in a matter of months — a reminder that CS2 still leaves room for meteoric rises.
A historic note: Taiwan’s Marek becomes the second-oldest debutant in Major history, behind only hardstyle, who stepped in as an emergency substitute at FACEIT Major 2018.
Below is the full list of first-time Major players at StarLadder Budapest 2025.
Poland
- Jakub “jcobbb” Pietruszewski
- Milan “hypex” Polowiec
- Kacper “xKacpersky” Gabara
Czech Republic
- Oldřich “PR” Nový
Russia
- Andrey “BELCHONOKK” Yasinskiy
- Andrey “AW” Anisimov
- Vladislav “xiELO” Lysov
- Emil “nota” Moskvitin
- Klimentii “kl1m” Krivosheev
- Maksim “kyousuke” Lukin
United States
- Zechrie “XotiC” Elshani
Mongolia
- Anarbileg “cobrazera” Uuganbayar
- Munkhtogtokh “xerolte” Enkhbat
Taiwan
- Huang “Marek” Tzu-chi
China
- Zheng “TiGeR” Junhao
Brazil
- Carlos “venomzera” Dias Junior
Kosovo
- Drin “makazze” Shaqiri
Ukraine
- Vladyslav “Kvem” Korol
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- Artem “r1nkle” Moroz
Skin.Club Pick’em Challenge
Running alongside the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 is the Skin.Club Pick’em Challenge — a free prediction event where fans can choose 3–0 teams, elimination picks, playoff brackets and earn points throughout all three Swiss stages. Each correct prediction increases your level and unlocks rewards, including cases, gloves, knives, and the grand prize — an AWP | Dragon Lore. The Pick’em adds extra excitement to every match and gives fans a way to follow the Major with real in-game value.
