Valve has released the latest update of its global ranking, which will determine direct invitations for PGL Bucharest Season 2. Sixteen of the world’s best teams will take part, and the current standings already give a clear picture of who is closest to securing coveted invites.
Spirit hold first place
Despite the incredible pace of recent months, Team Spirit (2017 points) confidently remain on top. The star-studded roster led by donk, sh1ro, and zont1x looks like the main contender not only for a direct invite but also for future trophies. Their consistency and regular finals appearances give them a significant edge over their rivals.
Vitality close behind
In second place are Vitality (1970), who maintain their position thanks to the experience of apEX and the stability of ropz and flameZ. The French organization is seeking redemption after several underwhelming results and is viewed as Spirit’s main rival in the race for supremacy.
The MongolZ — the big surprise
Third place belongs to The MongolZ (1949). The Mongolian team has climbed higher than ever in Valve’s global rankings, confirming the breakthrough of the Asian scene. With bLitz, Techno, and Senzu, the squad has already eliminated top favorites on big stages and has become a dangerous opponent for anyone.
European core: MOUZ and Falcons
MOUZ (1904) take fourth place as a classic representative of stable European Counter-Strike. The team featuring torzsi and xertioN has once again proven its competitiveness. In fifth are Falcons (1762), led by stars NiKo and m0NESY. The Saudi project continues to rise in the rankings thanks to ambitious roster moves and strong performances.
Aurora and NAVI side by side
Sixth place goes to the Turkish-Russian mix Aurora (1745), showcasing the firepower of woxic and XANTARES. Right behind them are the legendary Natus Vincere (1702). Despite a lack of consistency, the roster with b1t, iM, and w0nderful remains among the top and is all but guaranteed an invite.
3DMAX and TYLOO in the top tier
In eighth place, surprisingly, are 3DMAX (1684). The French lineup featuring bodyy and Lucky shows real progress and is putting its name back on the map. Ninth are the Chinese side TYLOO (1659), who, with Mercury and JamYoung, remain competitive after several impressive upsets.
FURIA round out the top 10
Closing the top 10 are the Brazilians of FURIA (1655). FalleN’s return as leader has given the squad new life. Alongside KSCERATO and YEKINDAR, they look like a dangerous opponent, even if they still lack the consistency of Europe’s elite.
Community Reaction
The updated ranking immediately sparked lively debate among CS2 fans. The biggest shock came from seeing 3DMAX in the top 10, with many not expecting the French squad to climb so high. Comments such as “How the hell do 3DMAX have so many points” and “Lynn Vision????” reflected both surprise and skepticism toward the system.
Another hot topic was TYLOO ranking higher than FaZe, Astralis, Heroic, and G2. Fans joked that a few years ago, such a scenario would have been unthinkable:
Imagine if four years ago someone told you TYLOO would be ranked above FaZe, Astralis, Heroic, and G2.
Supporters also highlighted the unexpected progress of FURIA, who completed the top 10, while others ironically pointed out the absence of M80 from the qualifying zone, calling them “an easy option.”
There was also plenty of attention on zont1x, with fans using the hashtag #savezont1x, underlining his popularity within the community.
Overall, the reaction shows that Valve’s ranking left no one indifferent — traditional giants have slipped outside the top 10, while unexpected challengers have broken through in spectacular fashion.
Bigger picture
Valve’s latest update clearly defines the circle of teams expected to receive direct invites. The top 10 reflects true diversity: European dominance, the Asian surge led by The MongolZ and TYLOO, and the stability of Brazil’s FURIA. Meanwhile, giants like Astralis (11th), FaZe (12th), and G2 (15th) find themselves outside the top 10 and will need to prove their worth in upcoming tournaments.
