StarLadder has officially returned to the global esports scene with a major announcement. It will host the second Counter-Strike 2 Major of 2025 in Budapest, Hungary. This marks a strong comeback for the tournament organizer after several years of hiatus.
The StarLadder Budapest Major will take place from November 24 to December 14. It will feature the world’s top 32 CS2 teams competing for a $1.25 million prize pool and one of the most prestigious titles in esports.
This is StarLadder’s first time hosting a CS Major since 2019, and it signals a new chapter focused on fan engagement, large-scale events, and high-quality production.
StarLadder Budapest Major 2025: Format, Venue, and Fan Experience
The StarLadder Budapest Major will run in four stages, starting on November 24 and ending with the Playoffs from December 11 to 14. The first three stages will take place at MTK Sportpark, a recently upgraded venue with a 2,000-seat capacity.
- Stage 1: November 24–27
- Stage 2: November 29–December 2
- Stage 3: December 4–7
SUGGESTED READ: BGMI 3.6 & PUBG: Full List of 120 FPS Supported Devices
All early stages will welcome live fans, marking a big change from past Majors, where the opening matches were usually closed to the public. This gives fans the chance to follow the action from day one and be part of a more engaging experience.
The Playoffs will move to the MVM Dome from December 11 to 14. This 20,000-seat arena is one of Europe’s top esports venues and will feature a 360-degree stage, advanced lighting, and LED displays across the stadium for a full-scale live show.
Tickets are now available on Ticketfairy, with prices as follows:
- €10–€30 for early-stage bundles (two or four days)
- €80–€370 for the Playoffs at the MVM Dome
Whether you’re a long-time CS2 fan or new to the game, this event is a great chance to see top-level competition live in Budapest during the holiday season.
A New Chapter for StarLadder and CS2 Esports
This Major marks StarLadder’s return to top-tier esports for the first time since the Berlin Major in 2019, where Astralis claimed the title. After facing setbacks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine, StarLadder paused operations but is now back with exciting goals and strong leadership.
In January 2025, NODWIN Gaming acquired the company for $5.5 million. StarLadder CEO Roman Romantsov highlighted the importance of the event in a public statement:
“Budapest gives us the perfect stage to push the boundaries of what a live CS2 event can look and feel like. From day one to the Grand Finals, we’re building something that fans—both in the arena and watching around the world—will remember.”
As part of its renewed focus on esports, StarLadder had plans to bring back its popular StarSeries tournaments in 2025 and 2026.
The first event was canceled due to the expanded Major schedule, but a smaller event is set to take place in Budapest from September 13 to 21. This will serve as a live test run ahead of the Major.
With a modern venue, a fan-first approach, and the world’s best CS2 teams, the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting events in CS2 history. Whether you’re attending live or watching from home, this is a tournament fans won’t want to miss.
YOU MIGHT READ: Dynamo Gaming Net Worth, Annual Income
