The first-ever Stage 1 of a CS2 Major is finally here. BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 introduces a brand-new format that adds a third stage before the playoffs. It’s never been done before in CS history. While some fans compare it to a global RMR, it still brings more teams, more stickers, and more chances for upsets.
Format
This first stage runs from June 3 to June 6. It uses a 16-team Swiss format. Rounds 2 to 5 are seeded using the Buchholz system and each team’s original seeding. Advancement and elimination games are Bo3, while all others are Bo1. The top 8 teams will move on to Stage 2. The bottom 8 are eliminated.
Opening Matches – June 3, 2025
Odds are provided by Stake and are up to date at the time of publication.
While some squads look like clear favorites, others are long shots. But everyone has a chance to prove themselves in this new format.
Let’s look at the key teams to watch during Stage 1:
Legacy’s second chance
Legacy was a late addition, stepping in after BESTIA’s disqualification. They’re using this unexpected opportunity as fuel. After bootcamping in North America right after IEM Dallas 2025, they might have found the form needed to make it out of this stage. They’ve got skilled individuals and the motivation — now it’s about putting it all together when it counts.
B8 and the LAN question
B8 is a team with strong online results, but they struggle on LAN. While they’ve had decent moments, like placing third at MESA Nomadic Masters, they often lose to weaker teams in LAN settings. If this tournament were online, they’d be a favorite to go 3-0. But offline, they’ll need to overcome nerves and inconsistency to move forward.
Complexity’s unlucky sub
Complexity looked like a 3-0 candidate — until Håkon "hallzerk" Fjærli’s visa issues returned. Without their main AWPer, they’ll likely play with Paytyn "junior" Johnson, a former teammate. It’s not ideal. The Michael "Grim" Wince–hallzerk duo had been shining this year, especially against top teams. Now, Complexity will need to dig deep just to survive. The talent is there, but the chemistry might not be.
HEROIC – clear favorites
HEROIC is the top dog in this stage. Their roster is stacked, and they’ve been on fire in 2025. After winning CCT Global Finals and the MESA Nomadic Masters, and putting on a good fight at IEM Dallas, they’re a favorite to go 3-0 here. Players like Andrey "tN1R" Tatarinovich, Yasin "xfl0ud" Koç, and Alvaro "SunPayus" Garcia are in top shape. With SunPayus also heading to G2 after this event, he’ll want to leave a mark.
TYLOO’s return to the big stage
TYLOO is back at a Major for the first time since 2021. The Chinese squad has been solid this year, winning regional LANs like Asian Champions League and XSE Pro League Chengdu. They were also decent at ESL Pro League. TYLOO could be a surprise team that not only advances but knocks out some big names.
BetBoom’s high potential
BetBoom’s results have been up and down, but their ceiling is high. They’ve got strong firepower and Kirill "Boombl4" Mikhaylov leading the way. After a rough showing at BLAST Bounty Spring due to roster changes, they’ve had time to reset. If they find form, they could go 3-0 and make a deep run.
Don’t sleep on Imperial
Imperial continues to grow. They may not be consistent, but they show up on LAN. Their regional dominance was clear with a win at FireLeague Buenos Aires. If their key players, especially AWPer Santino "try" Rigal, stay sharp, they can go far. They’re definitely a team that could surprise a few bigger names.
What comes next
Once Stage 1 wraps up, the top 8 teams will join the second stage of the Austin Major, where the real battle begins. Waiting for them are some of the biggest names in the CS2 scene — Falcons, FaZe, 3DMAX, Virtus.pro, paiN, FURIA, MIBR, and M80. These teams bring more firepower, deeper tactics, and much more experience. Stage 2 will be even tougher, so every win in this opening phase matters. The road to the Major playoffs is long, and it all starts here in Austin.
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