According to HLTV, starting in 2025, CS2 Major tournaments are planning to expand the number of participants from 24 to 32 teams. This significant format update will be the first since the last changes in 2018, when the number of teams was increased from 16 to 24.

Changes in qualification for the Major

Along with the increase in the number of teams, the qualification process for the Major will also undergo significant changes. TheRegional Major Ranking (RMR ) tournaments, which have served as the final stage of qualification for the past four years, will be canceled. Instead, it is expected that invitations to the Major will be based on Valve Regional Standings (VRS ), a rating system from Valve.

READ MORE: blameF and fnatic aim to reclaim top team status at RES Regional Champions

Additional Swiss stage and tournament extension

To accommodate an additional eight teams, it is planned to add another Swiss stage to the existing stages of the tournament. This means that Major tournaments will last about four days longer than before, increasing the total duration from 14 to 18 days.

The first Major with a new format is BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025

The first tournament to adopt the new format will be the BLAST.tv Austin Major, scheduled for June 9-22, 2025. Although the expansion of the tournament should not conflict with the already announced events, the start of the Major will be closer to the end of the StarLadder StarSeries S19 and Skyesports Masters 2025, which end on June 1.

History of Major tournament format changes

• 2013: The first Valve-sponsored Major tournaments started with 16 teams at DreamHack Winter 2013.
• 2018: The number of teams was increased to 24 starting with ELEAGUE Major 2018, when the Main Qualifier stage became part of the main tournament.
• 2025: It is planned to expand to 32 teams and introduce an additional Swiss stage.

READ MORE: Chet hints at returning to CS after being banned from Riot Games

Impact on the community and future tournaments

This expansion will provide more opportunities for teams from all over the world to participate in the most prestigious CS2 competition. The increase in the number of participants can also stimulate the development of esports in regions that were previously less represented on the world stage.

What is Valve Regional Standings (VRS)?

Valve Regional Standings is a rating system that takes into account the results of teams in various tournaments and leagues. Using VRS to qualify for the Major will allow the best teams from each region to receive direct invitations based on their achievements during the season.

Source: HLTV