Main CS2 Tournaments in 2025: Competitive Season Calendar
Starting in 2025, the esports tournament ecosystem in Counter-Strike 2 has undergone significant changes due to Valve’s intervention. We now know most of the key events in advance. Additionally, tournament operator PGL has introduced some changes, as they will organize several events next year with a prize pool of $1,250,000. ESL remains unchanged, with IEM Katowice and IEM Cologne continuing to be the most important tournaments. These events have become integral parts of the esports calendar, drawing massive audiences both online and in person. Let’s take a look at what major competitions await us in 2025.
Changes from PGL
PGL introduces a new playoff format with 8 teams, setting their tournaments apart from other Tier 1 events. This decision will provide more opportunities for viewers, as more teams will be able to participate in this format, and the tournament will last longer, increasing its drama and excitement. The most significant change is that their tournaments will feature a third-place match and a BO5 final.
PGL has also set a new standard for prize distribution: monetary rewards will be paid within two weeks after the tournament ends. This not only makes the tournament more attractive to participants but also adds transparency to the prize distribution process. In 2026, the tournament series will continue with expanded geography, including two new locations to be announced later, which will help attract viewers from around the world.
When Will the Majors Take Place in 2025?
As always, the two Majors of the year will be the main events. The first will be held from June 9 to 22 in Austin, USA, while the second is expected to take place in December in Europe. The exact dates and location of the second tournament are still a mystery. The second Major is likely to be held in one of the countries with a rich history of hosting major esports events, which will attract even more viewers and participants.
- BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025: June 9–22, Austin, USA — $1,250,000
- European Major: December 2025 (exact dates TBD)
CS2 Tournament Timeline for 2025
January – March
- BLAST Bounty Spring 2025: January 24–26, Copenhagen — $500,000
- IEM Katowice 2025: January 29 – February 9, Katowice
- PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025: February 13–23, Cluj-Napoca — $1,250,000
- ESL Pro League S21: February 25 – March 16, Europe
- BLAST Open Spring 2025: March 17–30, Lisbon and Copenhagen
April – June
- PGL Bucharest 2025: April 3–13, Bucharest — $1,250,000
- IEM Spring 2025: April 21–27
- BLAST Rivals Spring 2025: April 28 – May 4
- PGL Astana 2025: May 8–18, Astana — $1,250,000
- IEM Dallas 2025: May 19–25, Dallas
- Skyesports Masters 2025: May 26 – June 1, India — $500,000
- BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025: June 9–22, Austin — $1,250,000
July – September
- FISSURE Summer 2025: July 15–20, Belgrade — $1,000,000
- IEM Cologne 2025: July 23 – August 3, Cologne
- BLAST Bounty Fall 2025: August 15–17, Copenhagen — $500,000
- BLAST Open Fall 2025: August 25 – September 7, London and Copenhagen
- FISSURE Autumn 2025: September 9–21, Belgrade — $1,250,000
- StarLadder StarSeries S20: September 13–21, Budapest — $500,000
- Skyesports Championship 2025: September 15–21, India — $500,000
- ESL Pro League S22: September 23 – October 12, Europe
October – December
- CS Asia Championships 2025: October 1–13, China
- Thunderpick World Championship 2025: October 15–19, Europe — $850,000
- PGL Belgrade 2025: October 23 – November 2, Belgrade — $1,250,000
- IEM Chengdu 2025: November 3–9, Chengdu
- Skyesports World Tour 2025: November 10–16, India — $500,000
- BLAST Rivals Fall 2025: November 10–16
- European Major: December 2025 (dates TBD)
The tournament year of 2025 promises to be action-packed: not only will we have two Majors, but also numerous prestigious S-tier tournaments and the return of operators like StarLadder. With such a packed schedule, teams will face difficult decisions on which tournaments to attend, while fans will enjoy even more thrilling and high-quality matches. 2025 is set to be one of the most exciting seasons in the history of Counter-Strike 2 esports!
