The BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 features 32 teams competing for a $1,250,000 prize pool. Our comprehensive guide analyzes each team's form, key players, and betting odds to help you make informed predictions for CS2's biggest event of the summer.
The BLAST.tv Austin Major features a new expanded format with 32 teams competing across three Swiss-system stages before the single-elimination playoff bracket. This marks the first time a CS2 Major has included so many teams.
Each stage uses the Swiss system format, where teams with the same record play each other until they either advance with three wins or are eliminated with three losses.
The playoff stage will take place at Austin's Moody Center in front of a live audience, featuring the world's 8 best CS2 teams competing for the championship title and $1,250,000 prize pool.
Current #1 team on a historic 25-match win streak
Newly assembled superteam with NiKo and m0NESY
Reigning Shanghai Major champions with rising star donk
Recent PGL Cluj-Napoca champions with balanced approach
Last-minute addition of s1mple on loan for the Major
Elite teams that received direct invites to Stage 3 based on their VRS ranking
The Stage 3 teams are considered the elite contenders with direct invites to the final stage before playoffs. These teams qualified based on their Valve Regional Standings (VRS) and represent the highest-ranked teams in CS2.
Strong contenders that received direct invites to Stage 2 based on their VRS ranking
The Stage 2 teams received direct invites based on their strong Valve Regional Standings (VRS) but will need to prove themselves to advance to Stage 3. These teams include established organizations and rising contenders.
Qualified teams that earned their spot through regional MRQs
The Stage 1 teams earned their spots through regional Major Regional Qualifiers (MRQs), representing regions from around the world. These teams will need to advance through all three stages to reach the playoffs.
The best-of-one format in early stages creates upset potential, particularly for teams with distinctive styles or strong map specialists. Consider placing small bets on underdogs with odds above 3.00 in these volatile matches.
Teams with specialized map pools can create upset opportunities on their strongest maps, especially in best-of-one scenarios. Research team performance on specific maps before placing bets.
Teams like FaZe with s1mple, FURIA with YEKINDAR, and Falcons with NiKo/m0NESY have significant potential but also uncertainty. These roster changes create both risk and opportunity for bettors.
North American teams like Complexity, Liquid, NRG, and FlyQuest may receive a performance boost playing in Austin. Consider this factor when evaluating close matchups involving these teams.
Consider betting on teams to advance through stages rather than winning the entire tournament for better value. These bets often provide more reasonable odds while still offering exciting returns.
The BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 runs from June 2-22, 2025. The Swiss stages will take place in a closed studio setting, while the playoff stage (June 19-22) will be held at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas in front of a live audience.
32 teams will compete across three Swiss-system stages before an 8-team single-elimination playoff bracket. This is the first time a CS2 Major has featured an expanded 32-team format, creating additional opportunities for emerging teams.
The total prize pool is $1,250,000. The exact distribution hasn't been officially announced, but based on previous Majors, the winner typically receives around $500,000, with diminishing amounts for lower placements.
Several major roster changes could impact the tournament: FaZe adding s1mple on loan, Falcons acquiring NiKo and m0NESY, FURIA bringing in YEKINDAR as a stand-in, and Vitality adding ropz. These changes create both excitement and uncertainty.
Team Vitality enters as the clear favorite with odds around 2.20, riding a historic 25-match win streak and five consecutive tournament victories. Their closest challengers are Team Falcons (4.50), Team Spirit (5.50), and MOUZ (8.00).
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Use our comprehensive team analysis to make informed bets and maximize your winnings during CS2's biggest event of the summer!
