Thirty-two team majors for 2025: RMRs reportedly removed

The CS2 esports scene is on the cusp of a historic shift. According to recent reports, the six-year-old Major format is set to change. With 32 teams at majors and the Regional Major Ranking (RMR) system scrapped, CS2's biggest events are about to transform in 2025.

The reported move to the 32-team Major format is one of the most significant changes in CS Major history. Apart from minor changes to naming and seeding, the Majors have remained largely unchanged since the Boston Major in 2018. The 24-team Major system has included top-tier contenders from different regions worldwide. With a jump to 32 teams, Majors will likely see greater participation from all regions moving forward.

That expansion to 32 teams will also correspond with longer durations for Majors. With an additional Swiss Stage before the existing Opening and Elimination ones, the event will run for an additional four days. That also brings up the total matches played from 73 to 106, easily the largest LAN events in CS.

One of the most dramatic aspects of the 32-team Majors is the reported removal of the RMR system. Since its introduction in 2020, the RMR system has played a crucial role in deciding which teams will qualify for Majors. Not only is it an essential pathway for the biggest CS event, but also the deciding factor for who will earn the significant sticker revenue.

However, with the removal of RMRs, the qualification format will likely take on a more consistent process. Instead of a single qualifying event, 32 teams will now be invited to the Majors based on the Valve Regional Standings (VRS) instead. This report further corroborates a similar report from Richard Lewis earlier in the year.

As a result of the removal of RMRs, teams will now be rewarded for consistently strong performances across the CS2 open circuit. While largely a positive, the decision will prevent some fairytale storylines like the Bad News Eagles.

The first Major to host 32 teams will be the BLAST.tv Austin Major. Previously announced for June 9 to June 22, 2025, the event will now expand to an earlier start. While this results in no clash with any currently known events, teams may be less likely to attend events like StarSeries S19 and Skyesports Masters 2025, which end on June 1.

The reported changes to the CS2 Major Format, with the expansion to a 32-team Major and the removal of the RMR system, mark a bold step for the future of CS2. These adjustments could result in more diverse participation. Majors will also put a bigger spotlight on upcoming teams. All of these changes could result in a healthier CS2 scene moving forward.

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