StarLadder returns to CS2, will host second 2025 Major in Budapest

Beloved tournament organizer StarLadder has a storied history in Counter-Strike but the organizer took a step back from the esport in 2019. Now, they've returned with a bang: StarLadder will host the second CS2 Major of 2025 in Budapest, Hungary, running from Nov. 24 to Dec. 14.

The Budapest Major will follow the return of the StarSeries & i-League in October — one of the longest-running tournament series in Counter-Strike — with today's announcement coming four months after the organizer was acquired by NODWIN Gaming.

The announcement was made public on X/Twitter on May 12. Rumors had been swirling since late 2024 as to the location and host of the second major, with StarLadder's name thrown into the mix. Now it's official, wtih the Hungarian capital selected as the host city.

StarLadder accommodates a live audience for all stages of the tournament and not just the playoffs, much like they did for the Berlin Major back in 2019. The opening stages will take place in the 2,000-strong MTK Sportpark before the final eight move to the 20,000-capacity MVM Dome in downtown Budapest to play for the major title.

Judging by the arena layout in the ticket page, we'll be seeing a return of a 360 degree arena with seating available at all parts of the stadium. The Budapest Major follows the BLAST Austin Major, which is the first Major of its kind thanks to the new four-stage structure and huge 32-team list.

Tickets are now available for the StarLadder Budapest Major and can be purchased here. Playoff ticket prices are determined by seat section (Standard or Premium, Lower or Upper Tier, etc.). Below is the list of ticket prices for the StarLadder Budapest Major:

For more CS2 news and updates stay tuned to esports.gg.