The event’s talent roster includes hosts and analysts such as Freya Spiers, BanKs, Tech Girl, Scrawny, moses, and Dinko, among others.

Seven maps are featured at the tournament: Ancient, Dust II, Inferno, Mirage, Nuke, Train, and Overpass.

StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 will crown a best-of-five Grand Final, marking the first CS Major final to extend beyond three maps as the format shifts to BO5 in response to community requests and in line with other CS2 circuits.

Valve signaled the change and the Major now aligns with the broader CS2 ecosystem where BO5 finals are standard, replacing the previous format that used BO1s in the group stage and BO3/BO5 in finals.

Aurora captured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Legacy, overcoming a 2-0 deficit to win the final map 13-11 and secure their first notable LAN title.

The shift to BO5 finals is presented as a response to fan demand for a longer, more decisive championship format.

The Major previously relied on a mixed format with Swiss stages and shorter finals; the move to a BO5 final represents a significant restructuring aimed at delivering a more decisive conclusion.

32 teams will compete across four phases, with stages distributed by Valve Regional Standings; notable invited teams in Stage 3 include Team Vitality, Team Spirit, and Team Falcons.

Organizers preview a 20,000-capacity arena in Budapest with a 360-degree playoff stage to accommodate the expanded final format.

FAQs confirm key details such as location, likely winners, ticketing, and the prospect of a back-to-back Major champion, underscoring the event’s high profile.

Prior Majors relied on three Swiss stages with BO1s early and BO3 for advancement, drawing criticism and fueling calls to eliminate BO1s or move to BO3 Swiss across all matches.

Broadcasts will be available across Twitch, YouTube, and Kick channels operated by StarLadder CS2, ensuring broad viewing access.