The thriving world of Counter-Strike 2 esports continued its dynamic run throughout 2025. With tournament organizers hosting high-profile events and game developer Valve making significant updates, the scene is more vibrant than ever. From the dominance of Team Vitality to the rise of FURIA, the year was filled with thrilling moments and intense competition.
Team Vitality’s Era of Dominance
Team Vitality showcased unparalleled prowess this year, securing a remarkable series of victories. Starting with a top-eight finish at BLAST Bounty Season 1, they clinched six Tier 1 events between February and June. Their dominance was highlighted by an impressive 30 LAN victories, the second-longest streak in Counter-Strike history. Despite a setback at the IEM Cologne, Team Vitality continued to impress, culminating in a successful Major title defense at the StarLadder Budapest Major.
Valve’s Increased Involvement
Valve, the developer behind Counter-Strike 2, played a significant role in shaping the esports landscape this year. They introduced a new tournament rulebook, affecting team invitations and event timelines. Changes to the Valve Regional Standings (VRS) and prize pool calculations were also significant. In a major move, Valve emphasized the VRS by canceling the Major Regional Qualifiers, making the top 32 VRS teams eligible for the Budapest Major. Additionally, Valve updated their Tournament Operations Rulebook to address issues like skin gambling sponsorships, ensuring a fair and competitive environment.
The Rise of FURIA
FURIA made significant strides in 2025, marking an upward trajectory with strategic roster changes and impressive performances. The recruitment of Mareks ‘YEKINDAR’ Gaļinskis and Danil ‘molodoy’ Golubenko brought international talent to the team. Despite early challenges, FURIA’s breakthrough at FISSURE Playground #2 and subsequent victories at IEM Chengdu and BLAST Rivals Fall demonstrated their rising star status. FURIA’s growth was evident as they climbed to the top of the VRS leaderboard and made a strong run at the Budapest Major, proving their potential to remain among the best in the upcoming season.