Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) has cemented its position as the leading esports title of 2025, based on the cumulative prize money offered by tournament organizers. With an impressive $32.2 million (~£24.1m) awarded over the past year, Valve’s first-person shooter stands at the pinnacle of competitive gaming.
The Rise of CS2
According to esports data platforms, CS2’s prize pool has surged by 41.5% compared to 2024, driven by a more extensive tournament schedule that provided ample opportunities for teams to shine in prestigious events. This year saw the introduction of new tournament series by various organizers, including BLAST’s launch of the BLAST Bounty series and PGL’s expanded Tier 1 events.
Serbian organizer FISSURE also made a mark with its FISSURE Playground series, while Hero Esports and ESL contributed to the growth of the Counter-Strike scene in China with their respective tournaments. Major events like the BLAST.tv Austin Major and the StarLadder Budapest Major offered prize pools totaling $2.5 million (~£1.8m), with Team Vitality claiming significant victories.
Global Esports Landscape
The overall prize money in esports reached over $270m (~£202m) in 2025, marking a 15.5% increase from the previous year. Following CS2, Dota 2 was the second-highest with $23.14m (~£17.33m), while Honor of Kings expanded its global presence by increasing its prize pool to $21.77m (~£16.3m).
What Next For Counter-Strike 2 Esports?
The future of Counter-Strike 2 esports appears promising, with increased prize money and a growing number of tournaments. As event organizers plan their calendars through 2028, they aim to cultivate a sustainable and open ecosystem that draws in participants and viewers alike.