The Thunderpick World Championship (TWC), a major event in the Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) esports scene, is set to return in 2025 with an impressive $1 million prize pool. This announcement from the esports betting platform Thunderpick confirms not only the 2025 edition but also a commitment to hosting the championship in 2026, establishing it as a staple annual event for CS2 fans and competitors.
A Vision for World-Class Competition
Kelly Sanders, Head of Strategy at Thunderpick, expressed that the goal for the third year of TWC is to deliver an exceptional tournament experience for both players and fans. She highlighted that plans for 2025 are already in progress, with preparations for 2026 underway, reflecting Thunderpick’s dedication to advancing the CS2 competitive landscape.
Regional Events and Grand Finale
The 2025 TWC will feature regional series across three key regions: North America, South America, and Europe. Top-performing teams from these regions will earn a spot in the prestigious Tier 1 LAN Final, held in Malta from October 15 to 19, 2025, where they will compete for an $850,000 share of the prize pool. This structure ensures a global representation of talent and intense competition.
Event Schedule
Presented by Hotspawn, an esports news platform, the TWC 2025 will span from April to October, culminating in the Malta LAN Final. All matches will be streamed live on Thunderpick’s official Twitch channel, allowing fans worldwide to follow the action. The complete schedule is as follows:
- TWC EU1: April 28 – May 7, 2025
- TWC NA1: May 8 – May 16, 2025
- TWC SA1: June 27 – July 2, 2025
- TWC SA2: July 8 – July 13, 2025
- TWC NA2: July 24 – August 1, 2025
- TWC EU2: August 5 – August 14, 2025
- TWC Finals Closed Qualifier: September 9 – September 11, 2025
- TWC Finals Malta (LAN): October 15 – October 19, 2025
Partnership with Hotspawn
Hotspawn’s Editor in Chief, Sophie McCarthy, shared enthusiasm for the partnership with TWC, noting that the event is quickly becoming a highlight in the CS2 calendar. She emphasized that this collaboration marks a significant milestone for Hotspawn, aiming to bring fans closer to the heart of the competition through comprehensive coverage and engagement.
A Growing Legacy
Marking its third year, the TWC has established itself as a prominent fixture in Counter-Strike esports. The 2024 championship saw 16 elite teams battle it out at the LVL World of Gaming venue in Berlin, earning a reputation as one of the most generously sponsored tournaments by a bookmaker in the CS2 scene. The 2025 edition promises to build on this legacy, delivering high-stakes matches and unforgettable moments for the global esports community.