The Counter-Strike 2 esports scene is undergoing one of its biggest shake-ups in years. With Valve ending the long-standing partner league system, established tournament organizers like ESL and BLAST now face new challengers such as PGL and StarLadder. For fans, players, and analysts, keeping track of all the changes and events is no easy task. That’s why Pley.gg has published a detailed CS2 Tournament Calendar for 2025—an essential guide to every major event this year.
As Editor-in-Chief Anders Frost explains in the article, “It can be difficult to keep track of all the tournaments in Counter-Strike. In 2025 it will not be easier!” The statement rings true: with an expanded pool of tournament organizers, increased global reach, and multiple million-dollar prize pools, CS2’s competitive landscape has never been more crowded or more exciting.
Why 2025 marks a new era for CS2
The end of the franchise-based league era has opened the door to fresh competition. PGL, StarLadder, and other organizers are now back on the calendar, bringing diversity and unpredictability to the CS2 ecosystem. While BLAST and ESL remain central pillars of the competitive schedule, the inclusion of new players ensures that teams will face an even wider variety of challenges across the globe.
From Europe to Asia, the Middle East to North America, the 2025 circuit spans nearly every continent—offering fans around the world more opportunities to watch elite Counter-Strike at the highest level.
Highlights of the 2025 CS2 calendar
The Pley.gg CS2 Tournament Calendar provides a month-by-month overview of confirmed events. Some of the standout highlights include:
- BLAST Bounty Spring in Copenhagen (January 14–26, $500,000 prize pool) – won by Team Spirit.
- IEM Katowice (January 29–February 9, $1,000,000 prize pool) – claimed by Team Vitality.
- PGL Cluj-Napoca (February 15–23, $1,250,000 prize pool) – secured by MOUZ.
- BLAST.tv Austin Major (June 3–22, $1,250,000 prize pool) – one of the year’s premier Majors, won by Vitality.
- IEM Cologne (July 23–August 3, $1,000,000 prize pool) – one of Counter-Strike’s most prestigious events.
- Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh (August 20–24, $1,250,000 prize pool).
- StarLadder Budapest Major (December 1–14, $1,250,000 prize pool) – closing the year with one of the most anticipated tournaments on the calendar.
These events represent just a fraction of the packed schedule. With prize pools ranging from $300,000 to over $1 million, the competition promises to be fierce across every stage of the season.
A truly global competitive scene
One of the defining features of the 2025 calendar is its global spread. Major tournaments are set to take place in:
- Europe: Poland, Sweden, Romania, Hungary, Germany, Denmark, Portugal, the UK, and more.
- Asia & Middle East: China, UAE, Qatar, India, and Hong Kong.
- North America: USA and Canada.
- Oceania: Australia.
This expansion reflects Counter-Strike’s status as a truly international esport, with fans across the world able to experience top-tier events either in person or through broadcasts.
The journalist behind the calendar
Anders Frost, who authored the piece, has covered sports and esports since 2011 and now serves as Editor-in-Chief at Pley Media Group. A lifelong Counter-Strike player with over two decades on Steam, Frost combines firsthand knowledge of the game with professional journalism. His coverage provides not just dates and locations, but context—helping fans understand how 2025’s tournament shifts will shape the CS2 scene for years to come.
Why the CS2 Tournament Calendar matters
For fans, this calendar is more than a schedule—it’s a roadmap to one of the most competitive and unpredictable years in Counter-Strike history. By consolidating dates, prize pools, winners, and locations, Pley.gg provides an indispensable reference for anyone following the pro scene.
Whether you’re a casual viewer looking for the next big event or a dedicated fan tracking your team’s path to the Majors, the CS2 Tournament Calendar on Pley.gg ensures you won’t miss a moment of the action.
Explore the full month-by-month breakdown by visiting the complete CS2 Tournament Calendar today.
Hi! I’m Bryan, and I’m a passionate & expert writer with more than five years of experience. I have written about various topics such as product descriptions, travel, cryptocurrencies, and online gaming in my writing journey.
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