Complete Guide: Understanding the New 32-Team CS2 Major Format
The CS2 Major format has been expanded from 24 to 32 teams starting in 2025, introducing a new three-stage Swiss system. Here's how the new format works:
Crowd at PGL Copenhagen CS2 Major
Stage Distribution:
Stage 1:
- 16 teams qualify through Major Regional Qualifiers (MRQ)
- 6 European teams
- 6 American teams
- 4 APAC teams
Stage 2:
- 8 teams receive direct invites based on VRS standings
- 4 European teams (VRS #7-10)
- 4 American teams (VRS #2-5)
Stage 3:
- 8 top-ranked teams receive direct invites
- 6 European teams (VRS #1-6)
- 1 American team (VRS #1)
- 1 APAC team (VRS #1)
Woman gesturing while wearing gaming headset
Format Details:
- Each Swiss Stage features 16 teams
- Teams need three wins to advance
- Five rounds per stage
- Initial matches are best-of-one
- Decisive matches are best-of-three
- Top 8 teams from Stage 3 advance to playoffs
Major Regional Qualifiers (MRQ):
Europe and Americas:
- 16 teams per region
- Swiss format bracket
- 5 direct qualification spots
- 3 teams to Play-In Stage
- 1 final spot from Play-In
APAC:
- GSL-style groups
- 2 direct qualification spots
- 2 spots from play-in deciders
Regional distributions may change based on future Major performances, with invitations determined by VRS standings.
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