Valve is changing its esports structure in preparation for Counter-Strike 2.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive had a decade-long run as a successful competitive shooter, creating a massive fanbase around the world. Now, CSGO’s esports scene is coming to a close as
Counter-Strike 2’s release date
gets closer and closer.
Most top Counter-Strike players have already been grinding the limited beta and tournaments will switch to CS2 when the new game comes out. Now, Valve has also announced that their major schedule and structure will change as well.
Counter-Strike 2 Majors get new dates
Valve has announced a new season structure for the launch of Counter-Strike 2 that is meant to give players more time to rest and practice. The developer is looking to change the usual schedule for majors, the biggest and most important (and stressful) events of the year.
According to HLTV, there will be two majors per year. Now, the majors in 2025 and 2026 will take place at the end of the season (before summer and winter breaks). Here are the dates for the 2025 and 2026 majors:
2025:
June 9 – 22
December 1 – 14
2026:
June 8 – 21
November 30 – December 13
Valve explained that this new ecosystem is meant to give pro players a break to alleviate the stress that many esports players feel when they have to compete in big tournaments back to back. Teams will also have time to make roster changes before the next major.
On top of the schedule update, Valve also announced that they are open to organizers hosting these majors. Organizers who want to get involved will have to meet some criteria, like having hosted successful tournaments in their region in the past.
More details about these majors will come out next year when Counter-Strike 2 officially launches. The first major for the game is scheduled for March 2024 and will most likely be located in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Olivia Richman
About Olivia Richman
Olivia has worked in media ever since graduating from college, with her coverage ranging from traditional newspaper reporting to digital coverage of all things gaming, online betting, and nerd culture. She has traveled around the world pursuing that coverage, from the far coasts of the United States to the busy downtown core of Tokyo, Japan. Olivia’s favorite games include Overwatch and Super Smash Smash Bros, and she has been published at Esports Illustrated, Inven Global, EsportsInsider, Upcomer, and elsewhere.
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