Counter-Strike Majors to Expand to 32 Teams in 2025, RMRs Removed

Valve has confirmed that starting 2025, Counter-Strike Majors will expand from 24 teams to 32. The first event to feature this new format will be the BLAST.tv Austin Major, scheduled for June 9-22, 2025. This marks the first big change to the Major structure since the introduction of the 24-team format back in 2018.

Valve will increase the number of participating teams and how they qualify to Major events, starting in 2025 (credits: Blast.tv)

Expansion Details

The change will feature an additional Swiss stage introduced to accommodate the eight extra teams, adding approximately four days to the tournament's duration. This expanded format will consist of three stages: Opening Stage, Elimination Stage, and the new Swiss Stage.

The longer event schedule, totaling 18 days, will allow for the increased competition while ensuring no overlap with major events like StarLadder StarSeries and Skyesports Masters, both of which end on June 1.

The evolution of Counter-Strike Majors' structure

Counter-Strike Majors have seen a steady evolution since their inception. The first Major, hosted at DreamHack Winter 2013, featured just 16 teams. That format remained unchanged until the ELEAGUE Major 2018, which introduced the 24-team structure by incorporating the former "Main Qualifier" into the official tournament.

Qualifying process changes: RMRs removed

Another significant change is the removal of the Regional Major Ranking (RMR) events, which have served as the primary qualification route for teams since 2018. Instead of the RMRs, it is expected that Valve's Team Ranking system and the Valve Regional Standings (VRS) will be the primary methods for determining Major invitations moving forward.

While this shift offers a streamlined qualifying process, details remain unclear as to whether alternative qualification routes will be introduced to complement the VRS. The removal of RMRs is the first big change in the Major qualification system in four years, showing a shift in how top-tier Counter-Strike teams secure their place in these prestigious events.

The RMRs provided all teams a fair chance of qualifying for a Major tournament but that is now going away (credits: PGL)

The expansion of the Majors to 32 teams, along with the removal of RMR events, signals a bold new direction for Counter-Strike esports. These adjustments promise to heighten the competition, making 2025 a pivotal year for the franchise. All eyes will be on the BLAST.tv Austin Major as it kicks off this new era in Counter-Strike’s storied history.

Feature image credits: Valve

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