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Buenos Aires and Shanghai to Host Counter-Strike Majors in 2027

Buenos Aires and Shanghai to Host Counter-Strike Majors in 2027

Verified Report: Buenos Aires and Shanghai to Host Counter-Strike Majors in 2027

Valve and its partner organizers have reportedly finalized the locations for the two official Counter-Strike Majors of 2027, continuing the global expansion of the esports scene. According to multiple confirmed sources, Buenos Aires, Argentina and Shanghai, China will be the host cities for the year’s premier Counter-Strike championships, marking both historic firsts and strategic returns for the competitive circuit. 


🏆 Historic First Major in Argentina

For the first time in the history of Valve-sanctioned Counter-Strike, Argentina will host a Major event in 2027. The tournament is scheduled to take place in Buenos Aires, with dates tentatively set from May 31 to June 20, 2027

The Argentine esports company FiReSPORTS has been confirmed as the organizer of this event — their first time running a tournament of this scale. Founder and CEO Rodrigo Figueroa Reyes publicly confirmed the news and expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to bring a Major to South America, emphasizing the region’s passionate fanbase and cultural appeal. 

Argentina thus becomes the 14th country ever to host a Valve-backed Counter-Strike Major, joining a historic roster of esports destinations stretching across Europe, North America, Asia, and South America. 

This also marks the return of Valve Majors to South America for the first time since IEM Rio Major 2022, a landmark event in esports history that drew intense local support and energized the regional competitive scene. 

While official details such as the venue and prize pool for the Buenos Aires Major have not been fully released, industry sources suggest that the event will follow the now-standard format for Valve championships, continuing to attract the world’s top Counter-Strike teams.


🇨🇳 Shanghai to Host a Second Major in Three Years

The second Major of 2027 is set to be held in Shanghai, China — marking the city’s return as a Major host. Shanghai previously hosted the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024, which was widely acclaimed and later voted Event of the Year at the HLTV Awards. 

The Chinese publisher Perfect World, which serves as Counter-Strike’s official partner in China, is expected to run the event once again. Perfect World declined to comment at the time of reporting, but multiple industry sources have confirmed Valve’s selection of Shanghai as the host city. 

The Shanghai Major is scheduled for November 22 to December 12, 2027, placing it as the concluding Major of the year and giving fans a blockbuster end to the competitive season. 

Shanghai’s selection reflects China’s increasing importance in the global Counter-Strike ecosystem. With one of the largest player communities in the world and a strong local market for live esports, China has consistently attracted major international events alongside domestic tournaments and qualifiers. 


📅 Where This Fits in the Broader Major Timeline

The confirmation of Buenos Aires and Shanghai continues a pattern of strategic planning for Valve’s Counter-Strike calendar:

  • 2025 saw the StarLadder Budapest Major in Hungary and the Blast.tv Austin Major in the United States.

  • 2026 Majors include the highly anticipated IEM Cologne Major and the PGL Major Singapore, the latter marking the first Major held in Southeast Asia. 

  • 2028 events have reportedly already been awarded to established organizers ESL and BLAST, signaling further stability and continuity in the competitive ecosystem. 

This expansion — from Europe and North America to South America and East Asia — demonstrates Valve’s ongoing effort to globalize its flagship esports product while balancing legacy markets with emerging regions. 


🌍 Why It Matters

Counter-Strike Majors remain the most prestigious tournaments in competitive CS2, backed directly by Valve since 2013. These events not only award significant prize money and championship status but also serve as cultural touchstones that energize local communities and global audiences alike. 

Hosting a Major can have meaningful economic and cultural impacts, especially in cities new to esports on this scale. For Buenos Aires, this represents an opportunity to showcase Argentina as a global esports destination. For Shanghai and China, it reaffirms an influential role in shaping the future of competitive Counter-Strike.