HLTV Event of the Year 2025: Austin Major, IEM Cologne, and Budapest Major Lead Final Fan Vote

HLTV has officially opened the final voting stage for “Event of the Year 2025”, narrowing the competition down to three of the most impactful Counter-Strike tournaments of the season: BLAST.tv Austin Major, IEM Cologne 2025, and StarLadder Budapest Major.

The award is entirely decided by the community, making it one of the most fan-driven categories at the HLTV Awards 2025, which will conclude with a live ceremony in Belgrade on January 10, 2026.

How HLTV Event of the Year Voting Works

Voting period: December 24 – December 31, 2025

Eligibility: Only HLTV users registered before December 9, 2025

Decision model: 100% community vote (no panel influence)

Winner announced: HLTV Awards ceremony, January 10, 2026

This structure places equal weight on production quality, match narratives, atmosphere, and historical impact, rather than results alone.

BLAST.tv Austin Major – A Modern Major With Global Impact

The BLAST.tv Austin Major stood out as one of the most narrative-driven Majors in recent Counter-Strike history. Hosted in the United States, the event combined a massive live audience with a final storyline centered on Vitality’s era-defining run and The MongolZ’s breakthrough presence on the biggest stage.

After lifting the trophy, ZywOo emphasized that Vitality’s dominance is far from over, stating that the team has no intention of slowing down despite already winning multiple titles in 2025. On the opposite side, Techno of The MongolZ framed the final as a moment of redemption, highlighting the emotional stakes behind the matchup.

Why it ranks highly:

Major status with international spotlight

Strong underdog vs dynasty narrative

Memorable player quotes and storylines

IEM Cologne 2025 – The Cathedral of Counter-Strike Delivers Again

Often referred to as the “Cathedral of CS”, IEM Cologne 2025 once again justified its legendary status. The tournament featured elite competition, a packed LAN environment, and a decisive championship run by Team Spirit, who claimed the lion’s share of the prize pool.

The emotional core of the event came from donk, who described winning Cologne as a moment of relief after a difficult year. His post-match reflections on nearly giving up the previous season resonated strongly with fans and reinforced Cologne’s reputation as the most emotionally charged non-Major event in Counter-Strike.

Why it ranks highly:

One of the most prestigious trophies in CS history

Emotional player narratives

Consistently elite production and crowd presence

StarLadder Budapest Major – Legacy, Pressure, and History

The StarLadder Budapest Major, the final Major of 2025, closed the season with enormous stakes. Vitality defeated FaZe 3–1 in the grand final, further cementing their place in Counter-Strike history.

Following the victory, apEX reflected on his journey as an in-game leader, highlighting the improbability of winning multiple Majors and outlining future goals, including Grand Slam ambitions. ZywOo described the victory as overwhelming, while players from FaZe and NAVI openly shared their disappointment at falling short, underscoring the unforgiving nature of Major competition.

Why it ranks highly:

Major championship with decisive final

Legacy-defining moment for Vitality

High emotional contrast between winners and finalists

HLTV Awards 2025: Why Event of the Year Matters

Unlike most HLTV Awards categories, Event of the Year is purely community-driven, making it a reflection of what fans valued most in the 2025 CS season. Whether it’s Major prestige, emotional storytelling, or iconic venues, each finalist represents a different interpretation of what makes a Counter-Strike event unforgettable.