StarLadder Announces Completed Rosters for the Budapest Major

StarLadder Announces Completed Rosters for the Budapest Major

Organiser StarLadder has officially published the full list of registered line-ups for the upcoming StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, featuring 32 teams from around the world and including both starters and substitute players for each squad. 

The tournament is set to take place in Budapest, Hungary, from November 24 to December 14, 2025, making it the fourth Major held in the era of Counter‑Strike 2 and the second Major held in Europe under StarLadder’s banner. 

Key Highlights from the Roster Announcement

• All 32 teams eligible to play in the event have now submitted official rosters, including their designated six-man squads (five starters + one substitute).

• As part of the announcement, StarLadder flagged a number of notable names listed as substitutes — signalling strategic depth and preparation ahead of the Major. For example, kRaSnaL has been registered as a sixth man for Team Falcons.

The Event Framework and Invitation Structure

This Major will feature a sprawling structure:

• Stage 1: Sixteen teams face off in a Swiss-style bracket with best-of-one matches, except elimination and advancement matches which go best-of-three.

• Stage 2 and Stage 3: Progressively fewer teams remain. Those directly invited into later stages include top-tier organisations based on Valve Regional Standings (VRS).

• A total prize pool of US$1.25 million has been confirmed, with the tournament culminating in a best-of-five Grand Final — a first for a Counter-Strike 2 Major.

Notable Teams and Groupings

According to the roster release and prior team lists:

• Stage 3 direct invites (eight teams): Among them are powerhouse teams such as Team Vitality, Team Falcons, G2 Esports, FURIA Esports and paiN Gaming.

• Stage 2 invites (eight teams): These include names like Natus Vincere (Na’Vi), Astralis, Team Liquid, and MIBR.

• Stage 1 participants: A larger pool of 16 teams starting from Stage 1 includes teams like FaZe Clan, fnatic, Ninjas in Pyjamas, and Legacy.

Implications of the Rosters Publication

The release of official rosters is more than a procedural formality. Here’s what it tells us:

• Preparation and commitment: Teams named their full squads weeks ahead, signalling readiness and full dedication to this Major. Among substitutes, experienced players can provide mid-event tactical adjustments or relief if a starter becomes unavailable.

• Strategic depth: The inclusion of sixth men (substitutes) shows teams are accounting for travel, stage fatigue, and map-pool exhaustion — all major factors in extended tournaments.

• Fan anticipation: With the rosters published, fans can analyse match-ups, potential star clashes and meta changes before the event even starts. This drives engagement and builds hype around key storylines.

• Narrative build-up: Given the prize pool and format innovations (e.g., the best-of-five grand final), the roster publication begins the major narrative phase for the event. The publication works in sync with other announcements — like MVP-medal voting and sticker drops. For instance, the roster news coincides with the release of autograph and team sticker sets.

What to Watch

• Star players and substitutes: Some teams have opted for experienced subs in their six-man squads — meaning the depth chart may be tested during the event.

• Map-pool and meta readiness: With the final pool (Ancient,Dust II,Inferno,Mirage,Nuke,Train,Overpass) confirmed, the rosters give insight into how each team might target certain maps based on their personnel.

• Region-based power shifts: The VRS invite and roster publication together highlight which regions are ascending or declining. Pay attention to surprises among direct invites.

• Roster changes and late substitutions: Although the rosters are set, attrition due to health, visa or internal issues remains possible — keeping the event dynamic.

Final Thoughts

The StarLadder Budapest Major rosters publication marks a significant milestone in the build-up to the tournament. For teams, it’s a signal of readiness; for fans, a moment to dive into storylines; for the ecosystem, a showcase of CS2’s deep competitive slate.
With the event looming, all eyes now shift to the maps, matchups and how each team’s six-man strategy will play out on the biggest stage. Rosters may list the names, but how well those names turn into synergy will decide who lifts the trophy.