From June 3 to 6, Austin, USA will host the first stage of the premier Counter-Strike 2 tournament — BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025. 16 teams from around the world, having qualified through their respective regions, will compete. For some, it’s a path to triumph; for others, the last chance to prove their value.
Stage 1 Format
Stage 1 will follow a Swiss-system format. All teams start with a 0–0 record and will face opponents with identical win/loss records. One win, then another — and you’re nearly through. Two losses — and you’re on the brink of elimination. Teams that win three times progress to Stage 2, those who lose three times are out.
Elimination and advancement matches will be played as best-of-3, while all others will be best-of-1. This makes every round critically important. The tournament doesn’t forgive mistakes, especially in single-map games.
Opening Matches
The first day promises thrilling matchups, each capable of turning predictions upside down:
- Complexity vs OG
- HEROIC vs Chinggis Warriors
- B8 vs Imperial
- BetBoom vs Nemiga
- TYLOO vs NRG
- Lynn Vision vs Legacy
- Wildcard vs Metizport
- FlyQuest vs Fluxo
After these matches, second-round games will begin immediately. Their pairings will be known only after the first matches conclude. By the end of Round 2, we’ll already know four teams either close to elimination or moving on to the next stage.
Stage 1 Favorites
HEROIC is a team capable of closing games with precision. Despite their AWPer and coach leaving after the tournament, the roster remains focused and united. They recently won a LAN in Mongolia, performed strongly at IEM Dallas 2025, and deservedly stand among the favorites. Their style is structured and intense — maintaining focus despite internal changes will be key.
B8 is the youngest team at the tournament, but also one of the most driven. The Ukrainian squad came through an incredibly difficult qualifier, losing their first two matches before winning three in a row — including a stunning comeback in the final. Youth, aggression, and risk make them dangerous in any game. They are hungry for victories and have already proven their resilience.
I think B8 is a team that could go zero and two and make it through – said Teodor “Tedd” Borisov
Debutants Who Can Impress
Metizport is making its Major debut. The Swedish five showed strong form during qualifiers, defeating teams like Astralis and B8. The return of hampus, Plopski, and isak to top-level play revived the lineup, and the lack of pressure might benefit them. Their structure is simple but effective, and the playstyle is confident and mature.
Maybe one in between Wildcard and Metizport as well… Let’s say an Nemiga will surprise people. I want to see Nemiga. Let’s say Nemiga can surprise people, he added.
BetBoom Team is another debutant. After winter roster changes, including a new captain and AWPer, the team finally found its rhythm. They qualified without much trouble, even if the opponents weren’t the toughest. What matters now is how BetBoom adapts to the Major stage. Their ambition and inner confidence are what sets them apart at this level.
I think BetBoom is a team that could go 0-2 and make it through, Tedd noted
Confident mid-tier
Nemiga surprised many by making it to Austin with a strong 3–1 record. They convincingly defeated BIG and GamerLegion and only narrowly lost to OG. They may lack stars, but they have cohesion and a stable structure — a team capable of more than expected.
Nemiga can surprise people — he said, referring to Nemiga’s upset potential
Complexity struggled to find form earlier this season, but are approaching the Major in decent shape. Rumors of a roster change might affect their chemistry. However, if they survive the early pressure, Stage 2 is within reach.
If we pretend we live in a crazy world where Complexity would be 0-2 as well, I think they can do it, Tedd said with a smirk.
Wildcard advanced through the North American qualifier with few errors, defeating NRG and other domestic rivals. At BLAST Rivals Spring 2025, they reached playoffs. The roster is balanced, and the team has a clear game plan. Their key challenge is adjusting to stronger international opponents.
Wildcard have more LAN experience recently as a five-man lineup, he pointed out, when comparing them to Metizport.
NRG reached the tournament through the lower bracket after a shaky group stage. They bounced back and showed character. For them, this is a chance to step beyond the North American scene and prove they deserve international respect.
I want to say NRG. I just… I’m just not sold on them. I don’t think they’re playing that high level CS, he admitted.
Imperial Esports is an experienced Brazilian roster. They recently won a domestic LAN, boosting their confidence. The players know how to perform under pressure and understand team-based CS — something that could be decisive in best-of-3s.
I still think Imperial could upset them in a BO1… They have incredibly heavy shooting players and they’re really random to stop, Tedd shared.
Legacy got into the tournament due to visa problems with BESTIA, and may not have had time to prepare. Nevertheless, the team does not look like a complete outsider. There is a fighting spirit within the squad and a desire to prove that they are here for a reason.
Dark Horses — Teams That Can Surprise
Fluxo is Brazil’s second lineup, combining young talents with veteran arT. This is his first Major since leaving FURIA, and he has something to prove. The team is unstable but could thrive in BO1s.
Fluxo might win some games, but they’re still playing the arT style — full YOLO. Sometimes it looks really bad, he explained.
Chinggis Warriors bring pure Mongolian aggression. Relatively unknown outside their region, they play without fear and can catch even experienced opponents off guard.
Chinggis Warriors have no experience playing against higher level opposition… They will be really bad, he stated bluntly.
Lynn Vision is a Chinese team with strong aim. Their lack of experience at top-tier events might actually be an advantage in BO1s — no one knows what to expect from them.
I’ve never been sold on Lynn Vision. They might be able to beat some Asian teams, but I’m just not sold on it, Tedd commented.
FlyQuest is an Oceanic team that recently parted ways with their captain. Their star is AWPer regali. If he finds form and the team stays focused, they could contend for advancement. One of the most unpredictable squads in the field.
I think FlyQuest takes it. I like the dynamic they have going on right now. I will go for them over Fluxo,” he said.
TYLOO, while listed among possible contenders, remain a wild card. Their inconsistency could either help as surprise factor or backfire. But underestimating the Chinese team would be a mistake.
I think TYLOO win. They shoot really hard, man. They play really simple Counter-Strike, but I don’t think NRG do anything tactically either, Tedd concluded.
Final Thoughts
Stage 1 of the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 isn’t just a warm-up — it’s a full-on battle for survival and a chance to shine. For every player, participating in a Major is a dream, and now they have a shot at making history. Some teams like HEROIC look like favorites, others like B8 or Metizport are ready to surprise. And then there are teams like OG or Wildcard who simply must prove they belong here.
Every map matters. Every round could be decisive. Stage 1 is when new heroes emerge — and when legends can fall. Austin is ready to witness unforgettable stories.
Skin.Club Pick’em Challenge
Alongside the upcoming BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025, Skin.Club is launching an exciting Pick’em Challenge. Participants can predict match results and choose teams they believe will advance to the next stage.
The grand prize is a legendary AWP | Dragon Lore, along with dozens of other valuable skins: knives, gloves, rifles, and more. With this challenge, everyone can add a little more excitement to the matches.
