Ahead of the start of the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025, one of the leading analytical platforms in the Counter-Strike world — HLTV.org — has introduced a new feature on its website: the Swiss Simulator. This tool allows users to simulate the progress of the Opening Stage of the Major using the Swiss system, predicting match outcomes and how subsequent pairings are formed.
What is the Swiss Simulator?
The Swiss Simulator is an interactive interface that models all five rounds of the Swiss stage, taking into account Buchholz rules, which determine pairings after the opening round. Users can manually select the winners of each match, and the system automatically generates the next matchups based on the outcomes. It’s a convenient way to explore how specific scenarios can affect which eight teams advance to the Elimination Stage.
The simulator also accounts for BO1s in early rounds and BO3s in elimination and advancement matches, following the official Major ruleset.
Why does it matter?
HLTV’s new tool will be useful not only for fans who want to test their predictions but also for analysts, journalists, and betting enthusiasts. With the Swiss Simulator, users can:
- Explore potential developments in the Opening Stage
- Evaluate the difficulty of each team’s path based on early results
- Understand how the Buchholz system impacts matchups
- Prepare previews and analytical pieces based on different scenarios
Context: Why now?
The Opening Stage of the BLAST Austin Major 2025 kicks off soon — on June 3. Sixteen teams will compete after qualifying through their regional RMRs. These include notable names like Complexity, HEROIC, B8, as well as up-and-coming challengers such as Wildcard, Legacy, Fluxo, and others.
The Swiss format has long been considered one of the most complex to follow and analyze — especially after the first two rounds, when the bracket begins to unfold unpredictably. Now, fans have a handy tool to help them track every possible qualification or elimination path for their favorite teams.
Where to find the Swiss Simulator?
The tool is already available on the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 section of HLTV.org. Try it out yourself, create your own bracket scenario, and share it with friends.
