From June 3 to 6, the world’s best CS2 teams will battle for glory at the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025. With stacked rosters, bold newcomers, and unpredictable dark horses, this is the biggest Counter-Strike showdown of the year. Based on recent results, team form, and expert takes — especially from esteemed analyst Mauisnake — here’s our definitive tier list for every team across the entire Major.
This tier list is based on a combination of team form, individual player performance, roster stability, and tournament-readiness — with insight and analysis provided by CS2 analyst Mauisnake.
We focused on the following criteria:
- Recent results: How teams performed at events like IEM Dallas, BLAST Showdowns, and qualifiers.
- Roster strength: Star power, role balance, and player synergy.
- Consistency & structure: Tactical discipline, coaching impact, and ability to close out rounds.
- Experience & pressure handling: Especially relevant for BO3 playoffs or deep-stage matches.
- Upset potential: How likely a team is to surprise favorites, particularly in BO1 settings.
- Expert insight: Tier placements were reviewed and validated through detailed input from analyst Mauisnake, including team-specific strengths, weaknesses, and X-factors.
S Tier – Vitality Alone at the Top
Vitality — the best team in the world right now. Every player is elite in their role, and apEX’s calling ensures no round is wasted. Their roster synergy is unmatched, and even under pressure, they maintain composure and adapt flawlessly. With ZywOo still leading the charts and every support player exceeding expectations, there’s no visible weakness in this lineup. Mauisnake emphasizes they didn’t even need their A-game to win Dallas 3–0.
They didn’t even show their A game and still swept the finals — that’s the gap. Every single person in every single role is top five minimum in the world. They don’t repeat rounds, they don’t make individual errors — they just know Counter-Strike.
A+ Tier – Ready to fight with Vitality
MOUZ – Solid, explosive, and efficient in group stages, but with visible cracks under playoff pressure. Mauisnake raises concerns about xertioN’s decision-making when left alone on sites.
I don’t really trust xertioN on MOUZ to hold a site alone. He’s going to peak a little bit too far, take a bad fight.
Team Spirit – Arguably the most mechanically gifted team in the A+ tier, with donk continuing to dominate and sh1ro bringing steady AWP performances. Their strategic depth is strong, but there are concerns about key individuals in high-pressure scenarios. zont1x lacks pace in aggressive rounds, and sh1ro’s style is less adaptable than elite peers like ZywOo.
I don’t expect on Spirit that zont1x is going to be able to open up and be aggressive in a round if he needs to. He’s going to always play a little bit too slowly.
Falcons – Their firepower is undeniable, and they’ve shown flashes of brilliance in past showings. With experienced veterans and rising stars, they look ready for deep runs. However, Mauisnake questions their killer instinct when facing giants like Vitality in the arena.
The overall level of play from Vitality and Falcons is too high right now.
A Tier – Strong Opponents
These teams have enough firepower and structure to challenge most of the field and punish weaker squads — but their flaws are too evident to consider them true title contenders.
The MongolZ – Known for raw aggression and fearless plays that can catch teams off guard. Their relentless style can be devastating in BO1s, but often collapses under structured opposition.
They’ve surprised before. Raw aggression defines this team.
Aurora – A disciplined, tactically sharp lineup. They’ve proven they can control the pace and flow of the game — but lack experience in deep playoff runs against elite teams.
They rely more on tactical discipline.
NAVI – After a dominant 2024, the 2025 season has been disappointing. w0nderful’s inconsistency, combined with declining form from jL and iM, have exposed cracks even in B1ad3’s structured system. Without a breakthrough in Austin, roster changes may be on the horizon.
Without a deep run, changes seem inevitable.
FaZe Clan – The team lives on volatility. Signing s1mple gave them an X-factor, but chemistry and structure still lag behind the top contenders. Mauisnake believes they’re playoff-capable — but only just.
They’re either going 2–3 or 3–2… but if they face MOUZ, Spirit, Vitality, or Falcons — they’re not winning.
The team admitted this Major is their main goal for the season. If they start hot, a momentum run is possible — but the ceiling feels quarterfinal at best.
Team Liquid – On paper, the lineup is stacked. But internal imbalance and role confusion hold them back. Everyone wants to be the star, and siuhy has yet to establish full tactical control.
Four of them want to be playmakers. There’s no balance… Everyone wants to activate early — and there’s no one left to anchor.
B Tier – Might surprise
These teams are well-prepared, individually skilled, and capable of upsetting favorites — but lack the full consistency, star power, or experience to be considered true contenders. If things click, a deep run is possible — but so is an early exit.
HEROIC – Capable of closing out games with structure and confidence. Despite losing both their AWPer and coach after the Major, they remain focused. Their recent LAN win in Mongolia and a solid showing at IEM Dallas prove they’re still dangerous.
If they maintain focus despite internal changes, they’ll be fine.
Virtus.pro – Veteran lineup known for its slow, methodical style. Can still outthink opponents, but lacks the explosiveness of earlier iterations.
Not the force they once were. Their methodical style can still win, but the ceiling is lower now.
3DMAX – Structured and consistent. If they hit peak form during the event, they’re one of the more realistic candidates to eliminate an A-tier team.
FURIA – In the middle of a rebuild. Flashes of talent from the core, but too many inconsistencies across maps and roles to expect a deep run.
FlyQuest – The wildcard from Oceania. After losing their captain, AWPer regali is their focal point. If he shows up and the team maintains composure, they could push through Stage 1.
I think FlyQuest takes it. I like the dynamic they have going on right now.
Wildcard – A solid North American roster with recent LAN success. They operate with a clear game plan, have experience, and are led by a strong IGL in stan.
I trust in stan as an in-game leader. JBa is a guy for the future.
TYLOO – Aggressive and unorthodox. A classic wild card — they can upset anyone in a BO1, or collapse completely.
They shoot really hard, man.
G2 – Already in Stage 3 thanks to previous results, but far from their prime. The departure of m0NESY has significantly weakened the lineup, and internal changes are already underway. This Major will be the final chapter for this version of G2 — and unless they find unexpected form, they won’t go far.
Complexity – Talented lineup, but the absence of hallzerk due to visa issues is a major blow. Chemistry is under threat, but their firepower might be enough to scrape through.
They have the most potential, but no hallzerk — and that’s a huge problem.
BetBoom – A dangerous debutant. After refreshing their core during the offseason, they found success fast. Confident and tactically solid, they could be the dark horse of the lower half.
C Tier – Mid-Tier Fighters and LAN Survivors
These teams are unlikely to make it past Stage 2, but can absolutely punish those who underestimate them. They thrive in chaotic BO1 environments and can steal maps off stronger opponents — but consistency and depth remain major concerns.
MIBR – May surprise in early rounds, especially in BO1s, but lacks the firepower and structure to compete deep into the tournament. Their ceiling feels capped.
paiN – Veteran experience keeps them competitive, but their style is too predictable against well-prepared opponents. Could make things messy, but not much further.
B8 – The youngest team at the Major, and one of the most passionate. The Ukrainian squad showed immense resilience in the qualifier, winning three straight after an 0–2 start — including a massive comeback in the final. Their aggression and confidence make them dangerous, especially if momentum builds.
OG – Expectations are low — anything beyond a single win will be seen as an overperformance.
I put them in my 0–3 pick for Pick’Ems, but if they win a match or two, that’s already a success.
M80 – Struggled to find form since the beginning of the season. Despite individual talent, results remain inconsistent and underwhelming.
D Tier – Dark Horses and Debutants
These teams aren’t expected to go far — but that’s exactly what makes them dangerous. With nothing to lose, many of them play loose, aggressive Counter-Strike. If they catch fire early, a Stage 2 run isn’t out of the question.
Imperial Esports – A veteran Brazilian lineup that recently won a domestic LAN. They’re not the most structured team, but their experience in high-pressure games and heavy aim potential make them a real threat in chaotic matchups.
They have incredibly heavy shooting players and they’re really random to stop.
Legacy – Entered the tournament due to visa issues with BESTIA. Despite limited preparation, they’ve shown grit and determination. Not true outsiders — just an unpredictable unknown.
Lynn Vision – One of China’s top teams, known for their sharp aim. While they lack experience at tier-one events, that unfamiliarity could help in early BO1s.
They might beat some Asian teams, but I’m just not sold.
Nemiga Gaming – Shocked many by going 3–1 in the qualifier, beating BIG and GamerLegion. While they lack standout stars, their cohesion and discipline make them a potential spoiler.
Nemiga can surprise people.
Metizport – A Swedish mix of experienced and returning talent. With hampus, Plopski, and isak back on LAN, they looked solid in the qualifier. Their basic structure works — and sometimes, that’s enough when no one expects you to win.
F Tier – Wildcard and Unstable Picks
These are the most volatile teams at the Major. Whether due to lack of experience, role instability, or major tactical flaws — they’re not expected to make it out of the early stages. But in BO1s, even chaos can lead to upsets.
NRG – Qualified through the lower bracket after a shaky start. While they showed resilience, most of the lineup still struggles against international opposition. George is their only consistent performer — a calm, calculated rifler with long-term potential.
I want to say NRG… I’m just not sold on them. George is their one hope. He reminds me of early NAF — calm, stable, smart. Bro was weirdly bad at EPL. HexT is decent in NA, but struggles hard against Europe.
Fluxo – Brazil’s second squad, led by veteran arT and surrounded by rising prospects. It’s arT’s first Major since leaving FURIA, and while his explosive style can net BO1 wins, long-term consistency remains a major issue.
Chinggis Warriors – Unknown to most fans, this Mongolian roster is all aggression, no experience. Their playstyle can overwhelm weaker teams early — but against anyone organized, they’re likely to crumble.
They have no experience… They will be really bad.
Your Turn to Tier – Join the Skin.Club Pick’em
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Final Thoughts
Vitality stands alone in S-tier — the clear favorite. Behind them, MOUZ, Spirit, and Falcons have real potential, but clear flaws. FaZe, NAVI, and Liquid sit in the volatile middle — dangerous but inconsistent, capable of both deep runs and early exits.
The likes of The MongolZ, B8, and Wildcard could shake things up as fearless dark horses. At the bottom, fallen giants like G2 and Complexity face long odds. But this is a Major — upsets are always on the table. Now it’s time to prove everything on the server.
