The BLAST.tv Austin Major will be remembered not just for its breathtaking matches and unexpected upsets, but also for the unforgettable personalities and performances that stole the show. From apEX’s theatrical dominance in front of a hostile crowd to the emergence of Russia’s newest prodigy, zweih, and the much-anticipated return of s1mple to the Major stage, the tournament was a rollercoaster of emotion, redemption, and legacy-building. Here’s a look at three standout stories that defined this edition of the Major.
apEX: The Main Character of the Major
— Dan Madesclaire (@Vitality_apEX) June 22, 2025
By playing with the crowd, Vitality’s captain managed to steal the spotlight from the other stars of the Major. Both booed and adored by the Moody Arena, the lively veteran became the central figure of the show, embodying the collective desire to see the favorite team get knocked out. His game with the audience reached its peak not during the post-win interview after the semifinals but during the walk-in to the final. We probably witnessed the most powerful esports moment of the year. To openly defy a hostile American crowd and then, just three hours later, lift the trophy in front of them — unforgettable.
Les ratings d'@Vitality_apEX sur les finales de Major :
2025 – Austin – 1.37
2023 – Paris – 1.27
2015 – Cluj – 0.99
2015 – Cologne – 0.84Sa meilleure version, c'est capitaine. pic.twitter.com/rKWB1SLRJb
— Cnd (@CMCnd) June 23, 2025
While ZywOo was once again named the MVP of the tournament, the MVP of the final was undoubtedly apEX. At 33 years old, apEX delivered the best individual performance by a finalist (1.37 rating) — his highest rating in four Major finals, surpassing even Paris, where he hit 1.27. A bold move to be the MVP of the final after such a spectacular entrance! Not bad for winning the 33rd trophy of his long career — and perhaps the most significant one.
Crazy right ? https://t.co/FMzMDJLoGj
— Dan Madesclaire (@Vitality_apEX) June 24, 2025
Zweih: The New Russian Prodigy!
Unknown to the general Counter-Strike audience, 17-year-old zweih made a name for himself during the BLAST.tv Austin Major. Among other feats, he played a major role in eliminating Heroic with a 1.41 rating and 98 ADR. Despite his limited experience prior to his first Major with Nemiga, the young Russian emerged as the breakout star of the tournament by reaching Stage 3 in Austin and delivering top-tier performances: 1.28 rating in Stage 2 and 1.21 in Stage 1.
These performances propelled the young talent from the Russian-speaking scene into one of the top prospects of the summer transfer window. His name has already been linked to the prestigious Team Spirit and even to the rebuilding G2 project. With his aggressive rifling style and consistently high rating (between 1.10 and 1.15), he is clearly the player to watch in the coming weeks.
s1mple: Between Glory, Hype, and Fails
Reaching the playoffs after barely qualifying for Stage 3 was already a real achievement for FaZe. Their start to the year had been a complete disaster. By signing CS legend s1mple, karrigan hoped to pull off something big in America and turn things around. Mission half-accomplished.
For his return to a Major, the Ukrainian entered Stage 2 rather quietly, with a low 1.08 rating — far below his CS:GO standards or current top-tier snipers. It was in Stage 3 that he regained top form, pulling off decisive rounds and finishing the tournament with a 1.17 rating. Solid numbers for a player who’s been through years of uncertainty and lacked recent competitive experience.
Against TheMongolz, he went through highs and lows — from brilliance in the playoff qualifier match to failing to close out Mirage in the quarterfinal. He was exceptional on Anubis, posting a 1.84 rating to push his team into the final stage. But he also hit rock bottom, missing two close-range kills in the final round on Mirage, then completely losing control by the end of the map.
Despite the final result, his return to competition was a success — he proved capable of brilliance once again. Let’s give him time to find his rhythm.
Whether it was apEX playing the villain-hero with style, zweih announcing himself as the next big thing, or s1mple reminding the world he’s still a force to be reckoned with, the Austin Major delivered on every front. These narratives are more than highlights — they’re defining chapters in the ongoing evolution of competitive Counter-Strike. As the scene looks ahead to the next events and potential roster moves, one thing is certain: the future of CS is as exciting — and unpredictable — as ever.
