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The Counter-Strike 2 scene is heating up again, and this time, the spotlight shifts to India. Skyesports has confirmed that Valve has reviewed and approved their compliance submission for the Chennai Esports Global Championship (CEGC) 2025, locking in the event’s schedule and regional qualifiers. With a $50,000 prize pool on the line, some of the biggest names in European Counter-Strike are preparing to compete for a spot in the Chennai LAN.

And yes, there’s a real chance that Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev could make his long-awaited debut on Indian soil.

Europe Qualifiers: The Battle for Chennai

The Europe Qualifiers for the CEGC 2025 will run from October 21–23, bringing together some of the top-tier CS2 squads across the region. Teams in the mix include BC.Game, FUT Esports, Eternal Fire, BIG, GENONE, QUAZAR, X44, AAB Esports, Mousquetaires, Premedsant, AM Gaming, NOVAQ, Washington, Jumbo, ForevRegless, and Illwill.

The top two teams will earn their ticket to the Chennai LAN finals, taking place from November 7–9 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Tamil Nadu, India.

Skyesports’ announcement confirmed that Valve has allowed some flexibility around registration timelines but otherwise greenlit the original event schedule.

“We appreciate everyone’s understanding and continued support,” said the tournament organisers, noting that the show will go on exactly as planned.

$50,000 Prize Pool and Global Competition

The Chennai Esports Global Championship will feature the best from Europe, SEA, and India, each sending their top two teams to the finals. The prize pool breakdown includes:

  • 🥇 $30,000 for first place
  • 🥈 $15,000 for second
  • 🥉 $4,000 for third
  • ⭐ $1,000 MVP award

With international representation and a hefty payout, this event aims to elevate India’s place in the global esports spotlight.

S1mple’s Indian Debut? Fans Are Hyped

The internet has been buzzing ever since BC.Game’s inclusion in the European qualifiers was confirmed. Fans couldn’t contain their excitement at the thought of s1mple, one of Counter-Strike’s greatest players, potentially competing in India for the first time.

“S1mple coming to India wasn’t on my 2025 bingo list,” one fan posted.
“Where can I buy tickets for this?” another asked on X.

BC.Game recently lifted their first CS2 trophy at the ESL Challenger League Season 50 Cup 2, ending s1mple’s three-year title drought. The victory marked a huge moment for the Ukrainian star’s comeback, you can read more about that in S1mple Finally Back on Top as BC.Game Lift First CS2 Trophy.

If BC.Game manage to finish in the top two during the EU qualifiers, fans can expect to see s1mple and his team fly to Chennai this November.

A Global Stage in Chennai

The CEGC 2025 marks one of the biggest Counter-Strike events ever held in India, bringing together global talent and passionate local fans. The mix of international squads and homegrown teams promises a truly electric atmosphere.

“Global teams, Indian stage, one championship,” Skyesports teased on social media — and they couldn’t have said it better.

With teams like BIG, Eternal Fire, and BC.Game all vying for their spot, the stage is set for a fierce qualifier. The question now is simple: can s1mple and BC.Game carry their hot form from Europe to the heart of Chennai?