As 2025 draws to a close, Counter-Strike fans are getting ready for one of the biggest events of the year. The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 begins on 24 November, and Valve has rolled out a major CS2 update to celebrate. From fresh team stickers and player autographs to new Pick’Em challenges and gameplay fixes, this is one of the most stacked pre-Major updates we have seen in years.
Below is a full breakdown of everything coming to CS2 and what players can expect once the Major begins in Hungary.
The Budapest Major Begins Soon
The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 will run from 24 November to 14 December at MTK Sportpark in Hungary. All three stages of the tournament will be played in front of a live audience, with a massive prize pool of $1.25 million on the line.
For the first time in Counter-Strike Major history, the Grand Final will be a best of five. This means the two finalists will need to win three maps from the Active Duty map pool, adding more strategy and endurance than ever before.
Budapest 2025 Viewer Pass and Pick’Em Challenge
Valve has released the official Budapest 2025 Viewer Pass, giving fans new ways to support their favourite teams across the event.
Image Credit: Valve
What the Viewer Pass Includes
Players who activate the pass unlock:
- A Budapest 2025 Coin that can be upgraded through the Pick’Em Challenge
- Unlimited team graffiti for the entire duration of the Major
- Souvenir Tokens that can be earned or purchased
- Exclusive Playoff Souvenir Charms featuring highlights from iconic matches
The Pick’Em Challenge for Stage 1 is already live. Fans can predict the eight teams advancing to Stage 2, and choose which two teams will exit the event without picking up a single win. Pass holders also appear on the Active Pass Leaderboard, letting friends compare their Pick’Em performance.
Image Credit: Valve
New Stickers and Sticker Slabs Arrive
Stickers are a massive part of the Counter-Strike economy, and Valve has released full sets of team logos and player signatures for all 32 squads taking part in the Major. Teams include FaZe Clan, Fnatic, NRG, Team Vitality, TYLOO, MOUZ, FURIA, Falcons, G2 Esports, and the rest of the 2025 roster.
Image Credit: Valve
Players can pick these up through new sticker capsules. As always, teams and players receive a share of the sticker revenue, with many organisations splitting profits 50/50 with their rosters.
Introducing Sticker Slabs
A brand new item type makes its debut: Sticker Slabs.
Slabs let players display a sticker on their weapon without permanently applying it. When you want the sticker back, simply crack the slab and return it to your inventory. It is a no-commitment way to show off rare drops.
Gameplay Fixes and Quality of Life Updates
Beyond the Major content, Valve’s 12 November update introduces a number of fixes and improvements for CS2.
Key Gameplay Changes
- Fixed client issues where jump button presses and jump apexes were incorrectly predicted
- Increased the maximum effective sv_maxvelocity to 16,384 units per second
- Fixed a skybox bug on Inferno that caused certain grenades to be blocked
- Improved default bullet decal rendering distance
- Updated glove animations in menus to match in-game models
- Improved colour scheme for CS items in the Steam Market
- General performance optimisations
These updates aim to polish gameplay ahead of a huge tournament, ensuring matches run smoothly for both pros and spectators.
A Packed Month for CS2 Fans
With the Major right around the corner, the new Hub, stickers, Viewer Pass, and gameplay upgrades give fans plenty to engage with. Whether you are grinding Pick’Ems, collecting new autographs, or preparing to watch world-class Counter-Strike on stage, the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 is shaping up to close out the year with a bang.