StarLadder today announced that it will host the second Counter-Strike 2 Major of 2025 in Budapest, Hungary, culminating in a four-day Playoff stage inside the MVM Dome – one of the largest and most advanced esports venues in Europe, and one of the biggest CS2 Major venues to date.

The event will run from November 24 to December 14, featuring the world’s top 32 Counter-Strike 2 teams competing for a $1.25 million prize pool and one of the most prestigious titles in the esports world.

Kicking off on November 24, the early stages of the tournament will take place at Budapest’s MTK Sportpark, a recently upgraded venue with seating for 2,000 spectators. This modern, esports-ready venue offers fans a unique opportunity to get close to the action and experience high-level Counter-Strike in the vibrant atmosphere of an offline setting.

From December 11 to 14, the tournament moves to the MVM Dome for the playoffs. With 20,000 seats and cutting-edge production capabilities, the Dome will deliver a stadium-scale experience – featuring record-breaking LED setups, immersive lighting, and arena-wide special effects crafted to elevate the show for every fan on site. Set against the backdrop of Budapest’s iconic pre-Christmas charm, the Major will offer not just world-class esports, but also a chance for fans to experience one of Europe’s most vibrant cities during its most magical season.

“ Hosting another Major is an incredible honor, and we’re determined to make it unforgettable,” said Roman Romantsov, CEO of StarLadder. “Budapest gives us the perfect stage to push the boundaries of what a live CS2 event can look and feel like. From day one to the Grand Finals, we’re building something that fans – both in the arena and watching around the world – will remember. We invite every Counter-Strike fan to be part of this iconic moment with us.”

The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has unveiled the full scope of the qualification system for the Esports World Cup 2025 with the launch of the global “Road to EWC” program. Featuring over 200 tournaments spanning grassroots leagues to elite international circuits, the Road to EWC offers opportunities for players at every level to compete on the world’s biggest stage, the Esports World Cup, set to return to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 7 through August 24.

“Road to EWC is a platform for every player, Club, and community whose journey defines the spirit of competition,” said Faisal Bin Homran, Chief Product Officer, of the Esports World Cup Foundation. “By connecting hundreds of tournaments across the world, we are creating life-changing opportunities for players at every level, bringing the world’s best talent to Riyadh. This is how we grow the sport – by growing our partnerships, investing in competitions and laying the foundation for sustainable growth across the industry.”

The Road to EWC qualification program marks a major milestone for the Esports World Cup and is a core component of EWCF’s commitment to the sustainable growth of esports, supporting the professional ecosystem and advancing the sport on a global scale. With 25 tournaments in 24 games, including four new games – Chess, Crossfire, FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves and VALORANT – the EWC 2025 will bring together more than 2,000 elite esports players and 200 top Clubs to compete for a prize pool of more than $70 million, the largest in esports history.

For League of Legends, Valorant, Overwatch 2, and Apex Legends, official publisher circuits such as the LEC, VCT, OWCS, and ALGS serve as the primary route to qualification. Other games, including Dota 2, Call of Duty: Warzone, PUBG, Teamfight Tactics, and StarCraft II, are holding open online qualifiers, while fighting games, including Street Fighter 6, TEKKEN 8, and Fatal Fury are qualifying players through community-driven tournaments such as EVO Japan, Combo Breaker, and CEO.

In mobile titles like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Free Fire, PUBG MOBILE, and Honor of Kings, region-specific leagues across Southeast Asia, MENA, and LATAM are producing national champions who will represent their respective nations in Riyadh. Finally, for titles such as Chess, EA SPORTS FC 25, and Overwatch 2, a final wave of Last Chance Qualifiers will be staged in July, giving one last opportunity for breakout players and rising stars to earn their spot in Riyadh.

Additional information about the Road to EWC, including events and dates for specific titles, can be found at esportsworldcup.com.

As anticipation builds for the Esports World Cup, the Road to EWC also features a multi-channel marketing campaign with a calendar of original content from selected qualifier events and partner leagues around the world. Player interviews and behind-the-scenes access will bring to life the stakes, talent, dedication and human interest stories behind the competition, alongside tournament and game explainers to introduce EWC games to broader audiences and bring fans closer to the action.

The Esports World Cup 2025 will once again unite gaming and esports communities in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for a global competition that will crown the next Esports World Cup Champion. The tournament’s unique cross-game format will reward Clubs and players competing for a life-changing prize pool across a mix of platforms and genres, bringing together esports’ best teams, players and games under one banner in the largest-ever celebration of esports.

Danial “DaNiAL” Patel and Tejaskumar Hasmukhbhai Bhoi will represent Team India at the prestigious WAVES Esports Championship (WESC), organised by the Esports Federation of India (ESFI), in Mumbai’s Jio Convention Centre from May 1. The duo will clash against players from five foreign countries in the International leg after emerging victorious in the fiercely contested India leg of WESC 2025, which saw the top Phase winners battle it out for national supremacy.

From a field of over 35,000 participants, the Indian leg brought together the top eight players in two titles—eFootball and World Cricket Championship 3—from the four WESC 2025 phases. In an intense showdown, DaNiAL clinched the top spot in eFootball while Tejas outperformed his peers in WCC3. In the international leg, DaNiAL will face opponents from Malaysia, Laos, and Thailand in eFootball, while Tejas will compete against representatives from Nepal and Sri Lanka in WCC3.

Speaking on the occasion, ESFI President, Mr Lokesh Suji, said: “I am incredibly proud of DaNiAL and Tejas for earning the honour of representing India at the inaugural WAVES Esports Summit. WAVES has been instrumental in unearthing talent from every corner of the country. Their qualification reflects the rising calibre of Indian esports, and I’m confident they’ll make the nation proud on the international stage.”

Esports holds a significant place within the AVGC-XR pillar of the WAVES Summit, recognising the burgeoning gaming and competitive video gaming scene in India. This dynamic segment benefits from the global Summit’s impressive scale, anticipating over 5,000 delegates from 100 countries and the participation of more than 750 creators.

Amidst this vibrant setting, DaNiAL and Tejas will be honored with the WAVES Trophy on May 4, celebrating their triumph in the Indian leg. Joining them in recognition will be Love Sharma and Pappu Kumar Priyedarshi—who secured second and third place in WCC3—along with Akash Rudro Dhar and Pawan Kampelli, who rounded out the podium in eFootball. The overall international champions will be honoured with WESC Medals at the Creatosphere Award Ceremony on May 4.

On his triumph in the Indian leg and his preparations ahead, DaNiAL said: “I’m incredibly proud of this victory—it’s a testament to the hard work, discipline, and support from everyone around me. Winning here is just the beginning, and I’m excited to take this momentum into the international stage. My preparation for the international leg will be even more intense. I’ll be analyzing top players, refining my strategies, and staying mentally and physically sharp. This next step is huge, and I’m committed to giving it everything I have.”

Speaking on his qualification and the chance to represent India, Tejas said: “I feel very proud about qualifying for the finals in the waves. I will try to accept the opportunity that I have got to bring glory to India, and I will try my best to bring the trophy to India. I am ready for the finals. The preparations are intense. I will come back after winning.”

As the governing body for esports in India, ESFI has been instrumental in shaping the country’s competitive gaming landscape. With a track record that includes the Asian Games and the Commonwealth Esports Championship, and affiliations with leading global bodies, ESFI now proudly hosts WESC as part of its commitment to putting India on the international esports map.