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CS2 Esports News

Read up on the latest in CS2 esports.
What to Expect from StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 3

What to Expect from StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 3

After the unpredictability of Stages 1 & 2, the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 enters the final Swiss Stage before the teams take center stage at the MVM Dome. But would it really fall within the community’s expectations? Let’s take a look at what the next stage of competition has in store for us. What to Look Forward to at Budapest Major 2025 Stage 3 Even before the Major kicked off, we expected Budapest to be a slug fest. There weremore

CS2
3 Dec
Ganesh Jadhav
StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 3 Pick'Em Challenge Guide

StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 3 Pick'Em Challenge Guide

Now that Stage 2 of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 has wrapped up, the stage is set for Stage 3. With only sixteen teams left and eight already locked in from Stage 2, the stakes couldn’t be higher. From here on out, expect every round to tighten, every duel to matter, and every kill to feel just a little more important. If you’re still chasing that coveted Diamond coin or simply aiming to lock in Gold, here’s a deeper lookmore

CS2
3 Dec
Kaustavmani Choudhury
FaZe Sweep NIP to Go 3-0 and Qualify for StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 3

FaZe Sweep NIP to Go 3-0 and Qualify for StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 3

After making the second stage of StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 by the slimmest margin (0.4 seconds, to be precise), FaZe Clan have tapped into the magic once more. Today, on day 6 of the Major, they defeated Ninjas in Pyjamas, going through Stage 2 without dropping a single map; a drastic shift from their Stage 1 performance. FaZe Magic Lives On! One word that defined FaZe’s Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1 was disappointment. They lost to Ninjas in Pyjamas andmore

CS2
30 Nov
Ganesh Jadhav
Complete Counter-Strike Cobblestone Map Guide

Complete Counter-Strike Cobblestone Map Guide

The Counter-Strike Cobblestone map has been a core part of the series for years. Its long distances, open spaces, and tall structures create a unique style of play. Many players associate Cobblestone with long-range fights, wide courtyards, high towers, and heavy sniper pressure. This guide explains how the map works, how each area plays, and what players should expect in both classic and modern versions. Cobblestone is still featured in Defusal Group Sigma in CS:GO. It appears in Casual, Deathmatch,more

CS2
29 Nov
Aidan van Vuuren

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StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2 Pick’Em Challenge Guide

StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2 Pick’Em Challenge Guide

Despite the hiccups, the Stage 1 of StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 has concluded pretty much as expected. FaZe Clan did give a heart attack to their fans, but they made it through. We now introduce eight new teams to the mix, these higher seeded teams will take on the Stage 1 teams thriving on momentum, for another set of Swiss bracket and eight Stage 3 spots. If you are still in it for the Diamond coin, or just want tomore

CS2
28 Nov
Ganesh Jadhav
Tech Issues Headline StarLadder Budapest Major Day 1

Tech Issues Headline StarLadder Budapest Major Day 1

The first day of the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 was supposed to be a celebration of Counter-Strike at its highest level. Instead, it turned into one of the most chaotic broadcast launches in recent Major history. From the moment the pre-show went live, viewers tuning in on Twitch and YouTube were met with silence: no desk audio, no analyst introductions, no hype package... just a muted countdown clock and confused faces on screen. When the opening match between B8 andmore

CS2
24 Nov
Andre Guaraldo
How to Watch the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025: Streams, Schedule and More

How to Watch the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025: Streams, Schedule and More

Arguably the most competitive Major in recent history, the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 starts tomorrow! The biggest Counter-Strike fiesta featuring four stages spanning across three weeks will have 32 teams battling for the second Valve-sponsored event. There still is a little unrest and confusion surrounding the broadcasting, hopefully the article helps the confusion. Budapest Major 2025 Stages and Schedule The three-week fiesta kicks off with three 16-team Swiss stages, followed by an 8-team single-elimination bracket Playoff. Stage 1 [November 24 - November 28] Teams to Watch: FaZe Clan, Imperial, GamerLegion, FlyQuest, Lynn Vision Gaming Venue: MTK Sportpark` Complete Schedule: Monday,more

CS2
23 Nov
Ganesh Jadhav
ZywOo Wins PC Player of the Year: All Esports Awards 2025 Winners

ZywOo Wins PC Player of the Year: All Esports Awards 2025 Winners

The 2025 Esports Awards ceremony has taken place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, celebrating some of the biggest and most influential names across the industry throughout the year. Among the complete list of Esports Awards winners, a few victors stand out across the 22 total categories, such as Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut, League of Legends, Riot Games, Team Falcons, and more. Let's take a look at the complete list of winners at the Esports Awards 2025. 2025 Esports Awards Winners Esports Gamemore

20 Nov
Martin Arévalo-Östberg
Twitch Clarifies the Rollbit x StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Co-Streaming Situation

Twitch Clarifies the Rollbit x StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Co-Streaming Situation

The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 is less than a week away. The second Valve-sponsored event of the year, which should call for festivities, had instead become a sour subject among the Counter-Strike community because of StarLadder’s choice of main sponsor — Rollbit. Twitch, however, has responded (via Dexerto) to the growing concerns regarding the banned sponsor, clarifying that streamers will be allowed to stream the Budapest Major 2025 without breaking the Twitch Terms of Service (TOS). Twitch Responds to Budapestmore

CS2
19 Nov
Ganesh Jadhav
Chovy Is Nominated for Best Esports Athlete: All Game Awards 2025 Nominees

Chovy Is Nominated for Best Esports Athlete: All Game Awards 2025 Nominees

The complete list of The Game Awards nominees is out! 2025 has been a remarkable year for gaming, both in and out of esports. Now, it's time to award the titles, teams, players, and creative minds that continue to propel the gaming industry forward. With the nominations announced, The Game Awards 2025 voting is officially open. Head over to the official voting site and select the candidates that you believe stand above the rest. Without further ado, let's take a look at the complete list of the 2025 Game Awards nominees before the winners are declared on December 11th. Chovy,more

17 Nov
Martin Arévalo-Östberg
FURIA Conquer BLAST Rivals Fall 2025 to Win Third Consecutive Trophy

FURIA Conquer BLAST Rivals Fall 2025 to Win Third Consecutive Trophy

As the lights dimmed in the AsiaWorld–Arena in Hong Kong, one team stood taller than all others. FURIA have claimed their fourth title of 2025 at the BLAST Rivals Fall in roaring fashion as the Brazilian–CIS hybrid squad overcame Falcons 3–1 in the grand final to secure the last piece of silverware before the StarLadder Budapest Major. When the season began, few would have expected such a rise. Yet, in the later half of 2025, FURIA have been nothing short of unstoppable. Their run through BLAST Rivals Fall was another chapter in what’s become their golden stretch – three consecutivemore

CS2
16 Nov
Kaustavmani Choudhury
StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1 Pick’em’s Guide

StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 1 Pick’em’s Guide

With just 8 days left until the StarLadder Budapest Major begins, fans are already rushing to lock in their Pick’em predictions. Whether you’re chasing that shimmering Diamond Coin or collecting Souvenir Tokens to relive the best moments of the tournament, every correct pick counts. If you need a refresher on how the Pick’em Challenge works, check out our detailed guide, and if you’re curious about Souvenirs and in-game drops, we’ve got you covered in another piece. Before diving into predictions,more

CS2
16 Nov
Kaustavmani Choudhury
FURIA and Team Falcons Battle for the BLAST Rivals 2025 Trophy

FURIA and Team Falcons Battle for the BLAST Rivals 2025 Trophy

The stage is set for FURIA and Team Falcons as they prepare to face each other at the BLAST Rivals 2025 Season 2 Grand Finals on November 16th. This best-of-five finale in Hong Kong promises to deliver an spectacle, with $125,000 on the line and two Freq Flyer Tokens up for grabs for the victors. Both teams have fought their way through intense battles to reach this moment, and neither will go down without a fight.​ FURIA's Revenge Tour Continuesmore

CS2
15 Nov
Thales Costa
m0NESY vs. ZywOo to Headline Falcons–Vitality BLAST Rivals S2 Semifinal

m0NESY vs. ZywOo to Headline Falcons–Vitality BLAST Rivals S2 Semifinal

After the 2025 BLAST Rivals Season 2 Quarterfinals played out as expected, we head into the Semifinals tomorrow, where Group Winners FURIA and Team Falcons will face today’s victors. The first Semifinal fixture will feature two frontrunners of Brazilian Counter-Strike — paiN Gaming and FURIA — taking on each other, followed by Team Vitality facing Team Falcons, a rematch of the EPL S22 Grand Finals. While the first game features the hottest CS2 team in FURIA, the matchup could very well end in a landslide. The showstopper, however, will be the clash of m0NESY and ZywOo headlining the Vitality-Falcons Semifinal.more

CS2
14 Nov
Ganesh Jadhav
How to get StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Souvenir Packages

How to get StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Souvenir Packages

The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 is on the horizon! The second Valve-sponsored Counter-Strike 2 event of the year will feature 32 teams in a highly competitive four-stage tournament. With the biggest CS tournament imminent, the Budapest 2025 Major hub is now live with the latest stickers, the Pick'Em Challenge and the latest souvenir tokens, packages and charms. How to get the Souvenir packages? The Souvenir packages are Major-exclusive containers featuring skins from collections tied to the active map pool (Ancient,more

CS2
13 Nov
Ganesh Jadhav
Vitality To Face Team Spirit in BLAST Rivals Fall Semifinals

Vitality To Face Team Spirit in BLAST Rivals Fall Semifinals

The quarterfinals of BLAST Rivals Fall 2025 have given fans a matchup that hasn’t come around often in 2025. Team Vitality will face Team Spirit at the AsiaWorld-Arena in Hong Kong, and it’s only the fourth time these two European giants have met this year. Their last encounter dates back to May, during BLAST Rivals Season 1, where both teams were in much sharper form. Fast forward six months, and neither side enters this clash with much momentum. Spirit’s Sparkmore

CS2
13 Nov
Kaustavmani Choudhury
StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Pick’Em Challenge Guide: How to Play

StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Pick’Em Challenge Guide: How to Play

The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Pick’Em Challenge is now live! Starting now until the Major Playoffs, players can participate in the Pick’Em Challenge, predict stage outcomes, upgrade their coins, and earn souvenir tokens and packages. How to Participate in the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Pick’Em Challenge To participate, players must purchase the Budapest 2025 Viewer Pass, available in the in-game Major hub. There are two purchase options: Budapest 2025 Viewer Pass – $9.99 Budapest 2025 Viewer Pass + 3 Souvenir Tokens – $19.99 Buying the Viewer Pass grants you the Championship Coin and access to the Pick’Em Challenges. Once purchased,more

CS2
13 Nov
Ganesh Jadhav
Latest Counter-Strike 2 Update Brings StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Pick’Em Challenge

Latest Counter-Strike 2 Update Brings StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Pick’Em Challenge

The second Valve-sponsored event of the year is just around the corner. As tradition dictates, we have the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 update. The new update introduces the Pick’Em Challenge, the teams and player autograph stickers, and a new “Sticker Slab” charm. The update also features minor performance improvements, bug fixes and UI update for Glove Models. StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Pick’Em Challenge The StarLadder Budapest Major hub is now available in-game. Players can buy the latest team and player autograph stickers, the Budapest 2025 Viewer Pass and Souvenir tokens for the upcoming major. As usual, the Viewer Pass ismore

CS2
13 Nov
Ganesh Jadhav
BLAST Rivals 2025 Season 2: Hong Kong Hosts Final Pre-Major Showdown

BLAST Rivals 2025 Season 2: Hong Kong Hosts Final Pre-Major Showdown

The final chapter of the BLAST Premier 2025 season is set to unfold as the elite of Counter-Strike 2 teams converge on Hong Kong for BLAST Rivals 2025 Season 2. Happening from November 12 to 16 at the Asia World-Arena in Chek Lap Kok, Hong Kong, this tournament represents the last challenge and proving ground before the StarLadder Budapest Major. Format and Teams The competition kicks off with a Group Stage featuring two double-elimination groups, each with four teams playingmore

CS2
11 Nov
Thales Costa
FURIA Dominates Team Vitality to Win the IEM Chengdu 2025 Title

FURIA Dominates Team Vitality to Win the IEM Chengdu 2025 Title

The Brazilian team FURIA have added another prestigious trophy to their collection with an incredible 3-0 victory over Team Vitality in the Grand Final of IEM Chengdu 2025. This victory marks their third title of 2025, underscoring their consistent performance at the highest level of competitive Counter Strike. Strategic Brilliance on Display The final showcased FURIA’s discipline and adaptability across three maps. The series kicked off on Ancient, a map FURIA had been avoiding for months, surprising Vitality with theirmore

CS2
9 Nov
Thales Costa

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Welcome to the Counter-Strike news hub on Strafe, the ultimate source for all things related to the legendary world of Counter-Strike esports. Here, we offer you a variety of content that will keep you entertained and informed about the latest happenings in the world of Counter-Strike esports.

Immerse yourself in our comprehensive tournament recaps, where we provide detailed accounts of the most thrilling matches in Counter-Strike Majors and other prestigious events. We also cover breaking news and share the latest announcements from Valve Corporation, so you're always up-to-date on what's happening in the world of Counter-Strike.

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But that's not all - we also keep you informed on the latest team and player news, including roster changes, contract updates, and insider stories. Our expert opinions on the current state of the game, strategies, and map analysis are designed to provide you with valuable insights into the world of Counter-Strike esports. Additionally, our extensive gaming guides are designed to help you conquer the tactical world of Counter-Strike.

So, what are you waiting for? Become a part of Strafe's Counter-Strike community today and stay connected to the thrilling realm of Counter-Strike esports. We're here to provide you with the best possible experience, so you can enjoy everything that this incredible world has to offer.