BLAST.tv Austin Major: An Era of Change

In 2025, CS2 finally emerged from its adaptation phase – it's no longer a "new engine," but a tough esports landscape where victories come not only from skill but also from systematic teamwork. The Major in Austin became the main mirror reflecting the real state of affairs at the top. Here, hopes were dashed, "dark horses" soared, and the playoffs reminded us that CS can still give you goosebumps. All stages were quite unpredictable – most users' pick'ems for all group and playoff stages failed after the first games.

The Scores24 editorial team couldn't stay away. In this article, we will analyze who surprised, who disappointed, and why the Austin Major became the most indicative tournament in CS2 to date.

Disappointments

Falcons: A Failure at the Start

A high-profile roster, high expectations, and... an exit in the second stage of the Swiss system. Falcons are the main antiheroes of the Austin Major. The team, with a star-studded roster (NiKo, m0NESY, Magisk, and others), was expected to at least reach the playoffs. Instead, they suffered defeats from B8 and Lynn Vision, then hoped for a comeback against OG and faced a fiasco against MIBR in an incredible series of overtimes. It felt like Falcons lacked a clear structure. They played as if each was on their own. Tactical depth was almost invisible, communication faltered, and leaders capable of igniting the team did not show themselves. The team, assembled on the principle of "stars by name," did not become a cohesive unit. The "honeymoon period" with m0NESY ended, and harsh reality set in. The failure is particularly painful given the investments and expectations – the project was positioned as a long-term superclub. But after Austin, it becomes clear: without a reset and a change in approach, Falcons risk staying out of the elite for a long time.

Team Spirit: No Progress

One of the main disappointments of the tournament. On paper, Spirit had everything: a young, promising team, tournament victories, donk. But in reality, the team showed that in CS2, shooting alone is not enough. In the game against MOUZ, Spirit took Mirage thanks to incredible clutches. However, on the next two maps, they were simply outplayed – in tactics, adaptation, and discipline. Their style remained straightforward, with low variability and predictable plays. As a result – a constrained, predictable game without development. You can't win at the highest level like this. There was no visible growth in their game. Moreover, it seems the roster has stalled. Rumors of future replacements are getting louder. And judging by Austin, they are necessary. The team is stalling, and time is ticking.

FaZe Clan: Superstar on Paper – Failure in Reality

FaZe nearly got eliminated in Stage 2 but still remained favorites thanks to their star-studded lineup. On paper, everything looked perfect – s1mple on the rise, frozen and EliGE holding steady. However, the actual results were disappointing. In the quarterfinals, FaZe faced The MongolZ and lost 0:2. On the first map, their own pick, they led 7:5 but then allowed the opponents to surge. Interestingly, s1mple posted a rating of 0.80 (24–33), marking one of his worst performances forhis career. However, Alexander will still have the opportunity to prove himself, and we have high hopes for him following his post-match comments: "Sorry, guys. I'm not giving up, it's unclear what happened, it felt like there were no emotions during the game, there was both bad luck and mistakes, but I definitely won't play like this next time."

Justified Exits

Virtus.pro: Without Magic

Few expected a title from Virtus.pro, but many hoped for character and a fight – especially after a convincing start. The "Bears" confidently closed out MOUZ, defeated Lynn Vision, and looked composed. However, everything suddenly went downhill: a series of defeats and an exit with a 2:3 score. The team crumbled both mentally and tactically. VP's problem lies in the lack of a stable team framework. Their interactions are loose, rounds are predictable, and there's almost no improvisation. It seems they lack not so much firepower as a figure capable of keeping the team in check. electroNic, who became the captain, does not seem suitable for this role. With his arrival, the team's game has neither gained structure nor depth, and unfortunately, his individual level continues to decline. Virtus.pro is currently stuck at a tier-one-and-a-half level. They desperately need self-confidence. Otherwise, the next season might end just as ingloriously.

Natus Vincere: Not Quite There

NaVi had a commendable group stage but faced the formidable Vitality in the playoffs – and lost. Even though the match was intense, the conclusion is clear: the roster lacks stability. b1t still lacks support, and the young players (jL, iM) have lost their level and did not show readiness for the major. The conclusions for the club are obvious: replacements and significant work with the revamped roster in the next season. Who exactly we won't see is still unknown. But B1ad3 mentioned in a recent interview: "Even if we remove someone, it won't be because 'this guy is bad and let us down.' All the guys played well, I appreciate their efforts. It was a very good attempt. We worked hard before and at the bootcamp, as well as during the tournament – everyone wanted to show their best side."

Stable and Growing

Vitality: Work That Brings Titles

The winners of the Austin Major didn't just win – they demonstrated how tournaments are won in CS2. Vitality is not a miracle of form, not a series of highlights. It's a well-oiled machine. And the best cog was the transfer of Robin "ropz" Kool. With ropz's arrival, the team gained not only a reliable rifler but also a player who stabilized the team's decisions in tough situations. Another victory for Vitality is no accident. Tactics, discipline, each role is calibrated to the millisecond. The question is: who can stop them? Meanwhile, Vitality goes on vacation with seven trophies and $2,500,000 in their pocket. We wish apEX and the team a good rest and hope they continue to delight us with such gameplay next season.

MOUZ: Steady Growth

The "Mice" are a team capable of breaking anyone. The victory over Spirit is no accident. MOUZ plays structurally, readsopponents and feel confident over the long haul of the tournament. Yes, perhaps they lack star-level players to defeat Vitality, but even so, they showcased a commendable performance. The guys didn't win the major, being knocked out in the semifinals, but they played to their expected level – the level anticipated from this lineup. Spinx was particularly impressive, becoming a key factor against the aggressive styles of opponents, winning many crucial duels against the likes of donk.

Commendable Results

The MongolZ: The Main Story of the Major

Asian CS has long been considered secondary. But now The MongolZ are in the major final. Team bLitz demonstrated incredible courage, cohesion, and most importantly—self-belief. Of course, the bracket was favorable to them: they didn't face top teams (Vitality, MOUZ, or Spirit) until the final. But they can't be blamed for the matchups the system gave them. They defeated Faze, got past paiN, and put up a fight against Vitality in the final. These players have a future, and let's hope this isn't the last final we see them in.

paiN Gaming: South America Returns

Quietly, without much noise, but confidently, the Brazilians reached the semifinals. Their journey is an example of how regional teams can compete on equal footing with European powerhouses. Yes, they lacked resources, yes, they lost to MongolZ, but the potential is there. nqz distinguished himself with an incredible performance at this event and clearly contends for the title of the best sniper in South America for the past season.

Global Scene: Regions on the Rise

The Austin Major became a tournament of equal opportunities. This is the first major in CS2 where Asia and South America presented teams in the playoffs—and this is no longer perceived as a sensation. The journey of The MongolZ and Lynn Vision symbolizes the Asian breakthrough. The success of paiN and FURIA is proof that Latin America is more alive than ever. A new era is not on the horizon—it's already here.

Transfer Waves: Initial Changes

Immediately after the major, the sniper window opens: 

• G2 has already signed SunPayus (sniper) and sAw (coach) from Heroic. The club realized: without fresh perspectives and flexibility in tier-1 tournaments, nothing can be achieved.
• Spirit seriously needs to consider changes. Sergey "hally" Shavaev's strategies failed to bring the team the results it could have shown. Additionally, the individual play of some players raised questions after the tournament. There are no official statements, but rumors suggest farewells with chopper and magixx.
• NaVi and VP also need changes – especially in the captain positions. Competition demands adaptation, and there's no time to waste.
• Plus, we're eagerly awaiting kyousuke's debut (likely with Falcons) in tier-1 tournaments as soon as possible – we're keen to see the young player in action.

Final

The title match turned out to be dull. Yes, the team from Mongolia managed to take a map, but on the next two, ZywOo was a cut above. The victory of the French organization is well-deserved. They played the entire season at the highest level, performed with composure, and ZywOo and ropz were literally tearing it up.server. But the respect for the Asian team is absolute. They weren't afraid, they didn't crumble, and they delivered a lot of excitement. Of course, the audience would have liked to see a more competitive final and a BO5 format, but it is what it is.

P.S. What's Next?

The era of CS2 is just beginning. The Austin Major showed that now it's not the legends who win, but the systems and teams that dedicate the most effort to their development. Luck might get you to the playoffs, but only hard work leads to the trophy. Soon there will be summer tournaments and the start of the season in the ESL Pro League. Will Spirit have a new roster? Will the break give Falcons a second wind? Can Vitality maintain their level? And most importantly, will we see the continuation of the fairy tale and diverse CS from all regions? Stay with us. The next chapter of history is being written right now.

Another tier-1 season is officially closed. Everyone is on break. See you in half a month at the FISSURE Playground 1 – the tournament will take place from July 15 to 20 with a prize pool of $1,000,000 and no announced invitations.