Counter-Strike Major 2026
2026 (to be confirmed) · To be confirmed
Counter-Strike Major 2026
The Valve-sponsored world championships of Counter-Strike 2.
- Dates
- 2026 (to be confirmed)
- Location
- To be confirmed
The Counter-Strike Majors are the Valve-sponsored world championships of Counter-Strike 2 — the most prestigious tournaments in the game, typically held twice a year and treated by players as the ultimate title to win.
Each Major gathers 24 teams through a global qualifying system into a Swiss-format event that narrows down to a single-elimination playoff bracket. The 2026 Major hosts and dates are expected to be confirmed by the organisers and Valve.
📋 Format & how it works
Three Swiss stages
A Major runs through the Opening Stage and Elimination (Legends) Stage in Swiss format — where teams play until they reach three wins or three losses — before the top eight reach the Champions (playoff) Stage.
Single-elimination playoffs
The Champions Stage is a single-elimination bracket of best-of-three matches, ending with the grand final to crown the Major champion.
5v5 bomb defusal
Counter-Strike is a 5v5 tactical shooter where Terrorists try to plant and detonate the bomb while Counter-Terrorists defend; matches are played as a first-to-13-rounds best-of format with side switches.
🗓️ Key dates
📜 Recent Counter-Strike Major champions
| 2024 | Team Spirit | Shanghai Major |
| 2024 | Natus Vincere | Copenhagen Major |
| 2023 | Team Vitality | Paris Major |
| 2022 | Outsiders | Rio Major |
📺 How to watch
- CS Majors stream free on the official Counter-Strike Twitch and YouTube channels, plus tournament-organiser channels.
- Creator co-streams (the 'watch party' broadcasts) are a popular way to follow Majors.
❓ Frequently asked questions
When is the CS Major 2026?
Counter-Strike 2 typically has two Valve Majors per year; the 2026 host cities and dates are to be confirmed by the organisers and Valve.
What is the format of a CS Major?
A Major uses Swiss-format Opening and Elimination stages (play until three wins or three losses), then a single-elimination playoff bracket of best-of-three matches.
How many teams play at a CS Major?
A Counter-Strike Major features 24 teams that qualify through regional and global qualifiers.
How can I watch the CS Major?
Majors stream free on the official Counter-Strike Twitch and YouTube channels and via creator co-streams.