Counter-Strike Major 2026

Counter-Strike Majors — Valve-sponsored world championships of Counter-Strike — began in January 2014 with ESL One Katowice. Valve's approach was unique: rather than run events themselves, they would grant 'Major' status and prize funding to third-party tournament organisers. The first Major carried a $250,000 prize pool — at the time, the largest ever offered in Counter-Strike.

What truly made Majors special was the sticker system. Players could buy capsules featuring their favourite competing teams; proceeds contributed to the prize pool. This model connected millions of CS:GO players financially and emotionally to the competitive scene — you could own a piece of your favourite team's Major run.

CS:GO Majors ran from 2014 to 2023, with Danish team Astralis winning four Majors (2017–18) — the most by any team — considered one of the greatest dynasties in esports. The scene transitioned to Counter-Strike 2 in 2023. The CS2 era has already produced new legends: Team Spirit won back-to-back Majors in 2024 (Copenhagen and Shanghai), with a brutal consistency that rivals the Astralis era.