After battling through the intense early phases of Stage 1 and Stage 2, eight teams have emerged to join the eight directly invited squads in the final showdown. With everything on the line, these 16 teams will now face off for a shot at playoff glory, Major prestige, and a place in CS2 history.

Check out all of our BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 content.

Team Vitality (S-Tier)

Team Vitality enters Stage 3 of the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 as the top seed and a heavy favorite to win the Major. With ZywOo maintaining excellent form (1.37 HLTV rating currently), and one of the best lineups a star player could hope for featuring ropz, flameZ, mezii, and apEX, this roster has both firepower and experience. Their recent dominance in international events has solidified their status as a superteam.

Their consistent performance, 30 series win streak as of writing this article, and ability to dig deep in the face of adversity make them a formidable opponent for any team. Vitality are undeniably the strongest contender for the championship title in Austin. The question isn’t whether they’ll make the playoffs, but whether anyone can stop them from lifting the trophy.

If you want to know more, check out our recent interviews with apEX and flameZ.

MOUZ (A-Tier)

MOUZ arrives in Austin with a roster blending young talent and seasoned veterans; Brollan, Jimpphat, Spinx, torzsi, and xertioN. Their aggressive playstyle and early round initiative has made them a formidable opponent. With consistent performances and a hunger for a Major title, MOUZ is in a great position to do some damage.

Their recent form has been strong, highlighted by a victory at PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025 and a runner-up finish at IEM Dallas 2025. Their synergy and adaptability have been key factors in their recent successes. If they maintain their current momentum, MOUZ has the potential to reach the later stages of the tournament and possibly contend for the title.

Team Spirit (A-Tier)

Team Spirit boasts one of the most explosive rosters in the scene, headlined by the prodigious donk and consistent top 20 player sh1ro. Alongside magixx, zont1x, and chopper, they’ve demonstrated the ability to dismantle other top-tier teams. They have had a good year with titles at BLAST Bounty Spring and PGL Astana, alongside a runner-up finish at IEM Katowice after wins over NAVI and Liquid.

Their dynamic playstyle and individual brilliance make them a threat to any opponent. If they can maintain their momentum, Team Spirit could make a significant impact in the tournament and challenge for a top spot.

G2 Esports (B-Tier)

For G2 Esports it is all about their revamped lineup featuring Snax, huNter, malbsMd, HeavyGod, and hades, who joins on loan from Monte. The team is still finding its footing after the high profile departures of NiKo and m0NESY to Falcons but showed promise with a runner up finish at PGL Bucharest 2025.

Led by the veteran presence of Snax and huNter and supported by the firepower of malbsMd and HeavyGod, G2 has the tools to be dangerous. If hades can provide consistency on the AWP and the squad continues to build chemistry, G2 has the potential to push deep into the tournament.

The MongolZ (B-Tier)

Their 2025 campaign has included breakout international performances, including a deep run at IEM Dallas where they defeated G2 and Aurora before falling in the semifinals to MOUZ. The MongolZ, featuring 910, bLitz, mzinho, Senzu, and Techno4K, continue to prove themselves as Asia’s most dangerous squad.

Their aggressive and fast paced playstyle has proven effective against more structured teams, earning them upset wins on the international stage. If they can maintain their composure under pressure, The MongolZ have the potential to shake up Stage 3 and challenge for a playoff spot.

Aurora Gaming (B-Tier)

You might’ve known them as Eternal Fire, but now they are called Aurora Gaming. Still featuring the core of the former lineup, the squad is made up of XANTARES, woxic, MAJ3R, jottAAA, and Wicadia. This team brings a wealth of experience and firepower. Their methodical approach and individual skill make them a challenging opponent. Recently, at IEM Dallas, they defeated NRG, Liquid, and Heroic in fairly convincing fashion.

Their disciplined play and strategic execution could pose problems for more favored teams. If Aurora can control the tempo and stay composed in key moments, they have the tools to grind out wins and make a deep run in Stage 3.

Natus Vincere (B-Tier)

Natus Vincere enters Stage 3 of the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 with a lineup of Aleksib, b1t, iM, jL, and w0nderful. NAVI has stayed competitive throughout the season, with a top-four finish at IEM Katowice and decent appearances at both ESL Pro League Season 21 and PGL Astana.

Though they’ve lacked consistency at times, NAVI’s experience and the leadership they get from B1ad3 give them a solid foundation heading into Austin. If they can build on recent progress and tighten their mid-rounds, they have the potential to break through and contend for a Champions Stage spot.

Team Liquid (C-Tier)

The team has experienced mixed results in recent tournaments and they enter with a roster featuring NAF, Twistzz, NertZ, ultimate, and siuhy. At IEM Dallas 2025, they secured a notable 2-0 victory over FaZe Clan in the group stage but were subsequently eliminated by Aurora Gaming in the playoffs. Earlier in the year they had early exits at PGL Bucharest 2025 and IEM Katowice 2025.

Despite these setbacks, the blend of North American staples and European talent does offer a high ceiling. If Liquid can find their rhythm, they have the potential to surprise and advance to the later stages of the tournament.

Stage 2 Teams

Legacy and Virtus.pro continued to surpass expectations with rock-solid 3-0 runs through Stage 2. Legacy’s Cinderella story faces its biggest test yet as they draw Vitality in the opening round of Stage 3.

paiN, 3DMAX, and FURIA all secured convincing 3-1 finishes. 3DMAX in particular turned heads with a dominant shutout over FaZe, proving they’re not to be underestimated.

FaZe, Lynn Vision, and Nemiga scraped through with 3-2 records. FaZe started strong with wins over Heroic and TYLOO before being upset by Legacy who continue to surprise. Stage 2 defied most expectations, and Stage 3 is now filled with unpredictable matchups. Who will rise to the occasion, and who will fall short, is anyone’s guess.