Valve has officially cancelled the Major Regional Qualifiers (MRQs) for the highly anticipated StarLadder Budapest Major, marking a significant shakeup in the CS2 esports landscape. Announced just days after the Budapest Major qualification dates were revealed, the decision by Valve now places the power of tournament qualification firmly in the hands of the Valve Regional Standings (VRS). Instead of earning a spot through MRQs, teams will be directly invited based on their performance in the VRS, with invitations rolling out on October 8th, 2025.
Valve Regional Standings take center stage
The Valve Regional Standings now act as the primary gateway for teams eyeing a spot at the Budapest Major. By shifting qualification to the VRS, Valve aims for a standardized and transparent approach to esports tournament qualification. This move streamlines the path for top-tier organizations, as team invitations are now performance-based, eliminating the additional hurdles found in the MRQs. Fans and players alike can expect a field filled with the strongest and most consistent teams when the Budapest Major kicks off.
StarLadder’s Budapest Major: Unprecedented change for fall 2025
StarLadder, a prominent name in Counter-Strike 2 events, faces its first-ever Major without open qualifiers, impacting both established teams and rising contenders. This unprecedented change for Fall 2025 means that new and underdog teams will see their opportunities limited, as the Budapest Major will prioritize those already ranked highly in the Valve Regional Standings. The immediate benefit is less schedule conflict—previous MRQs often overlapped with other CS2 tournaments, leading to logistical headaches for players and organizations.
Impact on team invitations and competitive dynamics
With team invitations solely based on current rankings, the competition sharpens at the top. Teams must maintain strong performances across regional events to secure their shot at the Budapest Major, making every match leading up to Fall 2025 count. The absence of MRQs removes the chance for surprise qualifiers but rewards consistency and excellence over time. This adjustment forces organizations to rethink their competitive strategies, prioritizing steady results that influence the Valve Regional Standings.
MRQ cancellation: Why Valve shifted its qualification approach
Valve’s cancellation of the MRQs is rooted in their push to standardize the Counter-Strike 2 competitive scene. Previously, standalone qualifiers for each Major often clashed with ongoing events, disrupting both the schedule and team preparations. Valve’s new policy views separate qualification as unnecessary, integrating everything into an ongoing system governed by the VRS. For fans, this leads to a smoother Major cycle, while for players and teams, it means focusing efforts on consistent results rather than last-minute qualification runs.
Wider effects on CS2 esports and fan engagement
This change sends ripple effects through CS2 esports as a whole. While the decision refines the competitive field for the Budapest Major, it also reduces the window for unexpected teams to break through. For fans, the qualification process becomes easier to follow but may lack the underdog stories that open qualifiers offered. Community tournaments and smaller organizations will need to adapt, as the path to the biggest stage in Counter-Strike 2 now demands long-term investments in performance.
Frequently asked questions about Valve cancels MRQs for StarLadder Budapest Major (FAQ)
Why did Valve cancel the MRQs for the StarLadder Budapest Major?
Valve found that MRQs clashed with other CS2 tournaments and disrupted schedules. They want a standardized qualification process, moving to direct team invitations via the Valve Regional Standings.
How will teams qualify for the Budapest Major now?
Teams will be invited based on their ranking in the Valve Regional Standings, rather than through separate qualifiers, with invitations going out on October 8th, 2025.
What is the Valve Regional Standings system?
The VRS is an official ranking system tracking team performance across regional and international events. Teams earn points to climb the standings and secure invitations to Majors like the Budapest event.
Does this change affect future Majors and esports tournament qualification?
While the immediate effect is on the Fall 2025 Budapest Major, Valve may continue this approach, making the VRS the standard method for selecting teams across future CS2 esports tournaments.
Will there still be opportunities for new teams to enter Majors?
The direct invitation system makes it harder for new teams, but consistent strong performances in regional events can help rising squads climb the VRS and earn a future Major invite.
Sources to this article
No first-party sources were directly cited in this article. Coverage is based on current reporting standards and official statements from Valve regarding the MRQ cancellation and the Valve Regional Standings system. For further reading, see:
Valve Corporation (2025). “Official Announcement: Major Regional Qualifier Cancellation.”
StarLadder (2025). “Budapest Major Qualification Update.”
CSDonkey.com editorial team analysis.
