Valve scraps CS2 Major Qualifiers amid calendar chaos

    Valve has cancelled the Major Regional Qualifiers (MRQs) for the upcoming StarLadder Budapest Major, just days after announcing the original qualifier dates.

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    Set to begin on 6th June 2025, the MRQs were intended to determine the 32 teams competing in the year's second CS2 Major.

    However, Valve has scrapped the system in favour of using Valve Regional Standings (VRS) as the sole method of qualification.

    The move comes after the discovery that the MRQ schedule clashed with four other significant CS2 tournaments slated for October. This would have forced teams to make a difficult choice between attending the MRQs or committing to other high-stakes events.

    In response to the scheduling conflict and resulting pressure on teams, Valve made the swift decision to pivot away from qualifiers.

    The announcement has ignited backlash across the esports community, with many citing the incident as another example of the increasingly overcrowded CS2 tournament calendar in 2025.

    Critics argue that the lack of coordination between tournament organisers is affecting the integrity and structure of competitive CS2.

    Despite the controversy, Valve has confirmed that all 32 Budapest Major spots will be allocated through the VRS, a ranking system that evaluates teams based on consistent regional performance.

    Teams will receive their official invitations on 8th October 2025.