BLAST reveals the rules for CS2 Austin Major

With excitement at an all-time high, Counter-Strike 2 Austin Major, BLAST has officially released the tournament’s rulebook. Running from June 2 to 22 in Austin, Texas, the Major will see 32 of the world’s best CS2 teams compete for their share of the impressive $1,250,000 prize pool. The rulebook covers everything from roster deadlines and invitation procedures to competitive guidelines, setting clear expectations well ahead of the action.

This release is a key step in BLAST’s effort to deliver a smooth and transparent event. By clarifying roster lock dates, regional invites, peripheral restrictions, and veto procedures, the rulebook ensures that all participants understand the rules of engagement. The stakes are higher than ever, and the Austin Major promises fierce competition.

Here’s what to know about the revamped rules for CS2 Austin Major, as well as some more key details like the roster lock deadlines and invitation process.

Rulebook released for Austin Major

BLAST has officially unveiled the rulebook for the upcoming Counter-Strike 2 Austin Major, providing teams and fans with details ahead of the tournament. The rulebook outlines roster deadlines, participation rules, and competitive guidelines, ensuring clarity for all involved. The event, running from June 2-22 in Austin, Texas, features a $1,250,000 prize pool and 32 elite teams.

Roster lock deadlines

Teams must finalize their rosters for the Major Regional Qualifier (MRQ) and the main event by April 11 at 13:00 CEST. However, teams can change substitutes and coaches between the MRQ and the Major. The final roster lock is set for May 5 at 13:00 CEST, after which no further adjustments are allowed.

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Invitation process

Invitations were sent on April 7, prioritizing intact teams. Stage 3 participants got invites first, followed by Stage 2 and MRQ teams. If a team declines or isn’t intact, the next-highest-ranked team will take the spot. Regional representation also plays a role. If a team qualifies via multiple regions, they are assigned based on the region with more direct invites (Europe > America > Asia).

Peripheral restrictions

BLAST has banned hardware and software deemed to provide unfair advantages. Examples include Razer Snap Tap and Wooting Snappy Tappy, which manipulate keyboard inputs.

Map Veto procedures

Vetoes for MRQ and Major matches occur 90 minutes before a series or 10 minutes after the previous game if time is limited. In B01 matches, higher-seeded teams choose their veto role (Team A or B) with a structured ban/pick system. For the BO3 series, teams alternate bans and picks, with side selection determined by the map order.

BLAST aims to ensure a fair and competitive environment for the Austin Major. Fans can review the rulebook on BLAST’s official website ^[1].

References

1. [1] "CS2 BLAST website". assets.blast.tv. Retrieved April 10, 2025