The BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 is set to break new ground with an expanded tournament structure, increasing the number of participating teams from 24 to 32. This format change creates additional opportunities for teams worldwide and ensures a highly competitive event.
Team Invitations and Stages
The tournament will feature three distinct stages, with team placements determined by the Valve Regional Standings (VRS) and past performances:
Stage 1 will consist of 16 teams qualifying through the newly introduced Major Regional Qualifiers (MRQ). Stage 2 will include 8 invited teams based on regional rankings, with invites allocated to regions whose teams advanced to Stage 3 in the previous Major. Finally, Stage 3 will host another 8 teams, representing regions with playoff performances at the last Major, ensuring a strong lineup at the tournament’s highest level.
Introduction of Major Regional Qualifiers
Replacing the RMR tournaments, Valve has introduced the MRQ format, which maintains familiar elements like the Swiss system for Europe and the Americas, while Asia will continue using Double-Elimination playoffs. However, one key update is that all MRQ invitations are now strictly based on Valve rankings, adding importance to every competitive match throughout the season.
The MRQ system operates similarly to the closed qualifiers for the old RMR, with some notable adjustments. Each region will hold one qualifying tournament, which may be hosted online if necessary. In cases where regions need to be divided for optimal ping (e.g., splitting the Americas into North and South), available slots will be distributed equally. If equal distribution isn’t feasible, the remaining spots will be allocated to the sub-region with the highest-ranked team.
Regional Slot Allocation
The slots for the MRQ and Stage 1 of the Major are distributed based on regional strength:
Europe will have 16 teams in the MRQ, with 6 advancing to Stage 1. The Americas will also send 16 teams through the MRQ, earning 6 Stage 1 slots. Asia, meanwhile, will have 8 MRQ participants, with 4 moving to Stage 1.
Invitations for Summer 2025
The allocation of slots for the 2025 Summer Major highlights Europe’s dominance, with Stage 3 hosting 6 European teams, while the Americas and Asia each contribute 1. For Stage 2, Europe and the Americas will each provide 4 teams, while Asia will not have any direct entries.
Scheduled to run from June 9 to June 22, the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 will offer a prize pool of $1,250,000 USD, promising an exciting competition under the new, inclusive format.
