Professional Counter-Strike Majors have been the cornerstone of competitive CS since 2013, featuring 20 tournaments across CS:GO and CS2. While not matching the prize pools of League of Legends Worlds or Dota 2's The International, CS Majors have established themselves as prestigious events through their rich history and cultural impact.

These tournaments serve multiple crucial functions:

• Economic driver for the esports ecosystem through sponsorships and merchandise
• Community gathering point for fans and professionals
• Career-defining platform for players
• Source of technological innovation in gaming

The Sticker System

Introduced in 2014, Major stickers have become both a cultural phenomenon and vital revenue stream:

• 50% of sticker revenue goes to players/teams, 50% to Valve
• Rare stickers (like Katowice 2014 Titan Holo) are highly valuable collectibles
• Creates additional income for teams and players
• Drives community engagement through customization
• Powers a robust secondary market

Major Tournament History

CS:GO (2013-2023):

• 17 completed Majors
• Prize pools ranging from $250,000 to $2,000,000
• Notable winners: Fnatic, Astralis, Natus Vincere
• Key format changes: 16 to 24 teams (2018)
• Introduction of Regional Major Rankings (2020)

CS2 (2024-Present):

• PGL Copenhagen 2024: Natus Vincere victory
• Upcoming: Perfect World Shanghai 2024
• Future expansion to 32 teams planned for 2025

Notable Achievements:

• NiP's 87-0 record streak (2012-2013)
• Astralis era (2018-2020):
  • 406 consecutive days at #1
  • Four Major victories
  • Revolutionized tactical play

s1mple's Journey:

• Runner-up at ESL One Cologne 2016
• Runner-up at Faceit Major London 2018
• Finally victorious at PGL Stockholm 2021

Iconic Moments:

• olofmeister's burning defuse (Cologne 2014)
• coldzera's jumping AWP (Columbus 2016)
• s1mple's double no-scope (Cologne 2016)
• Dosia's grenade (Krakow 2017)

Majors continue to define Counter-Strike's competitive landscape, combining high-stakes competition with community celebration and economic opportunity.

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