5 Memorable Major Runs in History as Fans Prepare for StarLadder Budapest Major in December

The StarLadder Budapest Major is scheduled to arrive this December as one of the biggest CS2 tournaments of the year. Well-known StarLadder will host this, marking the first Major of the Counter-Strike 2 era. Fans of CS2 everywhere around the world can't wait to see which team will rise to the top and create their own legendary moment this time.
To make it more exciting for you, we will look back at five of the more noteworthy Major runs in CS history to invoke some nostalgia. Going back and examining the remarkable runs will allow us to break down why it was history-making and think about what we will see for the upcoming Counter-Strike 2 event in Budapest.

5 Memorable Major Runs in CS History

Now, let’s travel back in time and revisit some of the best major runs in the history of CS. These teams showed incredible skill, teamwork, and determination, giving fans moments that are still remembered and celebrated today.

5. Gambit Esports | PGL Major Kraków 2017

Gambit Esports created one of the most memorable underdog stories at the Kraków 2017 Major. Nobody thought they would go far in the tournament, but their teamwork and skill surprised everyone. At that time, the team was led by in-game leader Danylo “Zeus” Teslenko and had some famous stars like Abay “HObbit” Khassenov and Dauren “AdreN” Kystaubayev, who won the MVP for his incredible performance.

They beat top teams in the playoffs and lifted the trophy in a way no one expected. We remember this run as one of the best major campaigns in CS history because it showed everyone how teamwork and leadership can truly turn the results and inspired new players.

4. Virtus.pro | EMS One Katowice Major 2014

Virtus.pro’s run at the Katowice 2014 Major is one you will never forget if you watched it. The Polish team had amazing support from their home fans, and their aggressive style made every match exciting to follow. Led by legends like TaZ and pashaBiceps, they fought through tough opponents and made it all the way to the Grand Final.

When they lifted the trophy, the crowd went wild, and you could feel the pride and energy in the arena. This run is one of the best major runs in CS history because it showed skill, heart, and the power of fans cheering their team on.

3. Astralis | StarLadder Major Berlin 2019

Astralis achieved something no team had done before by winning three Majors in a row, creating a period of unmatched dominance in CS history. Their first win at the London Major showed perfect tactics, strong teamwork, and smart use of utilities.

Throughout the series, each player delivered some incredible clutch performances along with their peak gameplay that helped the team succeed. We can easily say that this run was one of the best major campaigns in CS history because it set a new standard for how professionally Counter-Strike should be played.

2. Natus Vincere | PGL Major Stockholm 2021

Na’Vi’s run at the Stockholm 2021 Major is one of the most remarkable moments in CS history. It finally gave Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev his first Major win after years of near misses, cementing his place as one of the greatest players ever. After not playing in a Major for two years, Na’Vi came back stronger than ever and dominated every match with amazing teamwork and skill.

We can easily see their consistency and power as they became the first team to win a Major without dropping a single map. If you were at the Avicii Arena, you would have felt the fans cheering and the electric atmosphere that made every moment unforgettable.

1. Cloud9 | ELEAGUE Major Boston 2018

Cloud9’s run at the Boston 2018 Major is one of the best major campaigns in CS history because it was North America’s first Major win, and they achieved it on home soil. Entering the playoffs as underdogs, Cloud9 surprised everyone by reaching the Grand Final against FaZe Clan. On the final map, Inferno, they faced a 15-11 championship point but made an incredible comeback to win in overtime.

After this, we saw the players' deep emotions and the crowd’s cheers, which made this one of the best major runs in history of CS. Fans of CS still remember this legendary moment as one of the most loved in CS history. If you liked this piece and want to know more about the upcoming StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, then visit our website.