sports rankings

Список участников турнира PGL Astana 2025 по Counter-Strike 2

Home » [wpseo_breadcrumb]

The main esports tournament of spring 2025 became a key event for fans and analysts of Counter-Strike 2. Its representatives are not just teams from different parts of the world, but ambitious contenders for the main role in the evolution of the discipline. The participants of the PGL Astana 2025 championship combined experience, fresh tactics, and regional diversity with the aim of launching a competition that opens a new era of digital battles.

## Reflection of the Forces of Global Esports

lex_1140_362_en.webp

In May 2025, Astana will become the arena for the best teams of the global esports scene. The participants of PGL Astana 2025 are ushering in a new era in Counter-Strike 2. Teams that have been tested by international trophies and newcomers who have made their way through the qualifiers will take to the battlefield.

Organizers announced 24 teams: 16 passed through regional qualifiers, and 8 received direct invitations. The distribution of slots was based on sporting principles, taking into account HLTV rankings, stability on the LAN scene, and the significance of teams in the ecosystem.

### Participants in PGL Astana 2025: Favorites

Contenders of the esports competition cover the entire spectrum of geography. The final pool includes teams such as:

1. Vitality — the winner of the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 title, retained its core and strengthened with a new sniper from MOUZ.
2. FaZe — returned to stability under the leadership of karrigan, had a successful spring split.
3. Team Spirit — top-1 in the HLTV ranking for March 2025, maintains positions due to discipline and thoughtful rotations.
4. Monte — the sensation of spring, defeated G2 in the qualifying final.
5. The MongolZ — the only representative of Asia in the group stage, advanced directly after winning at IEM Shanghai.

The full list of participants in the PGL Astana 2025 tournament for CS 2 solidified the championship’s status as a global stage. The Baltics, the Balkans, Asia, South America — each region had the opportunity to make a statement.

## Tournament Structure: Group Stage and Key Dates

Participants of the championship will start their journey in three groups of 8 teams each. Each round will be a best-of-three, with the top two leaders from each group advancing directly to the final game. The next two will move to the play-in phase. Group stage matches are scheduled for the period from May 10 to 15.

Format:

– May 10–15 — group stage;
– May 17–19 — play-in;
– May 21–25 — playoffs;
– May 26 — final.

Organizers will use the Barys Arena with a capacity of 12,000 spectators. For the first time in the history of CS tournaments, the stage is equipped with a 360° circular LED system.

## Favorites vs. Underdogs

After the group stage in the May playoffs stage, favorites and surprises will clash. Participants of PGL Astana 2025 in the decisive part will be distributed in the Olympic grid: the winner of the upper pair advances to the grand final, while the loser gets a chance in the lower bracket.

Scenarios are based on the following assumptions:

1. Vitality has a 75% chance of reaching the semifinals.
2. G2, despite instability, won 4 out of the last 5 matches on LAN.
3. Cloud9, having lost a leader, is using reserves from the Academy roster, which poses a high risk.

## Participants of PGL Astana 2025: Details

The list of teams reflects a current snapshot of the global CS2 scene — from recognized leaders to new names that have made it through tough selection. Each team earned a slot based on rankings, tournament points, and success in regional qualifiers.

The list, as confirmed by the official announcement on HLTV and the organizers’ website:

1. Team Vitality (France).
2. FaZe Clan (Europe).
3. Team Spirit (Russia).
4. G2 Esports (Europe).
5. Cloud9 (USA).
6. Monte (Ukraine).
7. ENCE (Finland).
8. Virtus.pro (Russia).
9. Astralis (Denmark).
10. MOUZ (Germany).
11. Complexity (USA).
12. Eternal Fire (Turkey).
13. FURIA (Brazil).
14. Imperial Esports (Brazil).
15. The MongolZ (Mongolia).
16. Apeks (Norway).
17. FORZE (Russia).
18. paiN Gaming (Brazil).
19. 9INE (Poland).
20. OG (Europe).
21. BIG (Germany).
22. TYLOO (China).
23. Falcons (Saudi Arabia).
24. Aurora Gaming (Russia).

The team composition of the esports event PGL Astana 2025 was formed based on current rankings, ESL tournament points, and the results of the qualifying stages. Qualifications took place in six regions: Europe (two zones), Asia, South America, North America, CIS.

### What’s Behind the Invitations

Participants of PGL Astana 2025 with direct invitations reflect a trend of trust in stability and recognizability.

Vitality, FaZe, G2, Spirit, and MOUZ received slots without qualification. Organizers were guided by rankings, viewership metrics, and fan engagement. HLTV noted that FaZe and Spirit accounted for over 65% of all views of S-Tier tournaments in the first quarter of 2025.

## Esports on the Verge of Transformation

Participants of the PGL Astana 2025 tournament are not just competing for the title — they are shaping the direction of the discipline’s development. The championship sets the standard for organization, audiovisual design, and audience interaction. The introduction of new technological solutions, including projection elements on the arena floor and an adaptive sound system, increased audience engagement by 38% compared to PGL Major Stockholm 2021.

The Counter-Strike 2 tournament in Astana offers viewers the choice of real-time broadcast angles for the first time in the series’ history. This allows for monitoring the dynamics of the battle, evaluating team strategies, and following the individual gameplay of specific players. This approach enhances the educational effect and increases the value of content for analysts and coaches.

lex_1140_362_en.webp

## Culmination in the Heart of Eurasia: Final

Participants of PGL Astana 2025 will complete their journey in the grand final on May 26. The final will be in a best-of-five format — the only match of such length in the championship. Preliminary data shows that the peak viewership could reach 1.7 million simultaneous views. The forecast is based on the growth dynamics of viewership in the spring ESL and BLAST tournaments.

Organizers are counting on a historic outcome. Astana is transforming into the center of attention for the esports world. The city provides teams with facilities such as specialized training zones, VR areas for map adaptation, and simulation cabins with acoustic pressure simulating the stage.

Related posts

Some people prefer not just to enjoy life, but to go to extremes and expose themselves to dangers that can turn any moment into the last. The most dangerous sports are those where adrenaline flows in the blood and every movement requires absolute concentration. So why do they choose them? For some it is a way to overcome fears, for others a unique opportunity to experience life up close. These extreme activities come with a high level of risk, which makes them both attractive and frightening.

Dangerous sports: The 5 deadliest high-risk sports

People love to tickle their nerves. Here are the most dangerous sports.

lex_1140_362_en.webp

1. base jumping – jumping into the void

Base jumping is jumping from fixed objects: Bridges, skyscrapers, cliffs. In base jumping, quick decision-making is extremely important, because a mistake is not just a mistake, but a judgement. In contrast to traditional skydiving, base jumping is characterised by its proximity to the ground and the minimal time it takes to open the parachute. The equipment is as light as possible and every jump is a risk, where even the slightest gust of wind can be fatal.

The most dangerous sports often involve activities that are literally a matter of life and death. Base jumping is a prime example of this.

Topics:

  1. Burj Khalifa, Dubai – 828 metres. The tallest building in the world, which has become a favourite, albeit extremely dangerous, destination for base jumpers.
  2. Trolltunga, Norway – 700 metres. A cliff at a height that attracts many extreme climbers.
  3. New River Gorge Bridge, USA – 267 metres. The ‘Basejumping Day’ is held here every year.
  4. Eiffel Tower, Paris – 324 metres. Although jumping is officially prohibited here, several athletes have broken the ban for the fun of it.
  5. Cable car in Chamonix, France – 3842 metres. Jumps from this height are particularly difficult and require extreme preparation.

Risks and injury statistics

Injury statistics for extreme sports show base jumping to be one of the most dangerous sports. According to the data, the risk of death is 1 in 60, which is many times higher than with normal skydiving. Even experienced athletes are often unable to avoid injuries: Injuries to the legs, spine and head are constant companions of this extreme hobby. It is not uncommon for base jumpers to encounter unexpected gusts of wind or obstacles that can be fatal.

Adrenalin and freedom

What drives people to jump into the void even though they know all the dangers? The answer is simple: adrenaline. It is the moment when everything else but the flight ceases to exist, when thoughts are only focussed on controlling the body and the fall. Why do people do dangerous sports? Because of the feeling of absolute freedom and true oneness with the world around them.

2. skateboarding in a halfpipe – the point of no return

Dangerous sports: The 5 deadliest high-risk sportsProfessional skateboarders reach great heights on the ramp, performing tricks that require not only precision but also complete confidence in their actions. One mistake and a fall is inevitable. The halfpipe is an area where every roll and every lift can lead to an injury. It is not for nothing that this sport is one of the most dangerous, as every trick requires maximum concentration and physical preparation.

Injuries and common mistakes

Skateboarding in a halfpipe is extremely traumatic. Athletes often suffer broken arms, sprains, head injuries and concussions. It is important to realise that even experienced skateboarders are not immune to mistakes. The difficulty of performing tricks and the unstable surface of the halfpipe often lead to loss of balance and falls that can result in serious injuries.

Adrenaline and drive

This sport is chosen by those who are not afraid to defy gravity and their own fears. Every trick is a moment of euphoria, when everything around you freezes and only the athlete and their board remain. Fans of extreme sports often describe this feeling as absolute freedom and an unrivalled feeling of elation.

3. surfing on big waves – friends with the ocean

A real challenge for the elements. The height of the waves can reach ten metres and more, and the power of the water is so great that it knocks over even the most experienced athletes. Surfers on big waves not only have to be able to catch the wave, but also distribute the forces correctly in order to survive in this dangerous battle. This sport is rightly on the list of risky sports, as any mistake can lead to tragedy.

Favourite locations:

  1. Joss Bay, Hawaii – up to 20 metres deep. One of the most famous surf spots, where waves can reach up to 25 metres in height.
  2. Nazari, Portugal – up to 30 metres deep. Some of the highest waves in the world have been recorded here, attracting experienced surfers.
  3. Pacific Ocean, Tavarua Island, Fiji – up to 15 metres deep. A popular spot known for its huge waves and challenging conditions.
  4. Mavericks, California, USA – up to 18 metres deep. A legendary spot where the waves can reach a height of over 15 metres and where extreme surfers compete every year.
  5. Tiaupu, Tahiti – up to 10 metres deep. The spot is famous for its powerful and fast waves, which pose a great risk even for professionals.

Danger of drowning and injury

Big waves are masses of water weighing tonnes that crash down on a person with incredible force. Injuries sustained by surfers include broken ribs, bruises, head and limb injuries. The greatest risk, however, is drowning. Many surfers report being swept away by a wave and then being unable to reach the surface for several seconds. Currents and whirlpools also add to the danger and make surfing big waves a real challenge.

Why do people love big waves?

The answer is the adrenaline and the feeling of being one with the ocean. For many, it’s a kind of meditation where you focus entirely on your body and the surrounding space and forget everything else.

4. mountaineering – the art of conquering heights

Mountaineering is a serious physical and psychological preparation. High altitudes, extreme weather conditions, the need to carry heavy equipment – all this makes it one of the most traumatic sports. Preparation for climbing takes months and even years, as every athlete must be prepared for all the possible dangers that await them along the way.

Favourite summits:

  1. Everest, Nepal/Tibet – 8,848 metres. The highest mountain in the world, which attracts thousands of mountaineers every year despite extreme weather conditions and altitude sickness.
  2. Kanchenjunga, Nepal/India – 8,586 metres. One of the most dangerous peaks, known for its avalanches and difficult routes.
  3. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania – 5,895 metres. The highest free-standing mountain in the world, popular with anyone who wants to try their hand at mountaineering.
  4. Aconcagua, Argentina – 6,961 metres. The highest peak in South America, the ascent of which is also associated with many dangers.
  5. Elbrus, Russia – 5,642 metres. The highest mountain in Europe, often used for training before more difficult climbs.

Injuries and fatal risks

The greatest risk in mountaineering is a fall. A mistake in insurance or a wrong step can cost lives. In addition, mountaineers are often confronted with problems such as lack of oxygen, frostbite, avalanches and falling rocks.

raken__1140_362_en.webp

Conclusion

3. surfing on big waves - friends with the oceanThe most dangerous sports are the favoured lifestyle for those who are prepared to go to extremes to experience sensations that are impossible in everyday life. Base jumping, skateboarding, surfing, mountaineering – each activity is a challenge that requires maximum effort. But it is precisely this challenge that makes them so appealing: Overcoming fear, pain and danger creates a real sense of freedom and joy.

PGL Astana 2025 is undoubtedly one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year in the world of Counter-Strike 2. The tournament promises to set new standards in organization and generously reward the scene’s best representatives. The prize pool for PGL Astana 2025 has been a central topic of discussion long before its launch, as it demonstrates not only the level of competition but also the growing interest in the discipline on a global scale. Astana will host the esports elite at the legendary Barys Arena in May 2025, and fans are already buying tickets to be at the center of the big show.

Structure and Numbers: Distribution of the PGL Astana 2025 Prize Pool

The prize pool for PGL Astana 2025 promises not only to maintain the high level of previous tournaments but to even raise the stakes further. The organizers have set an ambitious goal of making the event a record-breaking event in terms of the amount of rewards for participants.

Main parameters:

  • Total prize pool: USD 2,000,000;
  • First place – USD 850,000;
  • Second place – USD 400,000;
  • Third and fourth places – USD 200,000 each;
  • The remainder of the prize pool will be distributed among the teams finishing 5th through 16th.

This structure emphasizes the seriousness of the tournament and attracts even teams with little experience, as each participation phase offers a substantial amount of rewards. The PGL Astana 2025 prize pool encourages maximum effort at every stage of the competition.

Event features: Arena and tournament date

Structure and Numbers: Distribution of the PGL Astana 2025 Prize PoolThe Barys Arena in Astana is preparing to become the center of global esports in May 2025. The tournament will take place at Kazakhstan’s premier sports facility, known not only for its hockey matches but also for major esports events. The arena’s seating capacity is over 12,000, making it one of the largest venues in the region. This scale allows for not only accommodating an impressive number of spectators but also organizing additional activity zones: fan areas, photo zones, and VR platforms.

gizbo_1140_362_en.webp

The dates for PGL Astana 2025 were chosen taking into account the capital’s pleasant climate and the tourist season. May traditionally brings mild weather and a rich cultural program, providing an additional incentive for spectators to arrive early and combine participation in the tournament with a vacation in the city.

The technical part of the event deserves special attention. The organizers rely on state-of-the-art solutions: The stage is equipped with the highest quality LED panels, delivering crystal-clear images from any distance. The acoustic system is optimized for a large venue and creates the impression of being present on virtual battlefields. To eliminate even the slightest disruption during the broadcast, internet channels are allocated redundantly.

Participants and Entertainment: Teams and Show Program

PGL Astana 2025 brings together the elite of Counter-Strike 2. More than 20 teams from various parts of the world will participate in the tournament, including top teams from the CIS, Europe, America, and Asia. Participation from champions of recent Majors and top-class newcomers aiming to establish themselves among the world’s elite has already been confirmed. The prize pool of PGL Astana 2025 ensures intense competition from the very first matches.

Every phase of the tournament delivers drama: unexpected defeats for the favorites, thrilling overtimes, and comebacks that fans will remember forever. Classic clashes, such as clashes between European and CIS teams, promise maximum excitement. The PGL Astana 2025 prize pool serves not only as financial incentive, but also as a symbol of the prestige everyone strives to win.

The show program has been thought out down to the smallest detail. The organizers invited world stars of the stage and show business to perform between matches. The program includes master classes from professional players, themed competitions, and unique features such as VR zones where viewers can try on their skills as eSports athletes. Tickets for PGL Astana 2025 are now available in two formats: Standard and VIP. The latter offer access to private areas, private lounges, and the opportunity for personal interaction with teams and commentators.

Commentators and Media Support

PGL Astana 2025 takes broadcast quality to a new level. The tournament will be broadcast in several languages, including Russian, English, Chinese, and Spanish, ensuring a global audience. Live broadcasts will be accompanied by professional commentators and analysts known for their deep understanding of the game and their ability to captivate viewers throughout the day.

en_1140x464.gif

The organizers will involve experienced specialists with world-renowned names in the work. Each match will be covered with statistical analysis, predictions, and analysis of key moments. Special guests, including legendary players from the past, will enrich the tournament experience with exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes stories.

Media support will include live broadcasts as well as active coverage on social media. Viewers will receive daily video highlights, player interviews, and reports from the fan zones. The PGL Astana 2025 prize fund and its dynamics will also be the central focus of the information panel: updates on the amounts, distribution, and rewards for the top participants will be published daily.

Why PGL Astana 2025: The tournament’s significance for the CIS and the world

The Counter-Strike 2 tournament in Astana opens a new chapter in the region’s history. The prize fund of PGL Astana 2025 demonstrates the organizers’ confidence in the CIS’s potential as a center of global esports. This is a milestone that raises the bar for all future championships in this region. The participation of major brands, broadcasts on popular platforms, and active discussion on social media underscore the event’s importance for the entire industry.

Key tournament parameters:

  1. PGL Astana 2025 Prize Fund: Total pool: USD 2,000,000.
  2. PGL Astana 2025, Date: May 2025.
  3. PGL Astana 2025 Venue: Barys Arena, Astana.
  4. Spectators: Over 12,000 arena seats + millions of online viewers.
  5. Participants: The best teams from the CIS, Europe, America, and Asia.
  6. Broadcast: Multi-channel, with commentary in several languages.
  7. Show program: Star performances, ticket raffles, and fan zones.
  8. Ticket sales: Online and at the arena box office.
  9. Partners: The largest brands in the IT and eSports industries.
  10. Technical infrastructure: Modern equipment for broadcasts and spectators.

PGL Astana 2025 Prize Pool: Tournament Expectations and Potential

Participants and Entertainment: Teams and Show ProgramThe PGL Astana 2025 prize pool encourages teams to demonstrate their maximum skills and guarantees spectators a world-class spectacle. In May, Astana will become the epicenter of eSports, where every match will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last second.