A massive $1 million prize pool, a Valve-sanctioned Closed Qualifier, six regional series, and a LAN Finals—these aspects solidify the Thunderpick World Championship (TWC) 2025 as an unmissable, top-tier Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) event.
For the third consecutive year, we continue to improve and refine our annual World Championship event, culminating in TWC 2025, which stands proudly alongside ESL, BLAST, and PGL.
The tournament follows the esports feast that was the TWC 2024, which concluded with The MongolZ defeating HEROIC with a 3-1 score in a best-of-five slugfest. What does this year hold? We can’t wait to see what happens! For now, let’s jump in and discuss what CS2 esports fans can expect from the TWC 2025, including details on the first of the six regional series.
What Fans Can Expect From TWC 2025
This year’s TWC will commence on April 28 and continue through the spring and summer months. The festivities kick off with six regional series played online across three continents: North America, Europe, and South America. These regional series adhere to the Valve Tier 2 Tournament Rules and Regulations, where teams will compete for coveted spots in the Closed Qualifier.
The Closed Qualifier follows Valve’s new tournament system, with all regulations in place to ensure fairness. The Closed Qualifier leads up to the TWC 2025 Final, a Valve Tier 1 LAN event that will take place in mid-October 2025.
You’ll find the six regional series listed below.
- EU Series 1
- EU Series 2
- NA Series 1
- NA Series 2
- SA Series 1
- SA Series 2
Each of the six regional series features a prize pool of $25,000, with $20,000 going to the winner and $5,000 to the runner-up. That’s a combined prize pool of $150,000 in the regional series, and a whopping $850,000 to fight for in the LAN Final. The winners of each series will advance to the Closed Qualifier, scheduled to take place in September, where 16 teams will compete for four spots in the LAN Final.
We’ve previously mentioned that the TWC 2025 tournament is an unmissable experience from start to finish, but don’t just take our word for it. The proof’s right there in last year’s epic Grand Final between The MongolZ and HEROIC. You can watch the match in its entirety below to get a sample of what’s to come.
INSERT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqhF915Vfmk
As the first regional series concludes, we will provide more information about the subsequent online events, including a complete schedule, format, and participating teams. We recommend all fans stay tuned to our esports blog and bookmark our dedicated Thunderpick World Championship page.
Past Champions & Grand Final Scores
We’ve made it abundantly clear that the hype for the TWC 2025 is at fever pitch. A big reason for our collective excitement is the wonderful experience for the fans, teams competing, and staff at previous Grand Finals.
Take a quick look at the past champions, runners-up, and the scores in the Grand Final outlined below.
| Tournament | Winner | Runner-Up | Grand Final Score |
| TWC 2023 | FaZe Clan | Virtus.pro | 2-0 |
| TWC 2024 | The MongolZ | HEROIC | 3-1 |
Will one of our past champions become the first-ever TWC repeat winner, or will another team emerge victorious? We can’t wait to find out when the TWC 2025 LAN Finals take place in October.
First Up—EU Series 1
We are kicking off the TWC 2025 in style with the EU Series 1, overflowing with CS2 esports action as 24 teams compete for glory. The event runs from April 28 to May 7 online via European servers.
EU Series 1 begins with a Group Stage, which will feature 16 teams divided into four GSL-style groups. The top two teams from each group (a total of eight) will advance to the single-elimination bracket, joining the eight teams directly invited to the Playoffs Stage. The winner will earn a spot in the Closed Qualifier and $20,000, while the second-place team will earn $5,000 for their efforts.
EU Series 1 marks the official start to the TWC 2025, and we’re thrilled to join CS2 esports fans across the globe in the excitement of watching all the action live. Tune in to our dedicated TWC 2025 page to watch it all unfold, and check out our CS2 betting section if you want to place wagers.
Teams Competing In TWC 2025 EU Series 1
The TWC 2025 EU Series 1 is packed with talented CS2 teams that can light up a server, including the likes of ENCE and fnatic, as they compete for a single spot at the Closed Qualifier.
There are also TWC veterans in attendance, including OG, who finished in 4th place at TWC 2024, and Monte, who earned a 3rd/4th place finish at TWC 2023. In the EU Series 2 last year, Zero Tenacity finished in 2nd place, narrowly missing their chance to compete at the TWC 2024, while BetBoom finished 4th.
Playoffs Stage Teams:
- 500
- OG
- BetBoom
- fnatic
- ENCE
- NAVI Junior
- Metizport
Group Stage Teams:
- Iberian Soul
- SINNERS
- Aurora
- ECSTATIC
- CYBERSHOKE
- Passion UA
- ECLOT
- Fire Flux
- Monte
- Delta
- Sashi
- Zero Tenacity
- RUSH B
We invited 22 teams based on Valve Regional Standings (VRS) as of April 8, 2025, and two Wildcards to round out the 24 squads competing at the TWC 2025 EU Series 1.
The EU Series 1 is just the beginning. Next up is the TWC 2025 North America Series 1, which will take place from May 8 to 16.
TWC 2025 Is Just Getting Started
Above all else, TWC 2025 serves as a spotlight on global talent. It reflects how far the CS2 scene has come and where it’s headed next. For fans, it’s a front-row seat to that evolution. For players, it’s a shot at making history. This year is about setting new standards, breaking expectations, and showing why CS2 remains at the heart of competitive gaming.
Keep up with every second of the action at our dedicated Thunderpick World Championship hub!
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