The BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 is just around the corner, starting June 3 in Texas with a $1.25 million prize pool up for grabs. As the first Major of the year, it introduces a new 32-team format across four stages, setting the stage for thrilling competition. Israel’s CS2 pros are gearing up, and with the country’s rising talent pool, they could leave a mark. Let’s dive into the players, their journey to Austin, and how the surging skin market heightens the stakes.
What to Expect at the Austin Major
This year’s BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025 expands to 32 teams, featuring an opening stage in its Swiss format. Squads from Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific will face off, with 16 teams advancing through Major Regional Qualifiers (MRQs) starting in Stage 1. The event runs through June 22, delivering high-stakes matches, and rumors of map pool changes—like Train replacing Vertigo—might shift strategies. For those eager to explore the latest updates on teams and schedules, the comprehensive Major guide provides an in-depth look at what’s in store for this epic showdown.
Israel’s Rising CS2 Talent
Israel’s esports scene is on the rise, with standout players poised to shine on the global stage. Shahar “flameZ” Shushan, a key figure in Team Vitality’s 2023 championship run, delivers clutch plays and pinpoint aim, making him a top contender for Austin. Lotan “Spinx” Giladi, now with MOUZ, brings aggressive rifling and over $764,000 in career earnings, including a BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023 title with Vitality, showcasing his elite status. Guy “NertZ” Iluz, with ENCE, offers firepower and consistency, often stepping up in key moments, while Dor “xertioN” Böhm, also with MOUZ, adds versatility, bolstering recent podium finishes at BLAST Rivals and IEM Melbourne 2025. This talented lineup reflects Israel’s growing influence in CS2, supported by a skin market that reached a $5 billion valuation in May 2025.
The Road to Austin
The new MRQ system opens doors for Israeli talent to challenge global powerhouses. With qualifiers underway, teams like MOUZ (with Spinx and xertioN), ENCE (with NertZ), and Vitality (with flameZ) are in the running. The 32-team format boosts underdog regions like Israel, and the community on X is abuzz with predictions of standout performances. This excitement is partly fueled by the skin market’s recent volatility, with a 20% growth spurt over the past year driving a $1 billion increase in the last 90 days, though a $400 million drop to $4.5 billion in early May has traders on edge.
Why This Matters
The Austin Major offers Israel a chance to gain global recognition in esports. As CS2’s competitive scene evolves with new formats and rankings, the thriving skin market—where rare items like the Butterfly Knife Slaughter have jumped from $2,400 to $3,000 in May 2025—adds extra incentive. StatTrak™ Factory New skins, up 15% this year, and the M4A4 Howl, up 35-40% since late 2023 to an average of $7,500, highlight the market’s momentum, pushing players to perform. These athletes could elevate their profiles, drawing sponsors and fans, and their success might set the tone for the StarLadder Budapest Major in December, proving Israel’s CS2 talent is a force to reckon with.
Keep an eye on flameZ, Spinx, NertZ, and xertioN as they chase glory in Austin, where the skin market’s growth amplifies the stakes. This could be their moment to blend local pride with global impact. Tune in and see how CS2’s future takes shape on this massive stage!
This article was written in cooperation with CSMarketCap