Where to Pick'em on Austin Major 2025: Guide & Tips

In 2025, the competitive CS2 scene is at a turning point at the BLAST.tv Austin Major. Can Vitality’s prime cement their era with a sixth consecutive tournament win, giving them undisputed legend status?

As the world gears up for the upcoming events, the Pick’Em Challenge offers a new way to test your game knowledge while earning exclusive prizes. We’ve got you covered for both new and experienced players, including information on Diamond Coins and more in this guide.

The Austin Major 2025: Format, Dates, and Vitality’s Dominance

Held under the BLAST.tv banner, the Austin Major runs from May 31 to June 16, 2025. The tournament features a traditional three-stage format — Challengers, Legends, and Champions — with a $1.25 million prize pool and 24 elite teams in competition. Team Vitality enters the event as the heavy favourite, having dominated the previous season with consecutive S-Tier wins. Their momentum makes them a top contender for the victory. They are already considered the strongest team of the CS2 era and have cemented their place in the game's history. However, this trophy carries more weight than any other, and adding a Major victory to their streak would be the most defining checkpoint of the Vitality era.

How to Submit Pick’Em Predictions in CS2

To access Pick’Em, players must purchase a Viewer Pass from the in-game store. Once activated, it unlocks the Pick’Em interface where predictions are submitted before each stage begins. For the opening Swiss Stage, you must choose one team to go 3-0, one to go 0-3, and six more to advance. Points are awarded only for correct outcomes in each exact category, so timing and accuracy are essential. Predictions must be locked in before the first match begins.

If you want to enhance your BLAST Austin Major 2025 viewing experience, we suggest you try CS2 Pick'Em from our friends at Xplay.gg! You will be able to make predictions on the outcome of Major matches and get skins for correct predictions. The more accurate your predictions are, the higher your place in the leaderboard will be. Players from the Top 100 of the leaderboard will receive the coolest rewards: skins and xcoins - the site's currency, which can be exchanged for skins in their store.

Strategic Tips for Pick’Em Success

Understanding team form, LAN performance, and potential upsets is key to maximising your points. Here's a strategic breakdown of high-risk and safe picks, ideal for your 3-0, 0-3, and advancement slots on the first stage:

Using OG or B8 in the 3-0 slot is tempting, but risky — if they qualify with a single loss, you miss out on crucial points. Instead, secure them in the advancement row. Meanwhile, teams like Chinggis Warriors and Legacy have shown little promise and are safe bets for the 0-3 pick.

Pick’Em Medals in CS2: History and Current Rewards

Pick’Em medals in Counter-Strike date back to the CS:GO era, first introduced at the Katowice 2014 Major. These cosmetic badges reward accurate predictions across all stages. In CS2, the system remains mostly unchanged: you start with a bronze coin and upgrade it to silver, gold, or diamond by reaching set milestones through each stage. The Austin Major 2025 medal features a stylised skyline of Texas with a blue-gold gradient, making it a standout collectable for fans.

Viewer Guide: How to Watch the Austin Major

The entire Major will be broadcast live on YouTube and Twitch, with BLAST.tv providing the official streams. Streams are available in multiple languages, with match replays and analysis segments for those who miss the live action. Make sure to follow the schedule closely, as your Pick’Em entries are locked once the first round begins.