December 19, 2025

Team Vitality Celebrated in CS2 Budapest Major Autograph Capsule

Valve has officially closed the competitive chapter of Counter-Strike 2 in 2025 with a release that fans and collectors always look forward to: the Champions Autograph Capsule. Following Team Vitality’s triumph at the StarLadder Budapest Major, the new capsule celebrates the final Tier 1 event of the season and cements the team’s place in CS2 history.

For players and collectors alike, these capsules are more than cosmetic items. They represent legacy, dominance, and moments that define entire competitive eras. With Budapest now in the books, Vitality’s latest victory adds another layer to an already remarkable run.

CS2 Budapest Major banner - GGBoost

Team Vitality Wins the Budapest Major

Team Vitality’s Grand Final victory over FaZe Clan was not just another Major trophy. It marked the organization’s third Major win in just two years, an achievement no other team has managed in Counter-Strike history. In the CS2 era specifically, this is the second time Vitality has earned a Champions Autograph Capsule, reinforcing its status as the defining powerhouse of modern Counter-Strike.

The Budapest Major showcased a team firing on all cylinders. Strong tactical depth, individual consistency, and elite-level composure under pressure carried Vitality through one of the most competitive brackets of the year. Their Grand Final performance against FaZe was a statement win, closing the 2025 season with authority.

ropz and a Legacy Etched in Stickers

For Robin “ropz” Kool, the new capsule represents yet another milestone in an already legendary career. Budapest marks the fourth time ropz has appeared in a Champions Autograph Capsule, following victories at the Antwerp Major 2022 with FaZe Clan, the Paris Major 2023, and the Austin Major 2025.

Very few players reach this level of sustained excellence across multiple teams and game eras. ropz’s consistency has made him a fixture at the very top of Counter-Strike, and his continued presence in Major-winning rosters highlights why he remains one of the most respected players in the scene.

The Tradition of Major Victories

Valve introduced Champions Autograph Capsules at the Stockholm Major in 2021, and they have since become a core part of the Major experience. Each capsule acts as a digital time capsule, preserving the rosters that conquered the biggest stages in Counter-Strike.

With this latest release, Team Vitality becomes the first organization ever to receive three separate Champions Autograph Capsules. It is a historic achievement that underscores how dominant the team has been across multiple seasons, formats, and competitive metas.

The Budapest capsules were included as part of CS2’s December 18 update, which also brought new souvenir packages tied to each playoff match. For collectors, traders, and long-term fans, this update adds another layer of value to the Major ecosystem.

CS2 Budapest Major coin - GGBoost

The Broader CS2 Trends

While sticker capsules celebrate peak competition, the wider CS2 ecosystem continues to evolve. Many players still turn to third-party services to improve their matchmaking experience, including CS2 boosting services, skin markets, and alternative platforms like Faceit. Whether for time efficiency or skill plateaus, these services remain a visible part of the scene, especially as players chase a higher rank before the next season begins.

Major moments like Budapest often inspire renewed interest in ranked play, as fans log in hoping to replicate what they saw on the big stage.

Roster Changes in a New Season

With the off-season underway, teams are already making decisive roster moves. Team Spirit made headlines by benching Leonid “chopper” Vishnyakov and Ivan “zweih” Gogin, signaling a shift in direction ahead of 2026. Elsewhere, organizations like GamerLegion and Ninjas in Pyjamas have also adjusted their lineups as they prepare for the next competitive cycle.

These changes come with BLAST Bounty Season 1 looming on the calendar. Set to run from January 13 to 25, the tournament will feature 32 top teams competing in online qualifiers for eight LAN final spots. As the first Tier 1 event of 2026, it will set the tone for the entire year.

Counter-Strike 2 Esports in 2026

Before BLAST Bounty Season 1 kicks off, Valve is expected to roll out the January update to the Valve Regional Standings. The VRS plays a crucial role in determining invitations to high-profile tournaments, making it a key factor for teams aiming to secure early momentum in the new season.

Between historic capsule releases, shifting rosters, and a packed 2026 calendar on the horizon, Counter-Strike 2 enters the new year with more energy than ever. For fans, collectors, and competitors, the Budapest Major capsule is not just a celebration of the past, but a reminder that the next chapter is already underway.

 

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