New CS2 VRS update removes multi-region representation

Valve has released an update to its Valve Regional Standings (VRS) model for Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) esports.

As a result, teams fielding rosters containing players from multiple regions will now only appear on a single list within the VRS system.

The adjustment to the VRS comes after an earlier update to Valve’s Major Supplemental Rulebook, which updated how the Major region of a team is defined, along with how invitations are distributed to teams fielding a roster with the same amount of multi-regional representation.

Prior to the change, teams without a regional majority and a tie between two regions had the ability to select which region to represent. Now, teams are automatically assigned to the stronger region.

“Updating regional representation so teams only appear on a single VRS list. In the case of a tie, the team is assigned to the stronger of the two regions,” reads Valve’s changelog.

As a result of Valve’s adjustment, Team Liquid, which has three European players, will now appear on the European regional standings. Elsewhere, currently Wildcard fields two North American and two European players. For the Budapest Major, the team will receive an invite to the European MRQ as the region with the highest representation.

Adjustments to regional standings aren’t the only change Valve has made in recent weeks. On June 12th, 2025, CS2’s developer and publisher cancelled MRQs for the StarLadder Budapest Major days after announcing the qualification dates for each region.

Instead, VRS will act as the sole determining factor to decide the 32 teams competing at the second Major of 2025.

These adjustments will come into effect for the Budapest Major, taking place in the Hungarian capital from November 24th to December 14th, 2025.

Elsewhere, Valve has joined forces with peripherals manufacturer SteelSeries to launch a limited-edition Dragon Lore collection based on the iconic AWP skin launched in 2014.