Valve Confirms Counter-Strike 2 Major in Shanghai for 2024, Marking Series’ First-Ever China Debut

In a groundbreaking announcement for competitive esports, Valve has officially revealed that the next Counter-Strike 2 Major will take place in Shanghai, China in 2024. This move marks the first time in the franchise’s two-decade history that a Counter-Strike Major will be hosted in China, signaling a bold expansion into one of the world’s most gaming-centric markets.

The Shanghai Major, scheduled for December 2024, will close out a monumental year for Counter-Strike 2, which continues to gain momentum following its official launch. As Valve looks to cement CS2’s place in the evolving esports landscape, bringing one of its flagship tournaments to China is both a strategic and symbolic decision. China has long been a powerhouse in competitive gaming, particularly in games like Dota 2 and League of Legends, but Counter-Strike’s presence has historically been less dominant in the region. This Major could change that narrative.

Valve will partner with Perfect World, its official Chinese partner and local game publisher, to organize the event. According to insiders, the event will be held at one of Shanghai’s premier esports arenas, with state-of-the-art facilities and an audience capacity expected to rival any Western Major to date.

The announcement has already generated significant buzz across social platforms, both in China and internationally. Chinese esports fans have expressed excitement at finally seeing a CS Major on home soil, while players and organizations around the world are preparing for the challenge of competing in unfamiliar territory—both geographically and strategically.

This Major will also be a litmus test for how well Counter-Strike 2 is received in markets traditionally dominated by other FPS titles. The stakes are high—not just for the teams, but for Valve’s broader vision of global expansion for CS2. With Asia becoming an increasingly important region for esports growth, a successful Major in Shanghai could open doors for future investment and events in the region.

Expect additional details—including participating teams, format changes, and ticketing information—to be announced in the coming months as we gear up for what promises to be one of the most historic CS tournaments to date.