Veterans of the First Major Return at StarLadder Budapest 2025

The upcoming StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 will bring a truly historic moment for Counter-Strike fans — four participants from the very first Major in 2013 will once again take the stage at the biggest tournament in the world. We’re talking about Dan “Apex” Madesclaire, Freddy “Krimz” Johansson, Finn “Karrigan” Andersen, and Nicolai “Device” Reedtz, who all played at DreamHack Winter 2013, the event that marked the beginning of CS:GO’s competitive era.

More than a decade later, this legendary quartet is back — now competing at a Counter-Strike 2 Major. Apex will represent Team Vitality, Karrigan — FaZe Clan, Device — Astralis, and Krimz — Fnatic. Each of them onward through a new era of Counter-Strike, establishing themselves as veterans and poster children for longevity.

Apex and Karrigan also remain record holders for the most Major appearances, standing as living legends of the scene. Among organizations, NAVI holds the record for attending every Counter-Strike Major to date.

All 32 Teams Confirmed for StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 in CS2

The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 will take place from November 24 to December 12, and the participation of these four veterans adds a special historical significance to the event — a true meeting of Counter-Strike’s past and future.