Valve Teases Possible Best-of-Five Grand Finals for Future CS2 Majors

The PGL Bucharest 2025 Grand Final delivered one of the most intense showdowns in recent Counter-Strike history, stretching across all five maps of a full Bo5 series — with several matches decided by razor-thin margins. Following the event, well-known blogger Ozzny praised the format on social media, suggesting that Valve should adopt it for future official tournaments.

In a surprising twist, Valve responded to his post with a Shrek GIF, sparking immediate speculation across the community. Many fans took this as a potential hint that the developers might be considering a switch to Best-of-Five grand finals at upcoming Majors.

A Familiar Pattern: Valve’s Shrek GIF and Subtle Hints

This isn’t the first time Valve has responded to Ozzny in this fashion. Roughly a year ago, during a discussion about m0NESY’s highlights, the same blogger joked about the player’s dislike for Vertigo, writing:

“And he hates Vertigo… Think about it.”

Valve’s reply back then? The same Shrek GIF.

Just a few months later, in January 2025, Valve released a major update that removed Vertigo from the active map pool and brought back the fan-favorite Train. The timing has led many to believe that Valve uses such posts as cryptic teasers for future changes.

Could Bo5 Finals Be the Next Big Step?

The next Counter-Strike 2 Major, hosted by StarLadder in Budapest, is scheduled for November 24 – December 14, 2025. According to the official rulebook, all playoff matches, including the grand final, are currently set as Best-of-Three series.

However, the debate over Bo5 grand finals has been ongoing for years — ever since the early CS:GO era. While some argue that longer finals offer a more complete test of skill and endurance, others believe they may drag on too long.

With CS2’s MR12 format shortening match lengths, many in the community now see Best-of-Five finals as more feasible and exciting than ever before.

The Bottom Line

Valve’s playful response might not confirm anything outright, but given the studio’s history of subtle hints, the Shrek GIF could once again be a signal of change. If the pattern holds true, fans might see Bo5 grand finals become the new standard in Counter-Strike 2 Majors — adding even more depth and drama to the game’s biggest stages.