Valve replaced Counter-Strike 2's randomized Major sticker capsules with a direct-purchase system ahead of IEM Cologne, triggering immediate financial consequences for esports organizations. Gaimin Gladiators shut down its Counter-Strike division on June 22, explicitly citing recent changes to the Major ecosystem and revenue structure. The overhaul allows users to spend tokens on specific team or player stickers rather than opening randomized packs, a shift Valve attributed to direct-purchase demand from some players and regional restrictions on randomized products in certain jurisdictions. Early payout reports show one Stage 1 team earned approximately $60,000 under the new model, compared to around $600,000 from the previous Budapest Major's Contender sticker capsules before player splits. The revenue compression has disrupted the esports team financing model, where Major sticker sales historically funded salaries, transfers, and seasonal travel costs.
Valve Implements Direct-Purchase Sticker System and Teams Report Revenue Decline
Valve replaced Counter-Strike 2's randomized Major sticker capsules with a direct-purchase system ahead of IEM Cologne. Major stickers are cosmetic decals of team logos and player autographs that fans apply to in-game weapons. Until this year, stickers arrived in randomized capsules where fans bought sealed packs and opened them hoping for rare holo or gold variants, similar to physical trading-card packs.
Under the previous system, Valve routed 50% of Major Shop and Major pass revenue into a royalty pool, splitting it 5% to the tournament organizer and 45% among the 32 teams. Each team's share was set by its Valve Regional Standings rank and Major performance. Valve separately mandated an automatic 50-50 split between each team and its players, replacing terms organizations had previously negotiated individually.
One team eliminated in Stage 1 told esports website HLTV it earned approximately $60,000, with another $60,000 distributed to its players. The report compared that figure with the previous Major in Budapest, where Contender sticker capsules made around $600,000 before any split with players. SINNERS co-founder Moritz Straube said his club spent between $25,000 and $35,000 on first-quarter flights and hotels while pursuing Major qualification, expecting the sticker payment to recover those costs.
The payout figures are self-reported samples rather than audited tournament totals. HLTV's report stated many organizations declined to report figures because of confidentiality agreements signed with Valve. The developer-publisher has not published Cologne's complete sales or royalty data. Gaimin Gladiators shut down its Counter-Strike division on June 22, explicitly citing recent changes to the Major ecosystem and revenue structure.
Valve said capsules were popular but that some players preferred buying specific stickers, and users in certain regions could not purchase randomized products.
New York Attorney General Sues Valve Over Loot Box Gambling Allegations
The capsule overhaul arrived three months after New York Attorney General Letitia James sued Valve, alleging that Counter-Strike loot boxes function like illegal gambling and expose younger players to casino-style mechanics. Valve has not identified the New York case or gambling regulation as the reason it ended sticker capsules. The company continues to contest the attorney general's allegations.
BLAST Partners With Polymarket and Teams Sign Betting Sponsors
Tournament organizer BLAST named Polymarket its official prediction partner for 2026, integrating the platform across seven Counter-Strike and Dota 2 events through broadcasts, analyst-desk segments, arena branding and fan activations.
NAVI lists GG.BET as its title partner and Limitless as its official prediction-market partner, with the latter deal kicking off at the IEM Cologne Major. G2 placed crypto casino Betpanda on its Counter-Strike jerseys as its global betting partner for 2026.
Traders recently placed more than $558,000 on Esports World Cup events. Riot Games made Kick an official broadcaster after previously restricting betting sponsors. The Paris tournament carries a $75 million prize pool.
FAQ
What did Valve change about Counter-Strike 2 stickers ahead of IEM Cologne?
Valve replaced randomized Major sticker capsules with a direct-purchase system, allowing users to spend tokens on specific team or player stickers instead of opening randomized packs.
Why did Gaimin Gladiators shut down its Counter-Strike division?
Gaimin Gladiators shut down its Counter-Strike division on June 22, explicitly citing recent changes to the Major ecosystem and revenue structure implemented by Valve.
How much did one Stage 1 team earn under the new sticker system?
One team eliminated in Stage 1 told HLTV it earned approximately $60,000, with another $60,000 distributed to its players, compared to around $600,000 from the previous Budapest Major's Contender sticker capsules before player splits.
