The monthly Valve Regional Rankings (VRS) update always sparks heated discussion in the esports community. The September 2025 rankings not only determine the 16 invitation slots for the PGL Bucharest Masters but also serve as a crucial milestone for each team’s end-of-season sprint. The following are expanded observations on several key teams:
1. Spirit: A New Overlord Rising to the Top
Recap:
Following consecutive victories at IEM Cologne and BLAST Bounty Season 2, Spirit capitalized on their momentum to climb to the top of the global rankings, overtaking Vitality, who had long held the top spot.
Future Outlook:
With this momentum and accumulated experience, Spirit, if they can maintain a stable roster and form, could become a favorite to win future Masters and even Majors. They will need to continue climbing the points ladder in subsequent RMR or Tier-S tournaments to solidify their lead.
2. Aurora: A Finals Performance Engine, Striving for a Top-Ranked Position
Recap:
Aurora’s run in the Esports World Cup finals saw them leap from 11th to 6th place.
Future Outlook:
This team is building a reputation both domestically and internationally through major performances. If they can maintain their performance in subsequent tournaments, Aurora will not only secure a spot in the Masters, but also potentially expand beyond Asia and become a formidable force on the international stage.
3. 3DMAX: Boosted by a Championship, Back in the Spotlight
Recap:
3DMAX won the Perfect World Challenge Series 1 championship, rocketing from 13th to 8th place.
Future Outlook:
This short burst of performance is noteworthy, but it presupposes maintaining a stable roster and strategic diversity. If they continue to gain points in smaller LAN tournaments like the Birch Cup and FERJEE RUSH, 3DMAX has the potential to consolidate their Masters ranking and even achieve a breakthrough.
4. Falcons: Bucharest Championship, Despite Slight Fluctuations in the Rankings
Recap:
Although the Falcons maintained their position at the top of the rankings from 3rd place in the September rankings, they put in an impressive performance at the PGL Bucharest Masters, ultimately defeating G2 Esports to claim the championship.
Future Outlook:
Winning the championship not only boosts points but also creates a psychological and brand advantage. If they can maintain their dominance, the Falcons will have a stronger voice in future international seasons, attracting more attention and sponsorship.
5. FaZe, FURIA, and Passion UA: A rebuilding season amidst crisis
FaZe & FURIA:
Both fell out of the top 10, dropping from 8th to 12th, and from 6th to 10th, respectively.
Passion UA:
Following a complete failure in DraculaN Season 1, they plummeted from 20th to 33rd, practically missing qualification.
Future Outlook:
These teams are currently in a period of transition. Restructuring their roster, strengthening their training, and participating in small LAN tournaments are their paths back to the top. Noteworthy events: FERJEE RUSH and Birch Cup could provide them with room for growth.
6. Small LAN Tournaments: Their Strategic Value is Rising
Despite limited prize pools (e.g., Poland’s Birch Cup, approximately $15,000, Brazil’s FERJEE RUSH, approximately $27,000), these tournaments bring together many top teams, and their results factor into the VRS rankings, making them a strategically valuable springboard for reaching the Masters.
Key Stats Review
Spirit: Worldwide #1 (↑)
Aurora: From #11 to #6
3DMAX: From #13 to #8
FaZe: From #8 to #12
FURIA: From #6 to #10
Passion UA: From #20 to #33
Sort by: HLTV VRS September Update
Conclusion
September VRS The rankings not only reflect the current team landscape but also foreshadow the future competitive landscape:
Spirit is on a strong rise and is currently in a period of dominance;
Aurora and 3DMAX have emerged as strong contenders thanks to key tournaments and possess tremendous potential;
Falcons have proven their strength and possess the tools for continued breakthroughs;
FaZe, FURIA, and Passion UA face rebuilding challenges, with smaller tournaments being key to their comebacks;
Beyond the online rankings, the importance of smaller LAN tournaments continues to grow, becoming a crucial variable in determining a team’s future.
This CS2 ranking competition isn’t just about climbing the numbers; it’s a comprehensive test of competitive form, strategic planning, and future opportunities.