The StarLadder Budapest Main marked a historic second for Group Vitality, as they turned the primary staff to assert back-to-back Majors in CS2. The MVM Dome was electrical all through the Playoffs and Grand Last, with ZywOo and firm dominating on stage.
However behind each clutch play and exact flick was the {hardware} that powered the complete occasion. ZOWIE, the official monitor and peripheral associate, outfitted each participant station. On the eve of the Playoffs, we bought unique entry to their media tour, providing a uncommon glimpse into how the model helps the skilled scene.
The Setup: A Low-Key However Insightful Occasion
In contrast to the bustling sponsor cubicles open to followers and attendees, ZOWIE opted for an intimate, closed-door session explicitly geared toward media. This allowed for deeper conversations with out the same old occasion chaos.
Main the tour have been Celsa Wu, Head of Esports Enterprise at BenQ Europe, and Jay Wu, President of ZOWIE. Their presence underlined the significance of the partnership with StarLadder, they usually shared detailed insights into the corporate’s philosophy.
At its core, ZOWIE prioritizes skilled participant suggestions above every part else. They don’t chase traits or advertising hype, however as an alternative depend on data-driven growth via their devoted Sports activities Science Labs.
These services make use of superior methods, akin to movement seize programs to research participant actions, electromyography (EMG) testing to measure muscle fatigue throughout prolonged classes, and rigorous real-world testing with lively professionals.
A notable determine nonetheless concerned is shox, the French veteran and 2014 CS Main champion with LDLC. Even after transitioning away from full-time competitors, he contributes as a tester, offering enter that helps make sure the merchandise maintain up below the stress of high-stakes tournaments.
“ZOWIE powers the sport in Budapest. Reuniting with @StarLadder_CS for the CS2 Main Budapest 2025, we’re powering each stage with the ZOWIE XL2586X+ 600Hz Gaming Monitor for Esports, trusted by 88% of CS2 professionals worldwide. Degree up as one. All the way in which…”
— ZOWIE Esports Europe
Diving Into the XL2586X+: The Monitor Powering The Main
The plain star of the tour was the XL2586X+, the official gaming monitor deployed throughout all competitors levels in Budapest. This mannequin includes a Quick-TN panel able to hitting a formidable 600Hz refresh charge, paired with DyAc 2 know-how—a proprietary blur discount characteristic that minimizes movement artifacts and display screen shaking.
In the course of the hands-on portion of the tour, we had the possibility to check the monitor ourselves on a demo setup. The readability throughout speedy actions stood out instantly. Fast AWP flicks felt sharper, enemy fashions remained crisp throughout sprays, and general monitoring was noticeably smoother in comparison with lower-refresh-rate alternate options.
For gamers competing in best-of-three or best-of-five sequence that may stretch over hours, these small edges compound into vital benefits. The economic-grade stand additionally deserves point out: it gives intensive adjustability for peak, tilt, swivel, and pivot, permitting every participant to dial of their excellent ergonomic setup.
In a match setting just like the StarLadder Budapest Main, the place consolation and consistency are essential, this stage of customization helps stop pressure and maintains peak efficiency from the Group Stage all the way in which to the Grand Last.
ENET Will get Fingers-On With The EC3-DW 4K Mouse
Displays could have dominated the dialog, however ZOWIE additionally showcased their newest mouse, the EC3-DW 4K. This light-weight peripheral is designed with direct enter from professionals, persevering with the legacy of the EC sequence that dates again to inspirations from CS legends like HeaToN.
We bought to grip and check the mouse throughout the session. Its symmetrical form accommodates varied grip types: claw, palm, or fingertip, whereas the decreased weight and clean glide make it really feel easy in prolonged use. Responsiveness was fast, with no noticeable lag in monitoring.
The R&D course of behind it mirrors the displays, using a science-backed method to product growth.
Particularly, ZOWIE makes use of EMG scans to assist reduce muscle fatigue over lengthy matches, whereas movement seize ensures pixel-perfect accuracy. These aren’t superficial tweaks, both. They’re knowledgeable by actual match circumstances, the place professionals would possibly play a number of maps in a single day.
ZOWIE’s Enduring Presence In Counter-Strike
ZOWIE’s involvement in Counter-Strike esports goes again to 2010, making them one of many longest-standing {hardware} companions within the scene. Over time, they’ve sponsored occasions, collaborated with groups, and iterated on merchandise based mostly on evolving gameplay calls for—from CS:GO to the transition into CS2.
In Budapest particularly, their gear was current from the early Swiss Stage matches at MTK Sportpark via to the high-drama Playoff bouts and the final word showdown within the MVM Dome. Seeing Group Vitality carry the StarLadder Budapest Main trophy on ZOWIE-equipped levels felt like a becoming fruits of that long-term dedication.
With adoption charges as excessive as they’re and groups like Vitality reaching unprecedented success, ZOWIE stays a quiet however important pillar of aggressive CS2. Occasions just like the ZOWIE Media Tour spotlight why putting a powerful give attention to sensible, player-centric innovation slightly than flash.
We’d like to increase our gratitude to Michael Decker from TARGET Esports Leisure, in addition to Celsa Wu, Jay Wu, and the complete ZOWIE staff for the invitation and the clear look behind the scenes. Entry like this helps remind everybody that whereas gamers get the glory, dependable {hardware} is what allows these moments.
Disclaimer: Esports.internet attended the ZOWIE Media Tour on the StarLadder Budapest Main 2025 on the invitation of TARGET Esports Leisure. Journey and lodging have been coated as a part of the media tour. Full editorial independence was maintained all through this protection.
References
XL2586X+ Official Monitor of CS2 Budapest Main 2025 (ZOWIE)
Innovation that Powers Esports Efficiency (Zowie.benq)
