The StarLadder Budapest Major marked a historic moment for Team Vitality, as they became the first team to claim back-to-back Majors in CS2. The MVM Dome was electric throughout the Playoffs and Grand Final, with ZywOo and company dominating on stage.

But behind every clutch play and precise flick was the hardware that powered the entire event. ZOWIE, the official monitor and peripheral partner, equipped every player station. On the eve of the Playoffs, we got exclusive access to their media tour, offering a rare glimpse into how the brand supports the professional scene.

The Setup: A Low-Key But Insightful Event

Unlike the bustling sponsor booths open to fans and attendees, ZOWIE opted for an intimate, closed-door session explicitly aimed at media. This allowed for deeper conversations without the usual event chaos.

Leading the tour were Celsa Wu, Head of Esports Business at BenQ Europe, and Jay Wu, President of ZOWIE. Their presence underlined the importance of the partnership with StarLadder, and they shared detailed insights into the company’s philosophy.

At its core, ZOWIE prioritizes professional player feedback above everything else. They don’t chase trends or marketing hype, but instead rely on data-driven development through their dedicated Sports Science Labs.

These facilities employ advanced techniques, such as motion capture systems to analyze player movements, electromyography (EMG) testing to measure muscle fatigue during extended sessions, and rigorous real-world testing with active professionals.

A notable figure still involved is shox, the French veteran and 2014 CS Major champion with LDLC. Even after transitioning away from full-time competition, he contributes as a tester, providing input that helps ensure the products hold up under the pressure of high-stakes tournaments.

“ZOWIE powers the game in Budapest. Reuniting with @StarLadder_CS for the CS2 Major Budapest 2025, we are powering every stage with the ZOWIE XL2586X+ 600Hz Gaming Monitor for Esports, trusted by 88% of CS2 pros worldwide. Level up as one. All the way…”

— ZOWIE Esports Europe

Diving Into the XL2586X+: The Monitor Powering The Major

The undeniable star of the tour was the XL2586X+, the official gaming monitor deployed across all competition stages in Budapest. This model features a Fast-TN panel capable of hitting an impressive 600Hz refresh rate, paired with DyAc 2 technology—a proprietary blur reduction feature that minimizes motion artifacts and screen shaking.

During the hands-on portion of the tour, we had the chance to test the monitor ourselves on a demo setup. The clarity during rapid movements stood out immediately. Quick AWP flicks felt sharper, enemy models remained crisp during sprays, and overall tracking was noticeably smoother compared to lower-refresh-rate alternatives.

For players competing in best-of-three or best-of-five series that can stretch over hours, these small edges compound into significant advantages. The industrial-grade stand also deserves mention: it offers extensive adjustability for height, tilt, swivel, and pivot, allowing each player to dial in their perfect ergonomic setup.

In a tournament setting like the StarLadder Budapest Major, where comfort and consistency are crucial, this level of customization helps prevent strain and maintains peak performance from the Group Stage all the way to the Grand Final.

ENET Gets Hands-On With The EC3-DW 4K Mouse

Monitors may have dominated the conversation, but ZOWIE also showcased their latest mouse, the EC3-DW 4K. This lightweight peripheral is designed with direct input from pros, continuing the legacy of the EC series that dates back to inspirations from CS legends like HeaToN.

We got to grip and test the mouse during the session. Its symmetrical shape accommodates various grip styles: claw, palm, or fingertip, while the reduced weight and smooth glide make it feel effortless in extended use. Responsiveness was immediate, with no noticeable lag in tracking.

The R&D process behind it mirrors the monitors, employing a science-backed approach to product development.

In particular, ZOWIE uses EMG scans to help minimize muscle fatigue over long matches, while motion capture ensures pixel-perfect accuracy. These aren’t superficial tweaks, either. They’re informed by real tournament conditions, where pros might play multiple maps in a single day.

ZOWIE’s Enduring Presence In Counter-Strike

ZOWIE’s involvement in Counter-Strike esports goes back to 2010, making them one of the longest-standing hardware partners in the scene. Over the years, they’ve sponsored events, collaborated with teams, and iterated on products based on evolving gameplay demands—from CS:GO to the transition into CS2.

In Budapest specifically, their gear was present from the early Swiss Stage matches at MTK Sportpark through to the high-drama Playoff bouts and the ultimate showdown in the MVM Dome. Seeing Team Vitality lift the StarLadder Budapest Major trophy on ZOWIE-equipped stages felt like a fitting culmination of that long-term commitment.

With adoption rates as high as they are and teams like Vitality achieving unprecedented success, ZOWIE remains a quiet but essential pillar of competitive CS2. Events like the ZOWIE Media Tour highlight why placing a strong focus on practical, player-centric innovation rather than flash.

We’d like to extend our gratitude to Michael Decker from TARGET Esports Entertainment, as well as Celsa Wu, Jay Wu, and the entire ZOWIE team for the invitation and the transparent look behind the curtain. Access like this helps remind everyone that while players get the glory, reliable hardware is what enables those moments.

Disclaimer: Esports.net attended the ZOWIE Media Tour at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 at the invitation of TARGET Esports Entertainment. Travel and accommodation were covered as part of the media tour. Full editorial independence was maintained throughout this coverage.

References

1. XL2586X+ Official Monitor of CS2 Budapest Major 2025 (ZOWIE)
2. Innovation that Powers Esports Performance (Zowie.benq)