The StarLadder Budapest Main marked a historic second for Workforce Vitality, as they turned the primary group to say back-to-back Majors in CS2. The MVM Dome was electrical all through the Playoffs and Grand Remaining, with ZywOo and firm dominating on stage.
However behind each clutch play and exact flick was the {hardware} that powered all the occasion. ZOWIE, the official monitor and peripheral associate, outfitted each participant station. On the eve of the Playoffs, we received 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 standard 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, and so they shared detailed insights into the corporate’s philosophy.
At its core, ZOWIE prioritizes skilled participant suggestions above the whole lot else. They don’t chase developments or advertising and marketing hype, however as a substitute depend on data-driven improvement by their devoted Sports activities Science Labs.
These amenities make use of superior methods, corresponding to movement seize techniques to investigate participant actions, electromyography (EMG) testing to measure muscle fatigue throughout prolonged periods, and rigorous real-world testing with energetic 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 underneath the strain 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 execs worldwide. Degree up as one. All the best way…”
— 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 incorporates a Quick-TN panel able to hitting a formidable 600Hz refresh charge, paired with DyAc 2 expertise—a proprietary blur discount characteristic that minimizes movement artifacts and display screen shaking.
Through the hands-on portion of the tour, we had the prospect to check the monitor ourselves on a demo setup. The readability throughout fast actions stood out instantly. Fast AWP flicks felt sharper, enemy fashions remained crisp throughout sprays, and total monitoring was noticeably smoother in comparison with lower-refresh-rate options.
For gamers competing in best-of-three or best-of-five sequence that may stretch over hours, these small edges compound into important 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 event setting just like the StarLadder Budapest Main, the place consolation and consistency are essential, this degree of customization helps forestall pressure and maintains peak efficiency from the Group Stage all the best way to the Grand Remaining.
ENET Will get Palms-On With The EC3-DW 4K Mouse
Displays might 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 execs, persevering with the legacy of the EC sequence that dates again to inspirations from CS legends like HeaToN.
We received to grip and check the mouse throughout the session. Its symmetrical form accommodates numerous grip types: claw, palm, or fingertip, whereas the lowered weight and easy glide make it really feel easy in prolonged use. Responsiveness was speedy, with no noticeable lag in monitoring.
The R&D course of behind it mirrors the screens, using a science-backed strategy to product improvement.
Specifically, ZOWIE makes use of EMG scans to assist decrease muscle fatigue over lengthy matches, whereas movement seize ensures pixel-perfect accuracy. These aren’t superficial tweaks, both. They’re knowledgeable by actual event situations, the place execs may 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 primarily based 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 by to the high-drama Playoff bouts and the final word showdown within the MVM Dome. Seeing Workforce Vitality elevate 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 fairly than flash.
We’d like to increase our gratitude to Michael Decker from TARGET Esports Leisure, in addition to Celsa Wu, Jay Wu, and all the ZOWIE group 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 lined as a part of the media tour. Full editorial independence was maintained all through this protection.
References
XL2586X+ Official Monitor of CS2 Budapest Main 2025Â (ZOWIE)
Innovation that Powers Esports Efficiency (Zowie.benq)
