With the StarLadder CS2 Major in Budapest now concluded, it is time to look back. Representing EarlyGame, I was on site and had the opportunity to take part in the ZOWIE Media Tour on the first day of the playoffs, gaining exclusive insights into the work of one of the most influential brands in competitive Counter-Strike.
ZOWIE has been a cornerstone of professional esports for many years and served as the official monitor partner at the Budapest Major. Ahead of the playoff matches, the company invited selected media representatives to the MVM Dome to showcase its latest developments and to share the philosophy that has driven its close collaboration with teams and players from the competitive scene for over a decade, especially within Counter-Strike. Several former and active professionals are still directly involved in ZOWIE’s work today, including former Major champion Richard “shox” Papillon.
Player-Centered Design and Long-Term Vision
A key part of the Media Tour was the presentation by Celsa Wu, Head of Esports Business at BenQ Europe B.V., who provided in-depth insight into ZOWIE’s player-centered design approach. In her extended presentation, she explained how product development, scientific research, and direct feedback from professional players are closely interconnected at ZOWIE. The goal is not to add features for their own sake, but to create tangible advantages for competitive play.
She was joined by Jay Wu, President of BenQ Europe B.V., who outlined the company’s broader vision for the future of competitive gaming. Both emphasized that ZOWIE develops its products not for the mass market, but specifically around the needs and expectations of professional players, and intends to further strengthen this approach moving forward.
In Focus: The XL2586X+ Monitor
For us, the clear focus of the tour was the new XL2586X+ monitor, which was also used as the official display throughout the Budapest Major. Designed for top-level competition, the monitor highlights ZOWIE’s ambition to actively shape tournament standards. Beyond learning about the technical background, attendees were able to test the monitor themselves and experience the differences in gameplay first-hand.
ZOWIE powers the game in Budapest.
— ZOWIE Esports Europe (@ZOWIE_EU) November 6, 2025
Reuniting with @StarLadder_CS for the CS2 Major Budapest 2025, we are powering every stage of the competition with the ZOWIE XL2586X+ 600Hz Gaming Monitor for Esports, trusted by 88% of CS2 pros worldwide.
Level up as one. All the way... pic.twitter.com/LYAIgo8CZs
The presentation was rounded out by insights into ZOWIE’s long-term development process. Through its dedicated Sports Science Labs, the company works closely with professional players to translate real in-game demands into product design. By combining scientific analysis with extensive hands-on testing, ZOWIE aims to develop hardware that delivers consistent performance even during long tournament days. This close exchange with the competitive scene is one of the key reasons why ZOWIE hardware has been a constant presence on the biggest Counter-Strike stages worldwide.
More Than Just a Product Showcase
Overall, the Media Tour offered more than just a look at new hardware – it provided insight into the mindset of a brand that sees itself as an integral part of the competitive ecosystem. Especially in the context of a Major, it became clear how closely technology, players, and tournaments are connected at ZOWIE – true to its guiding principle: Level Up as One.
In closing, a big thank you to ZOWIE for the invitation and the on-site insights. The open exchange and the opportunity to experience products and ideas directly in the Major environment made the Media Tour a valuable part of the Budapest trip.