Data and integrity infrastructure provider Runestone has signed a two-year commercial partnership with the HLTV Awards, establishing the firm as an official partner for the annual Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) awards gala.
The agreement extends Runestone’s footprint across tier-one CS2 ecosystem milestones through the 2026 and 2027 award cycles.
The next edition of the HLTV Awards (presented by 1xBet) is scheduled to take place at the Sava Center in Belgrade, Serbia, on 9 January 2027. It expects to gather over 1,000 players, talent, and industry executives. The ceremony honours the top performing teams, individual players, and community milestones across the 2026 competitive season.
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“The HLTV Award Show is the pinnacle event for the professional CS2 scene, celebrating the year’s top players, most dominant teams, and the unforgettable clutch moments that define the esport,” stated Joakim Nissbrandt, Head of Marketing at Runestone. “We are thrilled to announce a new two-year partnership with HLTV for the awards, bringing data and integrity directly to the forefront of the Counter-Strike community. Supporting this scene is an absolute privilege, and being part of celebrating its excellence has never been more exciting.”
The agreement marks another commercial milestone for the technology firm, which was founded one year ago by industry veteran Shane Clarke. The HLTV partnership follows the confirmation of Runestone as the Official Data and Integrity Partner for Perfect World’s winter CS2 Major in China in late 2027. That deal secures a three-Major consecutive streak for the startup, spanning PGL Major Singapore 2026, FiReMAJOR Buenos Aires 2027, and the Chinese event, following its initial Major debut at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025.
Beyond Counter-Strike, Runestone has rapidly built a multi-title portfolio across both PC and mobile esports ecosystems. Its multi-year agreement with PGL also includes Dota 2 and, in 2026, the firm closed data and integrity agreements with SURGE and NODWIN Gaming for Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB), as well as a partnership with inclusivity-focused operator Raidiant for Overwatch. Additionally, the startup operated as title partner for Global Esports Industry Week 2026, cementing its position as a primary data provider across global esports operations.
Disclaimer: Runestone maintains an active partnership with The Esports Radar.
