Counter-Strike
Counter-Strike
Recent CS2 ban wave punishes cheaters during live games
Fariha Bhatti
The latest CS2 ban wave has rid the game of thousands of cheaters and account boosters, and fans are over the moon. Valve recently announced Overwatch’s return, a feature that will allow trusted players to investigate suspicious games. This update was well-received by players who are tired of playing unfair games. Although it is not a direct upgrade to the anti-cheat system, it is a step in the right direction. …
Counter-Strike
Players hopeful after Valve adds Overwatch to expose CS2 cheaters
Fariha Bhatti
Overwatch is back in CS2, but to be able to get access, you must be a trusted player. Counter-Strike 2 may be a new game but has the same old problems. Cheaters are as common in CS2 as in CSGO, but Valve has taken a step in a positive direction to tackle the problem. With the return of Overwatch, Valve is seeking the community’s help to weed out the cheaters. …
Counter-Strike
Valve replaces Overpass with Dust2 as the new CS2 map
Fariha Bhatti
A popular Counter-Strike map is returning to active duty in place of Overpass, Valve has announced. April 25 patch notes in CS2 are packed with game-changing updates. From allowing the left-hand model to a newly adjusted bob movement, the latest release notes have pleased the fans. That’s not all. The sizeable update also tweaks the active duty map pool and existing locations in CS2. If you liked Dust2, we have …
Counter-Strike
How to play with the left-hand model in CS2
Fariha Bhatti
Counter-Strike 2 has been out for half a year without a left-handed view model. Now, Valve is allowing CS2 viewmodel commands, and players are over the moon. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive was known for its high level of customizability, allowing players to use console commands to change various aspects of the game, such as the viewmodel and bob command. However, when Valve shifted the game to Source 2, players were disappointed to …
Counter-Strike
Features of CS2 Premier Mode
William Davis
With the release of CS on the new engine, shooter players got access to a completely new game mode – Premier. It has its own advantages and features, which are important for every player to know about. This article written by Volodymyr Huda is dedicated to a new game mode in which each player can unleash their potential. You can also learn more about top CS2 teams and players, for …
Counter-Strike
Game-breaking bug makes CS2 cheat commands accessible to all
Fariha Bhatti
VAC may not be the best anti-cheat in the world, but Counter-Strike 2 cheats are expensive and hard to obtain. However, a new bug allows everyone to wallhack in CS2 using sv_cheats commands. CS2’s cheating problem is no breaking news. It’s as old as the game itself, and despite Valve’s efforts, it continues to deteriorate. In CSGO, cheaters ran rampant, so when CS2 was announced, players expected Valve to nip …
Counter-Strike
s1mple explains why CS2 Premier still “sucks”
Fariha Bhatti
After taking a break right after the release of Counter-Strike 2, legendary pro player Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyljev has re-emerged with a not-so-hot-take regarding CS2. s1mple took a break from competitive gaming when CS2 was released. While some claimed it had to do with his statement regarding CS2 being unplayable, that wasn’t the case. However, his recent post on X leaves no doubt about how s1mple truly feels about CS2 — …
Counter-Strike
PashaBiceps is biking overseas to watch CS2 Copenhagen major
Fariha Bhatti
Keeping up with his tradition of traveling to Counter-Strike 2 majors in a unique style, former pro player Jarosław “PashaBiceps” Jarząbkowski is now pulling up to CS2 PGL Copenhagen 2024 on a water bike. PashaBiceps has proven his true love for CS2 and esports time and time again. While he has a stellar track record as a pro player, the fans adore him for his passion for the game. Last …
Is CS2 down? How to check CS2 server status
Fariha Bhatti
Counter-Strike
Counter-Strike 2 undergoes regular maintenance every week. Here’s how to check the CS2 server status to find out why your game isn’t launching. Valve takes CS2 back to the shop each week to iron out bugs and ensure a quality gaming experience. This is called scheduled maintenance, but sometimes CS2 can go down for unscheduled maintenance as well. This often happens when game-breaking bugs need a hotfix. Scheduled maintenance takes …
These are the best CS2 cases to open in 2024
Fariha Bhatti
Counter-Strike
CS2 case openings can be fun or dramatic. By choosing the best CS2 cases to open in 2024, you can increase your odds of landing decent skins. Counter-Strike 2 skin enthusiasts with loaded wallets can buy a skin at any time, but the rush that comes with unlocking a case is unmatched. However, players who are trying to save money often go for unlocking cases and hope for the best. …
What are the most valuable skins in CS2 in 2024
William Davis
Counter-Strike
CS2 skins are worth their weight in gold, especially the rare ones that have become scarce over time. Here are the most valuable skins in CS2. Players worldwide have different views on skins in video games. For many, they are a way to add a personalized touch to their characters and in-game weapons, while others turn in-game items into collectibles or use them online to make money. Skin prices can …
PGL CS2 Copenhagen Major 2024 Viewer Pass explained
Fariha Bhatti
Counter-Strike
Counter-Strike 2 players can get their hands on coveted skins and in-game items by purchasing the PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen 2024 Viewer Pass and nailing their Pick’Ems. The 2024 Viewer Pass will allow players to participate in the PGL Major Copenhagen from home by making their picks. By making correct predictions, players can win valuable items, including souvenir tokens, event coins, and souvenir packages that house coveted skins and stickers. …
Strange CS2 bug makes players miss easy jumps
Fariha Bhatti
Counter-Strike
Has your movement in CS2 become cluttered in the last month? You’re not alone. A bug is causing bad jumps even for the best players in CS2. In February, Valve rolled out a new game mode alongside some other updates for Counter-Strike 2. The Arms Race update was a pleasant addition but has left some bugs in its wake. During the last 30 days, players have complained about failing their …
CS2 players unhappy with Copenhagen Major 2024 stickers
Fariha Bhatti
Counter-Strike
Valve has just unveiled the latest stickers for PGL Copenhagen Major 2024. However, it seems that the designs and theme of the stickers have not quite hit the mark with some players. PGL Copenhagen Major 2024 kicks off on March 17. While esports fans remain eager to watch their favorite teams battle it out for the lion’s share of $1,250,000, the skin community, eagerly awaiting the release of new stickers, …
Here’s how to inspect CS2 skins that you don’t own
Fariha Bhatti
Counter-Strike
Before spending on gaming equipment or virtual skins, it’s best to examine each pricey item in real-time. But how do you inspect a CS2 skin when you haven’t yet purchased it? Counter-Strike 2 skins are worth their weight in gold, and only those who are truly passionate about virtual items would ever splurge on rare items. If you’re careful with your money but want to treat yourself to a pricey …
Rewind: Team Vitality’s triumph at BLAST Premier World Final 2023
William Davis
Counter-Strike
Counter-Strike is a game series that has been attracting new audiences for more than 2 decades. After all, its mechanics, fun gameplay, and competitiveness are beyond any other game in the genre. Speaking of competitiveness, there are tons of tournaments and leagues held for Counter-Strike each year. One of those leagues is the BLAST Premier League. For that reason, we rewind and see how the latest BLAST Premier World Final …
How to enable net graph in CS2
Fariha Bhatti
Counter-Strike
Competitive players were disappointed when they discovered that CS2 would not include the net graph. Fortunately, it’s now possible to check ping and FPS in real-time. Even the most minor fluctuations in network digits in high-stakes games can change the outcome. For this reason, serious players in CS2 liked to keep their net graph turned on at all times. CS2 ping and FPS overlay is one of the most useful …
CS2 players are unhappy with Deathmatch spawns
Fariha Bhatti
Counter-Strike
Counter-Strike 2 players are again upset at Valve, but it’s for a different reason – a refreshing change from the usual complaints about hacks. Players think CS2 Deathmatch needs another workshop visit for its broken spawns. DM mode is crucial in any shooter 5v5 game. Competitive players in CS2 used to look at community servers for their practice routines, but since Valve removed the 128 tick with sub tick, many …
Who is donk in CS2? All we know about the new rifler
Fariha Bhatti
Counter-Strike
Who is the young star behind Team Spirit’s historic clean sweep against FaZe Clan at IEM Katowice 2024? Here’s what we know about the Russian superstar Danil “donk” Kryshkovets in CS2. The Russian squad beat the FAZE Clan legends at the Grand Finals, taking home $400,000 out of IEM Katowice 2024’s US$1 million prize pool. A young rifler helmed Team Spirit’s smooth win at IEM Katowice. Following Team Spirit’s triumph …
Here’s how to change your mic in CS2
Fariha Bhatti
Counter-Strike
Communication is crucial in CS2, but new in-game settings are slightly complicated. If your mic isn’t picking audio in CS2, here’s what to do. Counter-Strike 2 is one of those FPS games that require constant communication and coordination among teammates. Without communication, you’re as good as dead. For that, you need a functioning microphone and headphones. Not just that, your mic should be crisp and clean. Otherwise, a simple misunderstanding …
Counter-Strike has long been among the biggest titles in esports and competitive gaming, even going back to esports’ deepest roots from decades past. What’s more, the game continues going strong today, with developer and publisher Valve releasing the latest iteration of the franchise in 2023. The newest version, Counter-Strike 2, has not been without its issues. But its popularity continues the enduring prominence of the Counter-Strike series, signaling that the venerated franchise is likely here to stay for many years yet to come.
But how did the franchise come be to so prominent in the esports space, and role does CS2 have to play in the industry moving forward?
Counter-Strike has roots in the beginnings of esports
Counter-Strike was unquestionably one of the biggest drivers of what we would today consider to be early professional esports movement. It was far from alone, and it wasn’t the most advanced. That likely was StarCraft: Brood War, a real-time strategy game from famed developer Blizzard that caught on in South Korea and led to a professional scene in the country well ahead of any examples of esports industry elsewhere in the world.
But outside of Korea, Counter-Strike quickly became the driving force behind competitive gaming and esports. First released in 1999 as a modification for popular first-person shooter Half-Life, the game was easy to pick up and play for many gamers. Half-Life was borderline ubiquitous software for gamers with a PC, and adding a mod to it was as simple as downloading and applying said mod. So it was that Counter-Strike began to catch fire and spread across the world.
As it spread, so too did its competitive play. Early competitions often centered around online play, most prominently including the Cyberathlete Amateur League (CAL) in North America and the Clanbase Eurocup in Europe. But live, in-person tournaments, similar to those enjoyed by StarCraft players and fans in Korea, were also rising in prominence.
Within just a few years, there were a number of major annual tournaments being held for the original version of Counter-Strike. Notable international tournament organizers included the Cyberathlete Professional League (CPL) in the United States, the Electronic Sports World Cup (ESWC) in France, and the World Cyber Games (WCG) in Korea. This was in addition to many other regional tournaments through which teams could test their mettle and battle over smaller prizes.
But even at bigger tournaments, prizes weren’t what they are today, and in general there was far less money available to professional Counter-Strike players than there is in today’s thriving esports industry which sees many players and teams playing at the full-time pro level. That’s a far cry from a time when perhaps a small handful of players were able to make a true living through playing CS alone, and even them, it was often a modest one.
Counter-Strike 2 at the fore of a bigger esports scene than ever before
Counter-Strike 2 was released to a far different esports space than that which the original Counter-Strike occupied. But what exactly is it that has changed the scene so much, besides the accrual of years?
Esports betting is at the top of the list. The sports betting industry is growing and expanding around the world each and every year, and esports has absolutely been a part of that. As esports betting continues to grow and thrive, it brings its benefits to the games that are being bet on. And Counter-Strike 2 is at the top of that list.
These benefits have arrived through a myriad of means. Fan interest in tournaments has gone up and become more consistent with betting markets available for each and every game played, which further incentivizes tournament organizers and their sponsoring partners. But those partners are also now more likely to work with the pro teams and players themselves. Betting operators are among the most common and most generous sponsors in the pro CS2 space, showing how esports betting’s rise has contributed to Counter-Strike’s continued prominence in esports and competitive gaming as a whole.
