Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) is a tactical first-person shooter developed by Valve and Hidden Path Entertainment. Released in 2012, it’s the fourth game in the iconic Counter-Strike series, boasting over 25 million copies sold. As one of the most-watched esports titles, CS has reached a record of 2.7 million peak viewers and millions of active players. You can easily trace the popularity of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive esports in competitive gaming to multiple qualities. Some of which include its high skill ceiling, team-based strategy, and highly rewarding global tournaments. It has hosted evens with prize pools as high as $2 million. The game’s deep mechanics and thrilling competitive scene make it a cornerstone of esports.

If you’re new to the scene, our Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Esports Guide is a great way to explore what makes it tick. We explore its major tournaments, best teams and players, and its current meta.

Counter Strike: Global Offensive Esports Guide: Summary and Overview

CS: GO has a rich history in the esports world, beginning with its release in 2012. Over the years, the game has grown to become one of the most significant esports titles. Its competitive journey started with smaller tournaments, but by 2013, Valve introduced the first official Major, DreamHack Winter. Then, this CS major had a $250,000 prize pool to its name.  

The Major Circuit quickly gained prominence, becoming the most prestigious event in the CS: GO scene. Its esports scene has become highly competitive, with teams like FaZe Clan and Natus Vincere dominating. Legendary players like S1mple and ZywOo have risen to stardom through their performances in these events.

As of 2024, CS: GO Esports tournaments have massive prize pools, and top teams compete globally, cementing their legacies. With the release of Counter-Strike 2, this esport’s future is brighter than ever.

Key Tournaments and Information:

Major Tournaments	Region	Current Champion	Prize Pool	Tournament Dates
CS2 Major Championship	Global	Natus Vincere	$1,250,000	March 17 – 31, 2024
CS Asia Championships	Asia	FaZe Clan	$500,000	November 30 – December 15, 2024
Intel Extreme Masters	Global	Team Vitality	$1,000,000	Oct 07 – 13, 2024
Esports World Cup	Global	Natus Vincere	$1,050,000	Oct 01 – 13, 2025
YaLLa Compass	Global	The MongolZ	$400,000	Jun 05 – 09, 2024
BetBoom Dacha	Global	Team Spirit	$505,000	Aug 24 – Sep 01, 2024
ESL Pro League	Global	Natus Vincere	$750,000	Sep 03 – 22, 2024
BLAST Premier	Global	Team Vitality	$1,000,000	Oct 30 – Nov 03, 2024
Thunderpick World Championship	Global	FaZe Clan	$850,000	Oct 21 – Nov 03, 2024

Major Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Esports Tournaments

Counter-Strike Major Championships, or “Majors,” are the pinnacle of CS: GO esports, sponsored by Valve. The CS esports scene is defined by its prestigious tournaments, many of which are sponsored by Valve and feature teams from around the world.

The structure of the CS:GO esports ecosystem is globally divided, with teams competing in regional leagues before advancing to international tournaments. Similar to games like League of Legends, CS:GO esports features Regional Major Rankings (RMRs) to determine which teams qualify for major tournaments. 

These RMR events are held across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, creating opportunities for regional champions to battle on the global stage. Teams progress through stages such as the Opening Stage, Elimination Stage, and Legends Stage based on their performance in regional qualifiers, and the strongest teams secure spots in the prestigious Major tournaments.

PGL Major Copenhagen 2024

The PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 marks the first-ever Counter-Strike 2 Major Championship and is the twentieth Counter-Strike Major overall. Held from March 17 to 31, 2024, at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen, Denmark, it featured a prize pool of $1.25 million. Twenty-four teams qualified from regional qualifiers to compete, and the Ukrainian team Natus Vincere (NaVi) triumphed after a thrilling 2-1 victory over FaZe Clan. This Major set the tone for CS2 esports, showcasing the game’s evolution and competitive spirit.

Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024

The Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 will take place from November 30 to December 15, 2024, in Shanghai, China. It will host 16 elite teams vying for a share of the $1.25 million prize pool. As one of the premier events in Asia, this Major underscores the growing importance of the region in CS2’s global competitive scene. Teams from across Asia will battle for regional supremacy, while global powerhouses will compete to assert their dominance on Chinese soil.

BLAST Austin Major 2025

Scheduled for June 9 to June 22, 2025, the BLAST Austin Major 2025 will feature 16 of the world’s top teams, all competing for a $1.25 million prize pool in Austin, Texas. Known for its vibrant esports culture, BLAST tournaments bring high production value and intense competition, making this Major a must-watch event. As part of the global circuit, the BLAST Austin Major will offer thrilling matches between the world’s best teams and serve as a key event in the CS2 competitive calendar.

These Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Esports tournaments not only offer huge prize pools but also allow teams to etch their names in esports history, providing thrilling moments for fans worldwide.

Third-Party Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Esports Tournaments

Third-party tournaments are hosted by organizations independent of Valve and contribute significantly to the esports ecosystem. These tournaments offer additional competition for top teams and can include direct invitations. Some notable third-party tournaments include:

These Tier 1 tournaments provide major prize pools and elite competition.:

• CS Asia Championships
• Esports World Cup
• YaLLa Compass
• BetBoom Dacha
• ESL Pro League
• BLAST Premier

Tier 2 & 3 third party tournaments include the following: 

• Elisa Masters Espoo
• ESL Impact League 
• FiReLEAGUE Global 
• Skyesports Masters 
• MESA Nomadic Masters 
• Fragadelphia
• Svenska Cupen 

Tier 2 and 3 tournaments, such as Elisa Masters Espoo and Fragadelphia, offer opportunities for semi-professional teams to compete and gain exposure.

Amateur and Semi-Pro Scenes

The amateur and semi-pro scene in CS: GO is the breeding ground for the next generation of esports stars. Aspiring players who want to make it to the professional level follow a clear, although challenging, path from casual play to pro status. Here’s a simplified roadmap for players aiming to go pro:

• Develop Your Skills: Mastering the game mechanics, strategy, and communication is key. Players need to practice regularly and continuously improve their gameplay by identifying their weaknesses and working to overcome them.
• Join Online Platforms: Platforms like Faceit and ESEA host amateur tournaments. These events allow new players to compete in a more structured environment. These platforms offer ladders and rankings that help players track their progress.
• Find a Team: Once a player has developed their skills, the next step is joining a semi-pro team. This allows players to build teamwork and communication skills that are vital in professional play.
• Compete in Regional Leagues and Tournaments: As players grow, they can compete in local and regional tournaments. They often stepping into RMR events to begin accumulating points and making their way toward the pro scene.
• Get Coaching: Many semi-pro teams benefit from having a coach who can offer guidance, analyze team strategies, and ensure that players continue to grow both individually and as a team.
• Network and Engage with the Community: Building connections in the esports community can open doors for players. You can achieve this through networking at events or interacting with fans and other players on social media.
• Stay Consistent and Enter Every Possible Tournament: One of the most important aspects of going pro is competing. Consider participating in every tournament available, regardless of the size or prize pool. Every game is an opportunity to showcase talent.

Best Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Esports Teams

In the competitive world of CS: GO, several teams have risen to the top, consistently performing in major tournaments. These teams are known for their teamwork, strategy, and individual skills that, combined, make them nearly unstoppable. Here are some of the best CS: GO esports teams:

Natus Vincere (NAVI)

NAVI is one of the most iconic teams in CS: GO history. Known for its star player, s1mple, who is often regarded as one of the greatest CS: GO players of all time, NAVI has consistently been a top contender in global tournaments. They won the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024, their second Major title, showcasing their dominance in the new Counter-Strike 2 era.

FaZe Clan

FaZe Clan has long been a powerhouse in the CS: GO scene. The team had an impressive run in 2023, winning significant tournaments such as IEM Sydney and ESL Pro League Season 17. FaZe is renowned for its skilled players like Ropz and has a reputation for delivering under pressure in high-stakes matches.

Team Vitality

This French-based team, led by the superstar player ZywOo, has been consistently strong in recent years. Vitality had an outstanding 2023, winning several prestigious events, including the BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023. ZywOo, often considered one of the best players in the world. He leads the charge with his extraordinary precision and game sense.

G2 Esports

G2 Esports had a standout year in 2023, winning two Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) tournaments in Cologne and Katowice. With a highly skilled roster, including players like NiKo and m0NESY, G2 has become one of the most consistent teams in the CS: GO esports scene.

Heroic

The Danish team Heroic also had a strong year in 2023, securing victories at the BLAST Premier: Spring Final 2023. Their high-performance teamwork and strategic play make them a regular contender in top-tier events.

Best Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO) Esports Players

In CS: GO, individual players have risen to legendary status through their incredible skills, precision, and consistency in high-pressure tournaments. Here are some of the best players in the scene:

Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev – Natus Vincere (NAVI)

Widely regarded as the greatest CS: GO player of all time, s1mple has continuously wowed fans with his impeccable gameplay. Known for his accuracy and versatility, s1mple has won numerous MVP awards, including HLTV’s Player of the Year in 2018. His ability to turn the tide of a match almost single-handedly has earned him a loyal global fanbase.

Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut – Team Vitality

Another player who has been hailed as one of the best in the world is ZywOo. Since joining Team Vitality, he has proven his mettle by consistently performing at the highest level. ZywOo’s precision and game sense make him a formidable opponent, and his four-year contract extension in 2020 solidified his status as a key figure in CS: GO esports.

Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz – Astralis

dev1ce is a legendary Danish player known for his calm demeanor and consistent performances. With over 30 international titles and 19 MVP awards, dev1ce has long been a staple in the top rankings of CS: GO. His ability to maintain focus and execute precise shots, especially with the AWP, has earned him a lasting legacy in the esports community.

Nikola “NiKo” Kovač – G2 Esports

A master rifler, NiKo has been a dominant force in the CS: GO scene for years. Known for his aggressive playstyle and incredible aim, NiKo has played for several top teams, including FaZe Clan and G2 Esports. He has consistently been ranked among the best players globally, with a standout performance that saw him secure 52 kills in a single map.

Robin “ropz” Kool – FaZe Clan

Ropz, a player from Estonia, is celebrated for his calculated playstyle and ability to deliver clutch moments. His rise to fame with FaZe Clan, including securing the MVP title at ESL Pro League Season 15, solidified his position as one of the best in the game.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Esports Meta and Strategy

Here are the strongest strategies making waves in the CS:GO esports scene. 

Current Meta

The current CS2 meta revolves around the balance between economic management, weapon choice, and strategic utility usage. The shift from CS: GO to CS2 has brought changes in map dynamics and weapon performance. However, classic firearms like the AK-47, M4A1-S, and AWP remain the preferred choices among professional players. These weapons provide high damage and accuracy, fitting into the fast-paced, tactical playstyles of top teams.

Utility usage is more critical than ever. Teams focus on grenade strategies—smokes, flashes, and molotovs—to control areas of the map and gain a tactical advantage. This tactical aspect has remained a key part of competitive play, with teams carefully planning their economy around when to buy weapons and utility.

Popular Strategies

Top teams rely on a combination of aggressive and defensive strategies to outplay opponents. Some of the most commonly used tactics include:

• Default Spread: Teams spread across the map to gather information and identify weaknesses in the opposing defense before executing a site push.
• Mid Control: Gaining control of the middle of the map is a standard strategy, especially on maps like Mirage and Dust II, where mid provides access to multiple bomb sites.
• Execution Strategies: Teams use a coordinated barrage of smokes, flashes, and molotovs to execute a planned attack on a bombsite, isolating defenders and blocking key sightlines.
• Fake Plays: Pretending to attack one bombsite while moving toward another, confusing the opposing team.
• Aggressive Pushing: Taking early map control with fast, aggressive pushes to overwhelm the defense, often used by teams with strong individual firepower.

Patch Impact

The most recent major update, released in August 2024, brought several significant changes that have impacted the esports scene:

• Map Adjustments: Maps like Mirage, Inferno, and Overpass received changes, such as fixing bugs, improving grenade clipping, and addressing stuck spots for the C4 bomb. These updates have improved map fluidity and encouraged more consistent gameplay.
• Weapon Balancing: The performance of key weapons, such as the M4A1-S, was tweaked, balancing out close- and long-range engagements. These changes have forced players to rethink their weapon choices and adapt their strategies accordingly.

These patches, along with the ongoing balancing of weapons and maps, ensure that the CS2 meta remains dynamic, continuously challenging professional teams to innovate and refine their strategies.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Esports Viewership and Fan Engagement

Every Counter-Strike: Global Offensive esports tournament draws in thousands of viewers looking to see their favorite team do battle. Here are the numbers on this passion and how you can join the club.

Viewership Stats

CS: GO continues to attract massive viewership during its major tournaments. Notably, the PGL Major Stockholm 2021 reached an all-time peak of 2,748,434 viewers, making it one of the most-viewed events in esports history. In 2024, the PGL Major Copenhagen hit a peak of 1,853,954 viewers. IEM Cologne reached 1,051,810 viewers, and IEM Katowice saw 972,312 viewers. The game has been watched for over 499.7 million hours on Twitch this year, with an average of 78,476 viewers at any time​.

Streaming Platforms

Fans can enjoy live CS: GO matches on several platforms:

• Twitch: The most popular platform for live esports streams.
• YouTube: A hub for live streams and replays of major events.
• Steam.tv: Valve’s platform for official tournament broadcasts.

Fan Communities

CS: GO fans gather in various online communities to discuss the game and follow esports:

• CS: GO Subreddit: One of the most active CS: GO discussion forums.
• CS: GO Discord: A platform where fans and players interact and share insights.

Merchandise and Sponsorships

Fans can buy official CS:GO merchandise on platforms like Valve’s Store, Etsy, and Amazon. Major Counter Strike esports sponsors include Intel, Acer Predator, DHL, Qiddiya, Monster Energy, U.S. Air Force, Logitech G, Gaming Malta, GG.BET, Tradeit.gg, Revolut,  NVIDIA, and Logitech. These brands support these tournaments, creating a deeper connection with fans through giveaways and special collaborations.​ 

​Latest Big News about Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Esports 

Here are some of the latest news shaping the world of Counter Strike esports. We reveal the challenges, controversies, and more. 

Esports Challenges

Recent studies have shown that participating in high-level CS:GO esports tournaments induces significant physiological stress, affecting players’ heart rates and blood pressure. Although these changes do not seem to differentiate winners from losers, they highlight the physical and mental toll of competitive gaming. Researchers suggest further investigation into the stress responses observed during live tournaments with high stakes, such as large prize pools or championship matches​.

Controversies

The CS2 Major Copenhagen 2024 sparked controversy when protests disrupted a key quarter-final match between G2 Esports and MOUZ. The protests were linked to a feud between gambling websites, with individuals storming the stage and creating a PR nightmare for event organizers. This incident led to several teams withdrawing from the upcoming CSGOEmpire Cup, citing concerns over the event’s handling and its association with skin-gambling websites. 

Future Outlook

With Counter-Strike 2 on the horizon, the future of CS: GO esports looks exciting as such fans look forward to esports career opportunities. The game’s updated mechanics and maps have breathed new life into the competitive scene. However, Valve has made some changes to the upcoming tournaments’ ranking system in 2025. They hope to move towards a more structured official ranking system. The organizes expect to reshape how teams qualify for Majors and third-party tournaments, signaling a shift in how teams prepare and strategize.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Esports Guide: How to Get Involved

Here’s how you can join the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive esports train. It doesn’t matter if you’re a pro or someone picking a controller for the first time. You can always find a space in competitive gaming. 

For New Players and Aspiring Pros

If you’re aiming to break into the CS: GO esports scene and make some cool money, here are some top tips to help you get started:

• Practice Your Aim Daily: Use maps like Aim_botz or tools like Aim Lab to improve your aim.
• Learn the Maps: Understand key areas and rotations on popular maps like Dust 2 and Mirage.
• Master the Weapons: Learn recoil patterns for weapons like the AK-47 and M4A1-S in Deathmatch mode.
• Use Utility Effectively: Practice with grenades, smokes, and flashbangs to improve your strategic gameplay.
• Watch Professional Matches: Study how pros play and learn from their tactics.
• Play Regularly: Consistency is key; play every day to build muscle memory.
• Join Online Tournaments: EsCharts is a great platform for starting your tournaments. It provides exposure to esports enthusiasts worldwide and offers live coverage of your events. Other platforms like Faceit and ESEA offer opportunities to compete.
• Focus on Communication: Coordinate with teammates and improve your game awareness.
• Warm-Up Matches: Always warm up in Deathmatch or with bots before jumping into a competitive match.
• Manage Your Game Settings: Adjust your sensitivity and mouse settings to suit your playstyle.

For Fans

As a fan, there are multiple ways to engage with the CS:GO esports community:

• Reddit: Join the vibrant CS:GO Subreddit to discuss tournaments, strategies, and updates.
• Facebook: Follow CS:GO Esports official page for news, match highlights, and community interaction.
• Discord: Connect with fellow fans and players in dedicated CS:GO Discord servers. Chat, form teams, or follow the latest matches.

Final Thoughts

CS: GO has solidified itself as one of the most iconic esports games, known for its intense strategy, teamwork, and high-stakes tournaments. Its massive global fanbase and legendary players make it a must-follow for any esports enthusiast. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned fan, CS:GO’s ever-evolving competitive scene is filled with excitement, making it a game worth watching and playing.