This announcement comes in the wake of Valve’s decision to reduce its direct involvement in Dota 2 events, creating an opening for third-party organizers like PGL and ESL to shape the future of the esport.
The inaugural tournament, PGL Wallachia, is slated to commence in Bucharest, Romania, from May 10 to May 19, 2024, marking PGL’s return to the forefront of Dota 2 esports.
PGL, a seasoned organizer within the Dota 2 community, aims to reinvigorate the competitive scene with its ambitious tournament schedule.
Beginning with open qualifiers on March 21, 2024, followed by closed qualifiers starting March 25, PGL is setting the stage for intense competition and thrilling matchups.
This move signifies a significant resurgence for PGL, recalling its prominent role in hosting six major tournaments until 2018 and its involvement in DPC leagues until Valve’s decision to discontinue them after TI12.
Before unveiling its extensive tournament roadmap, PGL faced scrutiny over copyright issues with Dota 2 content creators.
However, the organization’s decision to retract its takedown notices, following community backlash, demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a positive relationship with the Dota 2 fanbase.
This strategic pivot underscores PGL’s dedication to laying a solid foundation for its upcoming series of tournaments, ensuring widespread support and engagement from the community.
The announcement of PGL’s tournaments heralds an exciting new chapter in Dota 2 esports.
With two events scheduled for 2024 and three each in 2025 and 2026, fans can anticipate high-stakes competitions featuring the world’s top teams.
As PGL steps up to fill the void left by Valve’s scaled-back involvement, the Dota 2 community eagerly anticipates the dawn of what promises to be a memorable era in esports history.
This commanding victory not only denied Gaimin Gladiators their dream of a perfect season but also elevated Team Spirit to a unique position as only the second team in history to clinch two TI titles.
Team Spirit defeat Gaimin Gladiators 3-0, and claim the Aegis of Champions a second time!#dota2 #ti12 pic.twitter.com/Jz5qSFcmO3
— The International (@dota2ti) October 30, 2023
While Team Spirit faced a sluggish start to the year, they progressively molded themselves into championship contenders with significant victories at Riyadh Masters 2023 and DreamHack DreamLeague Season 21.
They carried this momentum into The International 2023, where they nearly swept through the tournament undefeated.
Throughout their time in Seattle, they dropped only two games, with one loss each to Virtus.pro and Team Liquid.
This impressive record of 19-2 secured them a 90.5 percent win rate for TI12, surpassing the previous TI winners and setting a new record.
In the grand finals, Team Spirit set the tone even before the draft began, as Illya “Yatoro” Mulyarchuk made a bold sacrifice by shaving his head, a move believed to invoke a “bald buff.”
This superstitious act seemed to work wonders as Yatoro’s exceptional performance on Weaver in the first game propelled Spirit to a resounding victory.
The second game was closely contested, but Yatoro’s Faceless Void, a hero rarely seen throughout TI12, unleashed his full potential, including multiple Chronosphere lockdowns and a Rampage, solidifying his status as the only player to achieve more than one Rampage during a TI Main Event.
In the third game, Gaimin Gladiators initially appeared to have the upper hand with Quinn “Quinn” Callahan’s Pangolier and Marcus “Ace” Hoelgaard’s Brewmaster.
However, Team Spirit defied the odds, with Yatoro’s refusal to accept defeat and Magomed “Collapse” Khalilov’s game-changing Spirit Breaker leading to a dramatic turnaround.
In the blink of an eye, Team Spirit launched a relentless series of aggressive pushes and picks that secured their TI victory.
With this triumph, Team Spirit joined the exclusive ranks of Dota 2 organizations that have won a second Aegis, following in the footsteps of OG.
Yatoro, Collapse, Myroslav “Mira” Kolpakov, and Yaroslav “Misposhka” Naidenov also cemented their legacy as the only players to secure a second TI victory, with Denis “Larl” Sigitov as the newcomer, who wasn’t involved in their first win at TI10.
Despite their TI12 victory, Team Spirit’s prize money of US$1,414,763 was notably lower than their record-breaking earnings of US$18.2 million at TI10.
This reflects the changing financial landscape in the esports world, as their winnings were partially offset by a US$5 million victory at Riyadh Masters.
Gaimin Gladiators’ loss perpetuated the so-called “TI curse”, as no team has ever won a DPC Major and then gone on to win TI.
Their defeat marked their first finals loss of the year, securing them second place and US$377,214 in prize money.
They now face a period of reflection and preparation for the 2024 season, which will not feature a Dota Pro Circuit.
While Team Spirit’s victory was a momentous achievement, TI12 was not without its concerns.
The prize pool for the event stagnated at US$3,143,593, raising questions about the declining enthusiasm for Dota 2.
Valve’s controversial changes to the TI12 Compendium, which excluded cosmetic items, contributed to a drop in community contributions, potentially signaling a waning interest in the game.
As the professional Dota 2 scene faces shifting dynamics and diminishing prize pools, there is growing uncertainty about its future.
While third-party circuits are set to return in 2024, the persistent financial decline casts a shadow over the professional Dota 2 community, leaving stakeholders and fans alike to contemplate what lies ahead.
]]>Counter-Strike 2, which was released on September 27, is currently undergoing consistent updates to ensure optimal performance, but has been plagued by cheating.
According to a tweet dated October 2, a notorious cheat popular among CS2 gamers has been identified, resulting in a surge of Valve Anti-Cheat (VAC) bans. These punitive measures were verified by third-party sources, who confirmed that numerous accounts fell prey to this widespread ban.
Cheating, a malignant problem that plagued its predecessor, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), has swiftly infiltrated the gaming environment of CS2, much to the chagrin of its global player base. This swift action from Valve, therefore, comes as a welcome relief for players, especially considering that CS2 has not yet implemented its proprietary version of Overwatch �C a community-driven review system instrumental in identifying cheats in CS:GO.
For the newly minted CS2, Valve seems to have endowed significant trust in its VACnet AI. This advanced system is actively identifying and penalising cheaters, eliminating the need for community review. However, it is crucial to note that this nascent system has not been without faults, having erroneously banned innocent players in its zealous anti-cheating crusade.
During the beta phase of CS2, players reported a noticeable increase in cheating, particularly in Premier mode. This spike in illicit activity had led some within the gaming community to doubt the game’s future, citing the chronic cheating issues that haunted CS:GO through its tenure.
Despite these concerns, the recent wave of bans instills hope among the CS2 community. Valve appears to be on the brink of delivering a robust anti-cheat system, although it may be premature to pass judgment just days after the game’s official release.
FaZe Clan��s ropz, the Estonian esports sensation, has been vocally addressing these concerns, urging Valve to consider adopting a more aggressive anti-cheat technology. He suggested a system akin to Riot Games�� Vanguard software, deployed for VALORANT, as a viable means to eradicate cheating effectively.
IEM Sydney 2023, hosted by ESL, will be the first major international event played on Counter-Strike 2. The event will take place from October 16 to 22 in Australia.
The first CS2 Major will be played the PGL Copenhagen Major in March 2024, with it set to draw the best players from around the globe.
Predictably, the CS2 community has largely welcomed Valve’s decisive action against cheaters, appreciating the steps taken to preserve the game’s integrity and ensure a fair playing field for all. For those who have yet to experience CS2, the game is currently accessible for download and play on Steam without restrictions.
]]>Turns out a lot of you want to play Counter-Strike 2!
If you're having trouble finding a match it's because we've hit server capacity in different regions.
We're adding more server capacity as fast as possible. Thanks for your patience while this is being addressed.
— CS2 (@CounterStrike) September 28, 2023
After its release, millions of gamers faced difficulties accessing matchmaking lobbies.
The root of the problem appears to be server capacity, with CS2 grappling to accommodate the surging player base on its opening day.
Valve is well aware of these server issues and is actively working on a solution, which includes the addition of more servers in regions facing the most challenges.
The game’s developers are also urging the community for patience during this time.
On its opening day, CS2 managed to surpass an impressive 1.4 million concurrent players, coming within 400,000 of its peak five months ago, according to SteamDB.
If the servers are already overcrowded, the situation may worsen over time.
Since its full release, CS2 players have reported increasingly lengthy queue times, some even enduring hours of waiting without a game starting.
These concerns prompted Valve to expand server capacity in various regions.
However, server issues are not the only concern troubling the community.
Fans have expressed worries about the lack of content, particularly the absence of features that were present in CS:GO.
Elements like Danger Zone, achievements, Wingman mode, and workshop maps have yet to be added alongside the Source 2 update, leading many players to request more from Valve.
Additionally, players have reported encountering cheaters in their games, with prominent community members supporting these claims.
This issue plagued CS:GO for a significant portion of its existence, and players had hoped that CS2’s new VAC-live system from Valve would address the cheating problem.
It appears that Valve has substantial work ahead to address the early challenges faced by CS2 and its server infrastructure.
]]>— CS2 (@CounterStrike) September 27, 2023
This significant update has officially rebranded the game as Counter-Strike 2 on the Steam platform, and players can now readily download the update.
The Counter-Strike community had been buzzing with anticipation for months, with excitement reaching a fever pitch when Valve teased the September 27 release date.
While some players initially believed it might be another one of Valve’s pranks, the developer came through with the highly anticipated launch.
CS2 introduces a slew of changes and improvements that were honed during the beta testing phase, including dynamic smoke grenades, interchangeable loadouts, and revamped maps.
Perhaps the most enticing aspect of CS2 is that it’s accessible to anyone with a Steam account, and there’s no cost involved.
Players can easily download the CS2 update and dive into the game.
However, Valve has also introduced the option to upgrade to CS2 Prime, which offers additional features, such as the ability to play with Prime-only players.
This move is aimed at reducing the likelihood of encountering smurf accounts or cheaters on official servers, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
In summary, the launch of CS2 marks a new era in the Counter-Strike franchise.
With its array of improvements and accessibility, it’s sure to draw both veteran players and newcomers into the world of Counter-Strike for an exciting and revamped gaming experience.
]]>This enduring popularity and resilience are particularly noteworthy in light of the release of Counter-Strike 2 (CS2).
The consistent influx of players not only underscores CS:GO’s relevance but also raises questions about its potential to continue being a dominant force in the gaming industry.
The sustained high player count in CS:GO stands as evidence of its lasting impact in the ever-evolving gaming landscape.
What makes this milestone even more significant is that it was reached a decade after the game’s initial launch.
It demonstrates CS:GO’s ability not only to retain its existing player base but also to attract new fans, many of whom are excited to participate in the ongoing CS2 beta testing.
The continued success of CS:GO holds particular significance within the realm of esports. It has become a household name, greatly influencing tournament values and the thriving esports betting scene.
The game’s ongoing efforts to expand and attract players have solidified its position in the history of esports. CS:GO’s consistent ability to outshine other shooters in the market highlights its enduring appeal.
In May 2023, CS:GO reached an all-time high with 1,802,853 concurrent players, marking a remarkable milestone in the game’s journey. Although player numbers have fluctuated since then, CS:GO continues to draw over a million players every month.
This accomplishment has also garnered increased attention from the media, with content creators expressing their admiration for CS:GO’s case openings, and new players acquiring in-game skins.
While excitement builds for the release of Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), players eagerly anticipate news about the conclusion of the ‘Limited Test’ phase for the CS2 beta.
Valve aims to release CS2 in 2023, with millions of users eagerly awaiting their chance to join in on the action.
This launch will undoubtedly be a historic moment in gaming and may put strain on Steam’s infrastructure due to the immense demand.
As we await the arrival of Counter-Strike 2, it raises questions about the future of CS:GO.
Will it be able to maintain its popularity alongside the new version, or will it gradually lose its player community to the newer release?
Only time will tell, but CS:GO’s track record suggests it may continue to stand strong in the gaming world.
]]>The revamped region and global ranking system now assigns players a CS2 rating based on their performance in Premier matches.
With the introduction of Premier ratings, players can now compete for their rank every few months.
Moving up the ladder from Silver to Global Elite has become quite an adventure, as players are awarded badges for each map.
This means that CS2 gamers can achieve status across a wider range of maps; however, they will only hold that prestigious rank for specific competitive maps.
In addition, this update introduces per map Skill Groups, which allows players to focus on mastering their maps while also exploring new ones.
To add to the excitement Valve has announced another round of beta invites that will be distributed based on preferences.
Today we are introducing CS Rating��a precise display of your skill in Counter-Strike 2. With regional and World Leaderboards you'll know exactly how you stack up.
Competitive mode in CS2 now features per-map Skill Groups, so players can master their favorite maps while learning�� pic.twitter.com/LexHHv8P36
— CS2 (@CounterStrike) August 31, 2023
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The new figure is approximately 200,000 players more than the record set last month, placing the game ahead of other titles in active users.
Counter-Strike 2 is scheduled to be released this summer and will feature a free-to-play overhaul of its predecessor. There will be updated maps, improved gunplay, and new tactics to play around smokes.
While CS: GO’s player count has teetered around one million in the past week, the hype surrounding the new version apparently brought on curious gamers. Besides this, Valve recently began opening its doors to select players worldwide to participate in its limited test run.
READ: Best Counter-Strike betting sites in 2023
As the release day approaches, the developer continues to add more players to its beta testing team. Due to this, several people are hoping for an invite and, at the same time, getting some practice before the game is launched later this year.
A number of streamers and pro players have already participated in the beta testing and have mostly positive feedback. Earlier this month, pro player Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken took to Twitter to write, “So excited for the future of CS with CS2.” Swedish player Patrik “f0rest” Lindberg also participated in the beta testing and described the experience as “beautiful”.
Besides its increased player count, CS:GO is thriving in the competitive scene. The ESL Pro League and BLAST Premier events are among the most popular in global esports, attracting hundreds of thousands of viewers.
]]>Valve unveiled the date via a post on Twitter which reads, ��The Paris Major will be the final CS:GO Major. The following Major will be in March 2024 and the first in Counter-Strike 2.��
The BLAST.tv Paris Major, which will see teams compete from May 8 to May 21, will be the last CS:GO Major until 2024. This automatically cancels the chances of the game publisher organizing the second Major of 2023, originally slated for November.
Unlike the previous Majors, which took place in May, the first Major of 2024 will be held in March. The PGL Major Antwerp, the first Major of 2022, was held in May as well as the upcoming BLAST.tv Paris Major.
The CS:GO game developer did not give fans any reason for the change or if it had ties to similar modifications made to the date of the summer tournament break, which was moved a month earlier than usual.
Fans learned of Counter-Strike 2 on March 22 when Valve unveiled what their developers had in place for the game launch. The new title will be released in the summer of 2023, which is just a few months before the second Major of the year was supposed to be held.
Valve��s date for Counter-Strike 2��s first Major gives pro teams ample time to play the new game before the competitive cycle begins. While a section of the CS:GO community agrees with Valve��s decision, others pointed out the financial impact of the cancellation of a Major.
Complexity��s General Manager Graham ��messioso�� Pitt expressed hope on Twitter that the Counter-Strike 2 tournament in 2024 would have a ��significant boost to revenue opportunities to make up for the Major taken away from 2023.�� The general manager also stated that losing a Major would significantly impact squads that depended on the revenue from these events.
Besides the cash prize, teams earn revenue through the sale of stickers. During the PGL Major Antwerp and the PGL Major Stockholm, squads and players received over $70 million from Valve generated from selling digital items.
The new version comes at a great time for fans who have complained over the past few years that CS:GO had gone stale. VALORANT��s launch made things worse for the game, taking most of its players, streamers, and other personalities.
]]>The “Limited Test” will be open to a select number of players who will be chosen “based on a number of factors deemed important by the Counter-Strike 2 development team, including (but not limited to) recent playtime on Valve official servers, trust factor, and Steam account standing.”
Valve published three videos on their YouTube channel (will be liked at the bottom of the page) detailing the changes they made to the maps, smokes, and tick rate using their new Counter-Strike engine.
Today we're excited to announce Counter-Strike 2. Counter-Strike 2 is an overhaul to every system, every piece of content, and every part of the C-S experience. First, let's talk about smoke grenades: pic.twitter.com/iTtguRHJ0S
— CS2 (@CounterStrike) March 22, 2023
The most important part of every Counter-Strike match? Shooting and movement. We're going beyond tick rates in Counter-Strike 2: pic.twitter.com/tR1CMUC4gr
— CS2 (@CounterStrike) March 22, 2023
Location, location, location. Maps in Counter-Strike are core to the game, and maps in Counter-Strike 2 are being improved in every way: pic.twitter.com/P4oMQslaKB
— CS2 (@CounterStrike) March 22, 2023
After 12 years of Counter-Strike Global Offensive being the single Counter-Strike game played by professionals and amateurs all over the world, the sequel offers a lot of hope to players who stopped playing the game for a variety of reasons, including out-of-date anti-cheat and a reluctance to update their game or spend money to fix gameplay issues.
With the “Limited Test” beta now available for a select number of players and expected to be available until the official launch of Counter-Strike 2 which Valve have said “is expected to ship in Summer 2023”.
As with any new game that releases a beta, issues will arise, and they will be addressed with multiple updates throughout the beta.
Keep an eye out for more updates and information as they become available in the buildup to the release of the sequel of the insanely popular Counter-Strike title.
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