Since the official release of CS2 in September 2023, the competitive Counter-Strike scene has been buzzing with elite events featuring top teams from around the world. And the excitement is only growing. In this article, we will preview the upcoming CS2 tournaments and reflect on some of the successful events that have taken place.
Credit: Michael Konkol / ESL
CS2 Tournaments in 2024
Just two months into 2024, we have already witnessed thrilling Counter-Strike action with standout performances from Team Spirit and donk. The 17-year-old sensation made an explosive debut at the IEM Katowice 2024, clinching the championship title in style.
donk’s performance tied NiKo’s record for the best-ever showing in an S-tier event, both boasting a remarkable 1.70 rating throughout their respective tournaments.
In addition, FaZe made their mark at IEM Katowice by reaching their sixth consecutive CS2 event Grand Final, with three victories under their belt. Their consistency puts them among the top contenders for the upcoming PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen, currently in the qualification phase.
The European RMRs have concluded, with 17 teams securing a spot at the first-ever CS2 Major. Notable absences include Astralis, Team Falcons, Monte, GamerLegion, and NIP.
Seven more teams will join the European competition, with two from the Asia RMR and five from the Americas RMR. The anticipation builds as the biggest CS2 tournament approaches, kicking off the first stage of the Major on March 17th.
But that’s not all for 2024, as several exciting events are lined up in the coming months. From the inaugural IEM Cologne in CS2 to the Perfect World Shanghai Major, the world of CS2 esports is just getting started. Stay informed about all the latest in the Counter-Strike scene on our CS2 news page.
Here’s an overview of the main completed and upcoming CS2 tournaments for 2024:
| Tournament | Location & Dates | Prize Pool | Champions |
|---|
First CS2 Tournament
A few weeks after the full release of CS2, fans were treated to the first CS2 tournament – IEM Sydney 2023. The excitement was palpable, especially as it marked the inaugural event on the new game.
Upsets were on the horizon, and true to expectations, the top-ranked team Vitality suffered an early exit, paving the way for FaZe to claim the first CS2 trophy after defeating Complexity in a thrilling final.
While broky shined as the top-rated FaZe player, rain’s impactful plays and entry fragging earned him the MVP honors. Other standout performers included m0NESY, electroNic, and EliGE, who showcased their skills and staked their claim as the best CS2 players at the outset of the game.
