eSports
The Evolution of Counter-Strike – From Classic to CS2
From its very beginning, the name of the video game Counter-Strike has been a symbol of competitive gaming. It has witnessed a remarkable change – from a mod to its current position as nothing short of a global eSports sensation.
We want to take you along as we revisit the roots of the classic Counter-Strike and see how this amazing game has changed over time into its latest version, CS2. So, get ready for a nostalgic ride through gaming history, where your crosshairs can follow not only your opponents, but maybe the best CS2 gambling you can find. It’s an endless thrill that awaits you.
Classic Counter-Strike
In the annals of gaming history, there are only few experiences that evoke a deep sense of nostalgia and joy quite like the classic Counter-Strike. Born as a relatively simple mod for Half-Life, this humble beginning would eventually lay the foundation for a breathtaking, revolutionary FPS game that even now captivates thousands, if not millions of players all over the world.
So, why is the classic CS as loved as it is? Well, the charm of Classic Counter-Strike actually lies in its simplicity. You have teams of terrorists and counter-terrorists fighting for domination of the maps that are now absolutely legendary, like Dust and Inferno, for example.
Then there’s that whole bomb defusal and hostage rescue mission that adds just a touch of strategy, making the game resonate with players who like their games to have a tactical depth. This straightforward yet incredibly engaging gameplay created a close-knit community full of players who make new friendships and rivalries on a daily basis.
Graphics may have evolved, and gameplay mechanics may have become more detailed over the years, yes, but the memories of Classic Counter-Strike remain engraved in the hearts of those who fought and still fight in its pixelated battlefields. For a true fan, it’s impossible to not appreciate how the simplicity and purity of Classic Counter-Strike laid the groundwork for the whole gaming world that people enjoy today.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)
With the arrival of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), competitive gaming has become wildly popular, to put it mildly. Released in 2012, CS:GO wasn’t just a sequel. It was a unique reimagining that definitely embraced the core elements of its predecessor and singlehandedly ushered in a new era of eSports dominance.
CS:GO came with meticulously designed maps, much better and refined graphics, and the introduction of new weapons of course, which added a whole new kind of the raw intensity that Counter-Strike was known for. In this period, eSports, a trend that has gained some significant traction, found a literal juggernaut in CS:GO and the game became a cornerstone of competitive gaming tournaments worldwide.
It’s safe to say that one of the game’s most notable contributions was the creation of the CS:GO Major Championships. These prestigious events are the battlegrounds where the world’s best teams clash for supremacy. Every match helps solidify CS:GO’s recognition in eSports. The rise of famous teams, skilled in the game, and the legendary players that keep them winning gather crowds and create a high viewership that makes CS:GO a force to be reckoned with in the gaming industry.
Now, beyond the aesthetics and competitive scene, CS:GO also helped shape the concept of skins and in-game items. The introduction of weapon skins and cosmetic items not only added a personalized touch, but paved the way for the in-game economies and virtual item trading.
CS2 – The Next Frontier
Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) is the herald of a new era – a fresh chapter that comes with innovation and excitement. With this recent release, you’ll find yourself at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, as Valve unleashes a game that builds upon the legacy of its famous predecessors while introducing some groundbreaking changes.
CS2 welcomes you with a fresh user interface, a testament to the commitment to providing a user-friendly experience. The visual enhancements are incredible and they come with notable changes in smoke visuals and an upgraded tick rate, to give you a few examples. These alterations not only redefine the aesthetics, but also contribute to a gaming experience that feels distinctly different from both CS:GO and classic CS.
The core of CS2 lies in its gameplay changes. The dynamics and feel of matches, and the endless strategies you can deploy as well as the overall feel of the game have undergone significant transformations. If you’re accustomed to the familiar rhythm of Counter-Strike, you are in for a treat as you go through an altered landscape that challenges your skills and tactical acumen.
One of the most striking aspects of CS2 is the evolution of its ranking system. Moving beyond the traditional ranks of CS:GO, CS2 comes with a rating system that promises a much more nuanced evaluation of player skill.
However, aside from all the technical features, CS2 symbolizes the commitment to keeping the Counter-Strike franchise relevant and captivating in a gaming world that constantly demands brilliant innovation. As you begin your own CS2 journey, you will be stepping into the next frontier of competitive gaming, where tradition meets transformation, and the legacy of Counter-Strike only continues to unfold in the best possible way.
Asia
AMD Announces GameOn 2024: Nationwide Counter-Strike 2 Tournament Offers ₹300,000 Prize, Culminates in Hyderabad
AMD, a leader in semiconductor manufacturing, has unveiled the AMD GameOn 2024, an open-for-all esports tournament for Counter-Strike 2 with a total prize pool of INR 300,000. The Main Event of the AMD GameOne 2024 is set to take place at IndiaJoy 2024 Asia’s premier media and entertainment congregation, in the HICC, Novotel, Hyderabad on Nov. 16 and 17.
Commenting on the tournament, Pramit Khanna, Channel Marketing Manager DIY and Gaming, AMD India said, “As one of the leaders in the computing space, we have been supporting India’s esports ecosystem since day 1, and the AMD GameOn 2024 is another such IP for esports enthusiasts. The open-for-all format ensures every gamer has a chance to compete in the pan-India tournament and make it to the LAN in Hyderabad. I wish the best of luck to all participants and can’t wait to welcome the four finalists in Hyderabad.”
The AMD GameOn 2024 began with the open qualifiers, where the registered teams competed for slots to the Closed Qualifiers. The Closed Qualifier, with 8 total teams, has wrapped up, confirming the four finalists for the AMD GameOn 2024 Main Event at IndiaJoy 2024 on Nov. 16 and 17 in Hyderabad. Skyesports is set to be the esports partner for the event.
The four teams are listed below. They will compete in a single-elimination bracket to determine the champions of India. Matches from the AMD GameOn 2024 Main Event will be livestreamed on the Skyesports YouTube channel.
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True Rippers
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Carnival Gaming
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Gods Reign
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Victores Sumus
Besides the esports action at the AMD booth in the IndiaJoy 2024, players will also be able to experience gaming on AMD Advantage systems, which deliver a supreme and optimized performance by combining AMD Ryzen™ CPUs, AMD Radeon™ GPUs, smart technologies, and AMD software. Therefore, AMD’s experiential zone at the IndiaJoy 2024 will be the one-stop immersive place for gamers, combining esports action and providing a hands-on gaming experience.
Shiva Nandy, the Founder and CEO of Skyesports, said, “We are thrilled to be the esports partner for AMD GameOn 2024, working once again with our anchor brand, AMD. With open qualifiers to give every gamer a chance and invited teams to ensure top-notch esports action, this tournament is a delight for all gamers. AMD has been one of the biggest supporters of esports in India over the years, and this tournament aligns with our vision of bringing Counter-Strike 2 into the spotlight ahead of Skyesports’ $1.7 million prize pool roadmap for 2025, where we will host four on-ground events across the country.”
India currently has about 500 million gamers, a number expected to grow to 730 million by 2028, with a 5-year CAGR of 10 percent, making the country the largest market by the number of gamers. Additionally, 65 percent of gamers either watch esports or compete in tournaments, per Niko Partners, with IPs like the AMD GameOn at the forefront of attracting their attention.
Wildz is proud to officially announce our entry into the Counter-Strike 2 community by hosting the Wildz Invitational tournament, featuring a substantial prize pool of €25,000. This tournament, organized in partnership with Alliance and Challengermode, is open to all teams across Europe in the coming month of December.
Wildz Invitational tournament structure:
Invited Teams: 4 teams will be directly invited to compete in the playoffs stage
Open Qualifiers: Two online qualifiers, where the top 2 teams from each qualifier will secure spots in the playoffs
Playoffs: All 8 teams will face off over an intense 2 day battle
Format: All matches will be played online on the Challengermode platform to ensure accessibility for all participants.
We invite all EU teams to showcase their skills and compete for the title of being the first Wildz Champions, with a first-place prize of €16,250. Sign up now!
Open to all European teams
Qualifiers will be played as a single-elimination bracket. All matches will be BO1.
Playoffs information:
Playoffs Day #1: 21st Dec, start from 15:00 CET
Playoffs Day #2: 22nd Dec, start from 15:00 CET
Playoffs will be played as a single-elimination bracket. All matches will be BO3.
Total prize pool of €25,000 distribution:
1st place: €16,250
2nd place: €6,250
3rd place: €2,500
“We at Wildz have been huge fans of Counter-Strike for many years. When the opportunity arose, everyone at Wildz jumped at the idea of being able to sponsor and host a tournament to showcase Europe’s top CS teams,” shares Nathan Bonello, Esports Specialist at Wildz. “This is just the first of many Wildz esports activities to come, we hope that the CS players and fans worldwide can enjoy our first-ever Wildz Invitational tournament together. May the best team win!”
Asia
DreamHack x Hyderabad Comic Con 2024 Day 2: Wagh Suyog crowned champion of Rapid Chess tournament; Karan Kanchan steals the show with electrifying DJ set
The second day of DreamHack 2024 x Hyderabad Comic Con, India’s largest celebration of gaming and pop culture, delivered thrilling esports action, landmark achievements, and unforgettable moments as fans turned out in large numbers at the Hitex Exhibition Centre.
Hosted by NODWIN Gaming, a leader in new-age youth entertainment, gaming, and esports this year marks the fifth anniversary of India’s biggest gaming festival. DreamHack’s legendary BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Zone reached an unprecedented milestone, with tickets selling out for the first time ever. Gamers from across the country brought their own setups to compete and compete in titles including eFootball, THE FINALS, World Cricket Championship 3 (WCC 3), Brawlhalla, Counter-Strike 2, Spectre Divide, and many more, making the zone a hub of energy and camaraderie throughout the day.
After intense semi-final matches, Team LFO, Team Cheems, Team Payback, and AMIGOS Esports qualified for the grand finals of the OMEN VALORANT Campus Quest Season 2. Each team demonstrated exceptional strategy and team play, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Meanwhile, Wagh Suyog showcased remarkable talent and focus,`outmaneuvering a field of skilled competitors to win the Rapid Chess tournament and take home the INR 3 Lakh prize pool championship. His/her victory was celebrated with roaring applause, highlighting the growing appeal of chess as part of DreamHack’s diverse lineup.
In other esports action, GodLike Esports, Vibrance Esports, XLR8, and Anthem showcased their dominance on Day 2 of the Snapdragon Pro Series (Call of Duty: Mobile), while Aditya ‘The Dark Lord’ Verma emerged victorious in the Street Fighter 6 segment of KO Fight Night.
Much to the attendees’ delight KO Fight Night delivered electrifying matches in Tekken 8 and Super Mario Bros Ultimate. Players also turned out in large numbers to participate in the Retro and Board Games tournaments, adding to the vibrant gaming atmosphere.
Following suit to the electric atmosphere of DreamHack, the second day of Hyderabad Comic Con was a vibrant celebration of creativity, fandom, and entertainment. Fans were enthralled by special sessions from Maruti Suzuki Arena, Crunchyroll, and Yamaha Racing, each offering unique insights and experiences for attendees.
Attendees were also treated to comic book debuts, including The Warrior God and Abba Aari (the sequel to Mard Bann), alongside the cover launch of Weapons of Mass Extinction: Stage 1 – Blood of The Last Asuran.
On the other hand, music enthusiasts danced to an electrifying DJ set by Karan Kanchan, while rising comedy star Ravi Gupta (a.k.a. Shudh Desi Comic) had audiences in splits with his witty, desi humour.
The Meet & Greet Zone today featured 8Bit Creatives’ popular gaming personalities, such as Raj Varma (Snax), Payal Dhare (Payal Gaming), Parv Singh (Regaltos), Salman Ahmad (8bit Mamba), Monika Jeph (Sherlock Live), Nishant Williams (Willy Gamingg), Mithul Nayak (Binks), Dhwani Bhatt (Pinkcess), and Dhruv Sangwan (Dhruv), who connected with fans through their stories, popular slangs and gaming insights.
Just like yesterday, the Hyderabad Comic Con Cosplay Contest stole the show, with hundreds of cosplayers competing for a prize pool exceeding INR 5 Lakhs, including a daily grand cash prize of INR 50,000. The city’s best cosplayers battled it out to represent Hyderabad at the Indian Championship of Cosplay 2025 Qualifiers, aiming for a daily reward of INR 1.25 Lakhs.
Day 3 of DreamHack 2024 x Hyderabad Comic Con is set to be a spectacular finale, packed with more comic book launches, special sessions, and engaging fireside chats. As the event reaches its climax, SPS, OMEN Campus Quest Season 2, PAN FEST, KO Fight Night, Blitz Chess tournament, and the BYOD and retro tournaments will all wrap up with their much-anticipated grand finals.
Two critically acclaimed stand-up comedy stars, Syed Bashaar, and Harsh Gujral, will bring the laughs, while Geek Fruit will take everyone on a nostalgic journey with iconic theme songs.
For further updates and information regarding DreamHack x Hyderabad Comic Con 2024, follow NODWIN Gaming & DreamHack India on social media. Get your tickets now to experience the best of both worlds and experience the excitement of DreamHack India 2024 x Hyderabad Comic Con firsthand!
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