Besides Anubis replacing Dust2 in the active map pool in 2023. We also saw some chances on M4A1-S which have been one of the big reasons behind the strong CT side. Many pro players have called out the weapon for being too strong. After the update, the CT rifle does less damage when standing from a long distance. This is not the first update to the weapon, back in June was the first time we saw a nerf to the M4A1-S as the magazine was reduced from 25 to 20. Another weapon that has been nerfed is the AWP where the sniper's magazine has been reduced from teen to five bullets.

[slugORMA:{"slug":"anubis-will-replace-dust2-active-map-pool","isNewTab":true}]

HLTV caught up with several CS:GO community members (huNter-, nitr0, Maniac, Xizt, ropz, rain, and hampus) at BLAST Fall Final to ask them about their thoughts on the weapon update.

Watch the full interview with CS:GO pros and coaches in the community:

How many will make the change from M4A1-s to M4A4 is still to be seen, for now, players are only talking about making the switch. BLAST Worlds Finals will be the first big tournament where we get to see if the pro players have made the switch.

rain

Sometimes individual statistics can be quite deceptive in Counter-Strike. You can have many kills, a high rating, and a strong ADR (average damage per round). But how big of an impact has the given player actually had on the server?

In this article we have decided to rank the most impactful players in competitive CS:GO during the 2022 year by looking at each player’s Impact rating. 

Because each kill does not have the same importance and effect.

You can find the entire list down below. 

Top 10 most impactful players in 2022 | against Top 30

1. {cflag:LV} YEKINDAR (Liquid) | 1.34 Impact rating

4. {cflag:TR} XANTARES (Eternal Fire) | 1.29

[slugORMA:{"slug":"here-are-mvp-winners-from-2022","isNewTab":true}]

[slugORMA:{"slug":"top-10-best-players-majors","isNewTab":true}]

YEKINDAR

BLAST Premier Fall Final is set and over with Heroic being victorious after their win over FaZe doing the final. 

[slugORMA:{"slug":"heroic-brake-copenhagen-curse-win-fall-finals","isNewTab":true}]

Since the victory at BLAST Premier Fall Final, the Danes from Heroic are on top of HLTV’s World Ranking for the first time since Counter-Strike’s return to LAN in late 2021. 

[slugORMA:{"slug":"heroic-conquer-world-ranking","isNewTab":true}]

Throughout the many games being played, we saw insane VAC moments which were caught on the stream. Moments such as rain killing two guys through smoke from cave on Ancient, and s1mple hitting one tap towards a player standing down on dust2 while mid-air. Those moments were just some of the impressive and insane VAC moments that were caught doing the Fall Final event in Copenhagen. 

Check out the best VAC moments made by the vLADOPARD:

Team Mythic took on ATK doing the ESL Challenger League Season 43 North America. 

On the second map of the game, ATK dominated Mytich on the T side. Up 10-3, cooper tried to save an AWP, but instead of bringing the AWP with him into the next round, he rifler ended up being trolled and knife by BODENMASTER. 

ATK won the game 2-0 as they controlled the game from the very start. 

Cooper-

Mythic

2022 is soon over and with just one month left, we want to highlight the best at throwing flashes on top of CS:GO. Flashes are the most teamplay required grenade in Counter-Strike, because it might be the winning factor in the round or the losing one if you throw it incorrectly. Sometimes you should think about using the flashes more carefully because you can blind your teammates and they won't be happy about that. You often see pros peaking on a flash or calling for a flash by a teammate, it eliminates the ankle from the opposition.

Opp Flashed is based on the average time per round opponents were blinded by flashbangs by this player.

Jame

BLAST Premier Fall Final is done with Heroic crowned as the new champions after they took down the 2022 kings from FaZe in a 2-1 fashion. 

Doing the BLAST Premier Fall Final many insane moments were caught. Big players such as s1mple, broky (Fall Final MVP), and huNter all showed why they are considered some of the best players in the game of Counter-Strike. Great clutches, Wallbangs, VAC moments, and no scopes were all on the menu doing the Fall final. 

Watch this incredible Fall Final fragmovie made by Virre CSGO:

[link:{"url":"On HLTV, you can now download multiple demos and enjoy no speed limits on transfers. Until now, HLTV users were limited to one demo download at a time and low transfer speeds, but that has now changed thanks to a partnership between HLTV and BitSkins.  If you’re interested in watching GOTV demos, you can find links for demos under match pages on HLTV, download the file and then open it in CS:GO by typing demoui in console and navigating to the location. ","isNewTab":true,"text":"On HLTV, you can now download multiple demos and enjoy no speed limits on transfers"}]. Until now, HLTV users were limited to one demo download at a time and low transfer speeds, but that has now changed thanks to a partnership between HLTV and BitSkins.

If you’re interested in watching GOTV demos, you can find links for demos under match pages on HLTV, download the file and then open it in CS:GO by typing demoui in console and navigating to the location.

Being the last player standing on your team and winning 1vX duels requires great mental strength and definitely skill as well. Some CS:GO players are simply better suited to clutch out the round than others. They are the ones their teammates believe can be the hero and pull off a miracle after everyone else has fallen. But who is the best? Take a look at the list right down below to find out who has been the best clutcher in 2022!

This list is based on most clutches won by a player in 2022.

Take a look at the best clutchers in 2022 right here:

1. {cflag:FR} ZywOo (Vitality) – 57 clutches 

2. {cflag:LV} broky (FaZe) – 54 clutches 

3. {cflag:DK} blameF (Astralis) – 54 clutches 

4. {cflag:RU} sh1ro (Cloud9) – 51 clutches 

6. {cflag:IL} Spinx (ENCE) – 48 clutches 

7. {cflag:DE} syrsoN (BIG) – 47 clutches 

8. {cflag:HU} torzsi (MOUZ) – 46 clutches

9. {cflag:DK} stavn (Heroic) – 46 clutches 

10. {cflag:PL} hades (ENCE) – 44 clutches 

ZywOo

The 15-year-old talent, Danil “donk” Kryshkovets, who plays under the Team Spirit Academy banner has skyrocketed up the FACEIT ladder and earned himself an invite to the highest level of solo queue competition a CS:GO player can reach, the FACEIT Pro League. This is a level of solo queue only few players will ever reach, serving as both the gauntlet and gateway they must pass as they start their professional CS:GO careers.

donk is arguably one of the most promising riflers in the CIS scene at only 15 years of age. In the last six months, the 15-year-old has averaged a 1.15 rating and 59.5% Headshot percentage.

It will be exciting to see what the future holds for him.

donk

Spirit Academy

According to [link:{"url":"https://blix.gg/news/report-mibr-to-effective-new-players-and-add-a-new-coach","isNewTab":true,"text":"a report by Blix.gg"}], MIBR will sign Gustavo “phx” Merigo and Nicollas “nicks” Poloni for the academy roster. After a period of trials, MIBR decided to acquire the two players to fill out the roster as Rawan “beg0d” Tavares and Henzo “spinnie” Macri won’t be on the team list going forward. This was reported by Dust2 Brasil.

The academy of MIBR will also get back coach Guilherme “texxas” Mayworm, who left the team to join B4. 23-year-old phx will now get the chance to prove his worth on the team, and the same goes for nicks who’s only 17-year-old and makes the transition to Counter-Strike after playing Fortnite at a high level under tags like Cloud9 and Luminosity Gaming.

Blix.gg contacted MIBR to leave a comment on the report, but the organization didn’t respond to the approach.

With the new additions to the lineup, MIBR will look like this:

nicks

MIBR

MIBR Academy

Klesti "stikle-" Kola will not be standing behind the Bad News Eagles squad from 2023 and onwards, as the head coach has announced his farewell from the team. The Albanian coach explains his decision to leave by saying the two parties had different visions for the future.

-The decision comes after having different visions and aspirations for the future of the team. I think it will be a good change for both parties to further the respective developments. We have grown together and achieved what some thought it was impossible but this doesn't mean it’s the end for either of us, it might just be the beginning of something greater.

{cflag:XK} Dionis "⁠sinnopsyy⁠" Budeci

{cflag:XK} Flatron "⁠juanflatroo⁠" Halimi

[slugORMA:{"slug":"bne-coach-need-organization-can-keep-team-together","isNewTab":true}]

[slugORMA:{"slug":"gxx-after-huge-upset-against-faze-did-respect-them","isNewTab":true}]

Bad News Eagles

In October this year, Astralis revealed the homecoming of the superstar AWPer Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz on a [link:{"url":"https://pley.gg/news/official-astralis-confirm-device-transfer","isNewTab":true,"text":"multi-year deal"}] following a 1.5-year tenure at Ninjas in Pyjamas.

From the outside perspective, dev1ce returned to an Astralis squad that is miles away from the top of CS:GO. But that is not a perception that dev1ce himself buys into, he explains in an interview with us.

- It's funny. Everybody is kind of doubting Astralis and because we've been at an extremely high level, it is so easy to criticize us and the organization, dev1ce stated to Pley and continued. Being here, you really don't have that feeling of being "far away". The results haven't been there at all, everybody can see that, but look around, look at the Major. Look at our good friends and colleagues out there – it is not that easy to stay on top and no team does that for a long period of time.

- I really don't think we're that far away, and the time we have to build on our game, roles and how we do things here. It could actually end up being an advantage for us.

[slugORMA:{"slug":"dev1ce-answers-back-being-paycheck-stealer-nip-havent-paid-any-salary-entirety-2022","isNewTab":true}]

In the interview, dev1ce revealed that there were other options, including “very interesting” organizations, lying in his inbox. Yet he wasn’t in doubt when Astralis came calling.

- For me Astralis is home. I've been contacted by other organizations, also some that were very interesting, but once Astralis stepped in, there was no question in my head what so ever, dev1ce stated where he continued to touch on reuniting with two old teammates:

- The project is important, and it is important that I am convinced that we will build a team and an organization that will be competing for the biggest titles again. This is what I have signed up for, this is what I feel every day, and to do this with two of my best friends in the game and in Astralis is awesome.

[slugORMA:{"slug":"device-set-make-astralis-comeback-early-december","isNewTab":true}]

dev1ce is set to make his much-awaited comeback for Astralis this weekend at CCT North Europe Series 2, despite the re-debut at first was set to come in 2023. Regarding his shape at the time of the interview and how he’s prepared for his return, dev1ce stated this.

- I am not yet on my top level, but I do feel that my team mates are happy about where I am, so that's good. But let's not set expectations too high just yet. (...) In the first months, I did not play a lot due to my situation, but the past 5-6 months, I have stayed in shape and pracced a lot. I feel really good on the server, but it is not the same as being a part of a team, so there is still room for improvement. But I do feel really good and I enjoy playing on a team again – the guys are great and I have had fun being "back to work" so to speak.

[image:{"source":"cloudinary","publicId":"players/device_astralis_4major_hagrab","originalWidth":1440,"originalHeight":810,"customWidth":"100%","customHeight":"100%","cloudinaryAssetData":true,"cloudName":"pley-gg","format":"jpg"}]

dev1ce at StarLadder Berlin Major in 2019 after having won his fourth Major title with Astralis

We also asked dev1ce about what he looked forward to the most when returning to competitive play.

- Being a part of it all again. Feeling the support from the fans, being on a team with great team mates and the whole Astralis-feeling. You don't realize how much you like something until you don't have it. I am so lucky to be back, and we are taking the time to do things right so I can give my very best to the fans, once I step in on the team.

- We will probably have an online tournament coming up, but on the team we all work on the playbook, our roles, and how we can develop our game in new directions. Everything won't be perfect from the first tournament, but we will come out with a very strong foundation on the team.

dev1ce is set to make his comeback this Sunday (4th December) when the playoff stage at CCT North Europe Series 2 kicks off. The online tournament will also feature the likes of ENCE, OG and Sprout. 

[slugORMA:{"slug":"who-should-astralis-pick-fifth-deep-dive-feat-nato","isNewTab":true}]

[slugORMA:{"slug":"device-give-opinion-new-awp-update","isNewTab":true}]

device

Astralis

Ninjas in Pyjamas

On Wednesday, the tournament organizer from CCT North Europe revealed another four teams who are going to join the raid for $50.000 in the CCT North Europe Online Series 2 Playoffs.

The CCT North Europe Series 2 playoffs event will start on December 4 and run to December 7, while the Swiss group stage of the tournament is currently underway. At the tournament, we’ll also get to see Astralis’ device in his first appearance since December 2021.

On Monday, Apeks announced that MICHU will be stepping in for the team at CCT 4 Closed Qualifier and for the remainder of the ESEA Advanced season.

The CCT 4 Closed Qualifier ended up being a success for Apeks and their new stand-in MICHU, who all went on to secure three victories over LDLC, Astralis Talent, and Nexus to go 3-0 and secure a 1-4th place finish with a ticket to the CCT Central Europe Series 4. Apeks will continue to use MICHU for the remainder of the ESEA Advanced season, in which the 25-year-old Polish player hopefully can help them get more good results.

MICHU

Apeks

The former Astralis Talent player, Mads “vester” Vestergaard is no longer a part of Sashi’s roster as the 20-year-old Dane has not decided to extend his contract with the organization. This means that the former Astralis Talent player has entered free agency after representing Sashi for around four months.

In a Twitlonger post, the 20-year-old Dane stated that he’s looking to join a team that shares the same values as him.

vester also made it clear that he’s open for both Danish and international offers.

Vester

Sashi

Astralis Talent

In November this year Valve announced a much-debated change to the competitive map pool by adding Anubis in the place of the legendary and iconic map Dust2.

The aftermaths of these kinds of updates and changes always include a lot of debate and discussion within the CS:GO community but especially also the pro players. Here the CS:GO elite has shared their opinion as Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev did at a [link:{"url":"https://pley.gg/news/s1mple-feels-like-stupid-people-work-valve","isNewTab":true,"text":"press conference"}] saying that it sometimes “feels like stupid people work at Valve”

Now one of Counter-Strike old architects in Michael “BubkeZ” Hüll, who’s the creator of Mirage, has decided to air his opinion of certain pro players.

- I'm so tired of these PRO CS:GO players. You have been playing the same damn maps for over 20 years and now you have the chance to play something new and the only thing you want to add is Train, Cache or Tuscan because you are too lazy and uninterested in learning something new, Hüll writes on Twitter.

[slugORMA:{"slug":"s1mple-feels-like-stupid-people-work-valve","isNewTab":true}]

s1mple

Spirit took on HEET in what ended up being a five hour and 30 minutes match. 

Starting off on HEET´s map pick, Spirit and HEET were standing side by side throughout the hole game. 6-9 in the first half - 9-6 in the second half sent the game into overtime. 

Starting off at 15-15, Spirit and HEET kept on following each other. Despite HEET getting an 18-21 lead and only needing one round on the T side, Spirit kept on playing at a high level as the Russian team also managed to get three consecutive rounds on the CT side. The game kept on going until 31-28 when spirit finally took down three rounds in a row on the CT side, and managed to convert that into just one round win on the T side. 1 hour and 15 minutes of overtime made this the longest game we have seen in professional CS for a while. 

Spirit vs HEET | ESL Challenger League Season 43 Europe

31-28 (Dust2) | {cflag:RU} magixx 1.28 Rating / 49-31 K-D / 81.0 ADR

Despite winning HEET´s map pick, Spirit also lost their own as they got dominated by HEET on Nuke. Spirit bounced back and took the win 16-3 on Ancient and the game 2-1.

Spirit

HEET

Evil Geniuses have confirmed the departure of Jonathan “djay” Dallal and Connor “chop” Sullivan from EG White and EG Black, respectively. The two players got to play under the organization’s banner for nearly six months, but will now have to start exploring their options to find out what is next for them.

This decision by the organization could potentially be based on the wish of bringing in young and talented players that they believe have longer-term growth potential.

djay

chop

Evil Geniuses

ATK took on team Mythic in the ESL Challenger League Season 43 North America. Going into the match, ATK was the clear favorite. Team Mythic is currently placed 113 on the HLTV world ranking list whereas ATK is placed 40. ATK dominated the match from the start winning Mythic´s own map pick 4-16 and Mirage 5-16. 

On Mirage, we saw a peak of what the NA scene can offer as tweiss took down five players of ATK in a 1v5 clutch. Being alone vs five, tweiss played the clutch to perfection. Tweiss takes the duels 1v1 so the duels always are in his favor. 

Despite winning the clutch 1v5, tweiss and co. saw themself lose the next two rounds and lose the map.

Check out the impressive 1v5 clutch right here:

[twitchClip:BusyPolishedToothChocolateRain-lRRlf8Obic6k2-X4]

tweiss

ESL has revealed its program for 2023, featuring live women's tournaments. 

Several top esports organizations enter the women's scene. Big organizations such as Furia, NaVi, Astralis, MIBR, Evil Geniuses, and many more have begun to invest in women's CS as interest is increasing. ESL saw this possibility and made 20 Cash cups, with two leagues and one stand-alone event. They have also announced that ESL Impact Katowice, ESL Impact Leauge Finals Dallas, ESL Impact Leauge Finals will be the three big events for women's going into the 2023 year. 

Counter-Strike fans and women players can now look forward to a year with many CSGO tournaments on the schedule. 

News 12 / 2022	Published at
Pro players offer their take on M4A1-S and AWP changes	12/4/2022
Who are the most impactful players in CS:GO doing the 2022 year?	12/3/2022
Video: Best VAC moments from BLAST Fall Final	12/3/2022
Video: Cooper gets humiliated in pro match	12/1/2022
Who throws the best flashes in CS:GO?	12/1/2022
Fragmovie: BLAST Premier Fall Final	12/1/2022
You can now download HLTV demos much faster	12/1/2022
Here are the clutch kings of 2022!	12/1/2022
15-year-old talent invited to FPL	12/1/2022
MIBR reportedly set to sign two new talents	12/1/2022
Bad News Eagles to part ways with head coach	12/1/2022
dev1ce before Astralis comeback: We are not far away from the top of CS:GO	12/1/2022
ENCE joins Astralis at $50.000 tournament this weekend	12/1/2022
Apeks to use profiled stand-in	12/1/2022
Former Astralis talent enters free agency	12/1/2022
The maker of Mirage hits out at pro players: They are too lazy and uninterested	12/1/2022
Spirit and HEET goes for five overtimes on marathon map	12/1/2022
Evil Geniuses release players	12/1/2022
Video: Mythic player wins 1v5 clutch on Mirage	12/1/2022
ESL reveal multiple women's tournaments for 2023	12/1/2022

News archive

Follow Pley