Valve stunned the Counter-Strike world this Friday morning by [link:{"url":"https://x.com/CPerfectworld/status/1796422061491134607","isNewTab":true,"text":"announcing "}]significant changes to the Major rulebook, most notably scrapping the open qualifiers for Europe and the Americas for the Shanghai Major.

This decision eliminates the traditional qualifying system, where Valve’s ranking will now decide the invitations for the RMR and closed qualifiers – a change that has sparked heavy debate in the community, drawing significant criticism.

We have asked the Counter-Strike experts Janko "YNk" Paunović and Sudhen “Bleh” Wahengbam about Valve’s disputed decision.

- It’s surprising considering how vocal Valve has been recently about keeping an open circuit with the dissolution of partner leagues and so on, YNk starts off.

- One of the consequences is that this will be a missed opportunity for some players, if you get removed from a team close to the cutoff point. Then there is no chance for you to make it with a mix of similar players. And we'll probably see more tier 3 teams grind the online scene leading up to the Major cycle.

- Also, in this scenario, a story like Bad News Eagles could never happen - a team just coming out of nowhere into the Major and then causing a couple of upsets, which was entertaining for people to watch.

[image:{"source":"cloudinary","publicId":"players/Bad_News_Eagles_unwwhk","originalWidth":2048,"originalHeight":1152,"customWidth":"100%","customHeight":"100%","cloudinaryAssetData":true,"cloudName":"pley-gg","format":"jpg","caption":"Credit: PGL"}]

The fairy tale around Bad News Eagles would never happened without the open qualifier format, according to YNk. 

When asked about Valve’s reasonings behind the change, YNk speculates that the game developer may wish to eliminate the RMRs in its entirety.

-Probably because they want to remove the RMRs completely in the future, and this is just the first step in doing that. They realize the Major with all the qualifiers etc. takes up too much space in the calendar and I don't think they really ever intended it being like that, YNk concludes.

Expert and analyst Sudhen “Bleh” Wahengbam chimes in on the discussion by pointing out the negatives around how partner teams are favoured above lower-ranked teams. 

- I’m genuinely surprised that Valve has killed open qualifiers in this cycle. We were expecting this for 2025 when partner events wouldn't exist anymore and that would make sense. But doing this in 2024 where partnered teams still have a massive advantage is wild.

- The beauty of a truly open qualifier for the Major just got mud thrown in its face, Bleh states. 

The competition at IEM Dallas is in full swing with the Texas-based tournament now having reached the playoff stage.

Before kicking off the arena matches tomorrow, let’s take a look at who’s been the best performing players on the server so far. A bit surprising, it’s the Danish rifler Rene “TeSeS” Madsen from Heroic who tops the leaderboard after presenting a phenomenal showing in the groups stage.

1. {cflag:DK} Rene ‘TeSeS’ Madsen (Heroic) | 1.39 rating

2. {cflag:RU} Boris 'magixx' Vorobiev (Spirit) | 1.34 rating

3. {cflag:RU} Dmitry 'sh1ro' Sokolov (Spirit) | 1.32 rating

4. {cflag:SE} Ludvig 'Brollan' Brolin (MOUZ) | 1.30 rating

5. {cflag:IL} Lotan 'Spinx' Giladi (Vitality) | 1.28 rating

6. {cflag:DE} Jon 'JDC' de Castro (BIG) | 1.27 rating

7. {cflag:RU} Danil 'donk' Kryshkovets (Spirit) | 1.27 rating

8. {cflag:FR} Mathieu 'ZywOo' Herbaut (Vitality) | 1.27 rating

9. {cflag:ES} Antonio 'MartinezSa' Martinez (9z) | 1.25 rating

10. {cflag:UA} Myroslav 'zont1x' Plakhotia (Spirit) | 1.23

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[slugORMA:{"slug":"cadian-reacts-rumours-want-place-where-im-happy-where-want-show","isNewTab":true}]

The big talking point in Counter-Strike lately has been the rumors surrounding Liquid potentially removing their high-profile in-game leader, Casper “cadiaN” Møller. 

Speculation began earlier this month when HLTV reported that the North American team was considering benching the former Heroic captain, suggesting that IEM Dallas could be his last event with Liquid.

[slugORMA:{"slug":"shock-benching-incoming-cadian-could-way-liquid","isNewTab":true}]

"I want to be at a place where I'm happy"

Until now, cadiaN had remained relatively silent about the rumors, but yesterday he opened up about his situation and future during an interview at IEM Dallas after losing to G2. 

- I know some things and some things I don’t. I definitely know more in the upcoming days, cadiaN said to James Banks and ESL.

- Things are not meshing as they should be - that can be both inside and outside the server. Ultimately, I also want to be at a place where I'm happy, where I want to show up and where I can be the cadiaN everyone knows, playing my style and doing my things, my moves and clutches. Whether that's here or somewhere else, time will tell.

- I want to be somewhere, where I feel like there’s a full trust in my leadership and my playing style. That can be here in Liquid but can also be somewhere else.

[slugORMA:{"slug":"kassad-reveals-bargain-price-bleed-paid-jkaem-nawwk","isNewTab":true}]

Liquid’s loss to G2 yesterday led to their elimination from IEM Dallas. In his interview with ESL, cadiaN also reflected on Liquid’s recent progress.

- If we had won this game we would have had four playoffs in a row at pretty big events. I still think we’re in Top 10 in both the ESL and HLTV ranking when everything is updated on Monday. So considering we had zero points five months ago and how things looked, I think it’s a very significant improvement.

- You can always discuss if it’s enough of an improvement. We have some games where we look pretty good and then we have some where we look not so good – but I think that’s a part of the journey of being a new team.

You can watch the entire interview with cadiaN down below. 

[youtube:QjiBb0RigVY?si=XhIo4rt07mcZZrXg&t=37340]

MOUZ, Liquid, and now Vitality have been the casualties of an insane run from 9z at IEM Dallas. The South Americans gave the money 501 times again before the start of the tournament, but now finds themselves one match away from the Grand Final in Dallas. Against Team Vitality Franco 'dgt' Garcia led the team to a 2-0 victory by winning on Dust2 and Anubis.

Team Spirit won the other group final, as they fought off FaZe 13-11, 13-10. Boris 'magixx' Vorobiev was the best player on the server in a match, where Danil "donk" Kryshkovets had an unusual quite match despite the win.

G2 and Heroic also managed to qualify for the playoffs with victories against Liquid and BIG. Jake 'Stewie2K' Yip will therefore return to the stage, as the American plays the tournament as a stand-in for Rasmus "HooXi" Nielsen. Stewie2k is the only North American player left in the event.

Joakim “jkaem” Myrbostad and Tim “nawwk” Jonasson.

A sharp-shooting rifler and a proven AWPer, with both of them having a long list of tier-1 competitions under their belt. But what is the price of such qualities?

At least that’s what BLEED paid Apeks earlier this month to acquire the Scandinavian duo, according to BLEED head coach and GM Aleksandar "kassad" Trifunović.

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Kassad disclosed this information in a recent [link:{"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8yalZdU48I","isNewTab":true,"text":"podcast episode"}] of Feed the Trolls, where he delved into the dynamics of the competitive Counter-Strike market and the factors influencing player transfers.

In the podcast, kassad elaborates on the details of the transfer and how the initial asking price dramatically dropped from $1.6 million to $130,000 in just six months.

- I will give you some numbers from my team [BLEED] and I will tell you how it worked. When we were supposed to get players in December, I told the organization that I didn’t want to spend multi-millions and give out $25-30k salaries. I don’t want to do it because the market is inflated and it’s in the wrong place, kassad said and continued:

- For example, in January I messaged Apeks about jkaem and they straight up replied me with a request for $1.2 million. You know what I paid for him last week? $65.000. You know how much I paid for nawwk – a tier-1 AWPer – his buyout was $450.000 when I asked for him. I got him for $65.000.

[image:{"source":"cloudinary","publicId":"Gamle billeder/kassad_csgo_uhfw3e","originalWidth":1920,"originalHeight":1080,"customWidth":"100%","customHeight":"100%","cloudinaryAssetData":true,"cloudName":"pley-gg","format":"jpg","caption":"Credit: Igor Bezborodov and StarLadder"}]

kassad has previously coached profiled teams such as Renegades, 100 Thieves and Cloud9

kassad went on to discuss his strategy for navigating what he calls an unstable transfer market, emphasizing the importance of timing and market awareness.

-After the Major and after the market deflated and stabilized a little bit, the prices went down. I knew that in December and that’s what I told the organization – once the opportunity comes, I’m just going to jump on it and see if it’s going to work.

- Instead of what paying $1.6 million I paid $130.00. Simply because you have to understand the fucking market and how it works, and how Falcons and other teams fucked it.

You can watch the full episode of Feed the Trolls down below. 

To offer a bit of context to the $130.000 transfer sum of jkaem and nawwk, it shall be mentioned that Apeks [link:{"url":"https://twitter.com/apeksgg/status/1795394622564470842","isNewTab":true,"text":"announced "}]earlier this week that they had to put their CS division on hold due to “challenging economic circumstances”. That may or may not have had something to say in the final price.

ENCE has made a significant overhaul of their active roster, replacing Paweł "⁠dycha⁠" Dycha and AWPer Olek "⁠hades⁠" Miskiewicz with Viktor "⁠sdy⁠" Orudzhev and Paavo "⁠podi⁠" Heiskanen.

The latter was already a part of the Finnish organization, with the 19-year-old AWPer having represented ENCE Academy for over a year, while sdy joins the gla1ve-led roster from free agency.

The roster change comes after a long period of disappointing results for ENCE, despite the acquisition of the 9INE core earlier this year.

Head coach of ENCE, Jakub "⁠kuben⁠" Gurczyński, has touched on the recent decision stating that they gave this lineup many chances but they were “forced to make changes”.

“(…) my sporting ambition does not allow me to accept the lack of progression. We gave this team many chances and tried to solve ongoing problems in every possible way, but unfortunately, things didn't click in this setup. The aura built on the Katowice run quickly passed, and frustration grew in each of us.

Our players are great individuals, but we need a TEAM to win systematically. Bring back the joy and do it with passion. The environment players create together should be fun; lately, we’ve lost that spark. At this point, we are forced to make changes,” kuben has said in a statement.

{cflag:DK} Lukas "⁠gla1ve⁠" Rossander

{cflag:PL} Krzysztof "⁠Goofy⁠" Górski

{cflag:PL} Kacper "⁠Kylar⁠" Walukiewicz

{cflag:PL} Jakub "⁠kuben⁠" Gurczyński (head coach)

In one of the few events on home soil in the tournament calendar, Complexity failed to impress, as the hometown heroes lost both of their opening matches at IEM Dallas. 

Jonathan "EliGE" Jablonowski and the rest of the Complexity roster faced tough opposition, as they faced Team Liquid and MOUZ in the first two matches. The “Battle of NA” was lost 6-13 to Liquid, while Complexity came close to eliminating MOUZ in two maps, but on the third map of Nuke, Complexity was overrun by a superb MOUZ T-side during the first half.

Monte shared the same fate, as the new iteration of the roster lost out to Vitality and Falcons on the opening day of the tournament.

On the other end of the spectrum, 9z managed to upset both MOUZ and Team Liquid to qualify for the playoffs. 9z will face Vitality in the upper final in Group A for a spot in the semi-finals.

compLexity Gaming

Monte

While many are familiar with placing [link:{"url":"https://www.boylesports.com/sports/football/competition/international-euro-2024","isNewTab":true,"text":"euro 2024 betting odds"}] or betting on horse racing, there's a growing interest in esports betting, particularly on games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). If you enjoy betting on your favorite football team, you might find new excitement in CS:GO.

CS:GO is a popular first-person shooter game that has captivated millions of fans worldwide. The game's competitive scene is thriving, making it an attractive option for betting enthusiasts. Unlike traditional sports, CS:GO offers unique elements such as fast-paced gameplay and frequent roster changes that can influence match outcomes. This dynamic environment provides plenty of opportunities for bettors willing to dive into the details and follow the game's developments closely.

One of the most exciting aspects of CS:GO betting is the variety of tournaments and leagues available to wager on. From major events like the Majors and ESL Pro League to smaller regional tournaments, there's always something to keep bettors engaged. The frequency of these events means that there are plenty of opportunities to apply your knowledge and test your betting strategies throughout the year.

Understanding Different Types of CS:GO Bets

One of the first steps to getting started with CS:GO betting is understanding the different types of bets available. You can bet on match winners, similar to predicting the outcome of a football game. There are also map winner bets, where you predict which team will win a specific map in a series. Additionally, you can place over/under bets on the number of rounds played in a match. These diverse options allow bettors to customize their strategies based on their knowledge and preferences.

Another interesting type of bet in CS:GO is the handicap bet. This is where the bookmaker gives a virtual advantage or disadvantage to one of the teams to level the playing field. For example, if a strong team is facing a weaker one, the bookmaker might give the weaker team a +1.5 map advantage. This means that if you bet on the weaker team, they only need to win one map for you to win your bet. Handicap bets can be a great way to find value in matches with seemingly lopsided odds.

Transitioning from Traditional Sports to Esports

If you're already familiar with betting on traditional sports, many principles apply to CS:GO as well. For example, just like in football betting, research is crucial. Keeping up with player statistics, team performance trends, and recent roster changes can give you an edge. However, there are also key differences to consider. Esports events can be influenced by factors like game patches and updates, which can alter team dynamics overnight. Understanding these nuances will help you make more informed bets.

Live betting is another exciting aspect of [link:{"url":"https://www.forbes.com/sites/mikestubbs/2023/07/25/70-of-csgo-gamblers-started-as-minors-according-to-youtuber-report/","isNewTab":true,"text":"CS:GO"}] wagering. It allows you to place bets in real-time as matches unfold. This can be particularly advantageous if you're good at reading in-game situations and predicting momentum shifts. For instance, you might place a bet after seeing how well a team performs during the crucial pistol rounds or eco rounds. To succeed in live betting, it's essential to stay focused and avoid impulsive decisions based on short-term excitement.

Using Available Resources to Your Advantage

Many resources are available to help you become a more effective CS:GO bettor. Websites that offer statistical analysis, live odds comparison, and expert opinions can provide valuable insights. Watching professional matches and streams can also enhance your understanding of team strategies and player skills. Engaging with online communities and forums where enthusiasts share tips and discuss recent developments can further sharpen your knowledge.

Whether you're a seasoned bettor or new to the scene, exploring CS:GO esports can add a fresh dimension to your betting experience. By understanding the basics of the game, researching teams and players, and leveraging live betting opportunities, you can enhance your enjoyment and potentially improve your chances of success. So why not give it a try? Dive into the excitement of CS:GO!

A stacked IEM Dallas is set to kick off later today with eight of the current 10 best teams in the world participating.

The 16 teams are divided into two groups, where the top three placed teams advance to the playoffs.

The opening round will be played as a best of one, while the remaining matches (including the Grand Final) will be played as best of three.

 arrives in America with two tournament victories and a ten-match win streak in their baggage. The young guns will look to extend their run with another win in Dallas to claim their third win in the Intel Grand Slam Season 5 which would give them the chance at IEM Cologne to win the $1,000,000 prize pool.

 might not be the favorite to win the event, but you don’t want to miss the return of Jacky "Stewie2K" Yip! The American is filling in for Rasmus "HooXi" Nielsen, who has stayed home in Europe to participate in his sister’s wedding.

 and Complexity take on each other in an early NA fight when the two teams clash in the opening round of the tournament. While Complexity has been the best NA team for a time now, Team Liquid has started to heat up lately with some fine results at the CCT Global Finals last week. With rumors flying about Casper 'cadiaN' Møller’s possible departure from the roster, all eyes will be on Liquid to see, if they are finally starting to fulfill the potential that their star-studded roster has shown before in different teams.

MOUZ

Team Liquid

G2 Esports

Amidst a sea of fleeting trends and rapidly changing technology, certain games emerge that not only endure but thrive over decades. Two such enduring giants are Counter-Strike and EA Sports FC (formerly known as FIFA). Despite their different genres—tactical shooter and sports simulation, respectively—these games have carved out permanent places in gaming history and continue to captivate millions of players worldwide.

Counter-Strike’s journey began in 1999 as a mod for Valve’s Half-Life, created by Minh "Gooseman" Le and Jess Cliffe. Its unique blend of team-based tactics, precise gunplay, and strategic depth quickly captured the attention of the gaming community. Valve officially acquired the rights and released the standalone Counter-Strike 1.0 in 2000. Over the years, the series evolved through various iterations, with Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS), released in 2012, being the most successful and enduring version to date. CS continues to receive updates and maintains a strong player base, exemplifying longevity in the fast-paced gaming industry.

The EA Sports FC series, known as FIFA until 2023, is a cornerstone of sports video games. The first game, FIFA International Soccer, was released in 1993. Developed and published by Electronic Arts (EA), the series has been an annual release, with each new installment bringing updates to teams, players, and gameplay mechanics. The rebranding to EA Sports FC marked a significant shift, but the core essence of delivering an authentic football simulation experience remains unchanged. The game’s ability to consistently innovate and adapt to the demands of football enthusiasts has ensured its place as a perennial favorite.

Counter-Strike’s core gameplay revolves around two teams, terrorists and counter-terrorists, competing in objective-based scenarios such as bomb planting/defusal and hostage rescue. The game is renowned for its precise gunplay, where players must master weapon recoil patterns and aiming. Strategic use of grenades and positioning adds layers of tactical depth, requiring teamwork and coordination. The economy system, where players earn money to buy weapons and equipment based on their performance, adds another strategic element. CS’s success is largely attributed to its balance of skill-based mechanics and strategic gameplay.

EA Sports FC offers a comprehensive simulation of the football experience. Players can control their favorite teams and athletes, engaging in matches that mimic real-life football. The game features various modes, including Career Mode, Ultimate Team, and Online Seasons, catering to different playstyles. The detailed player animations, realistic physics, and authentic team tactics provide an immersive experience. The introduction of features like HyperMotion technology and improved AI has kept the gameplay fresh and engaging. The series’ dedication to authenticity and realism has been key to its longevity. You can get a solid introduction to how you shoot in this article on [link:{"url":"https://futfc.gg/how-to-shoot-in-eafc-24/","isNewTab":true,"text":"FUTFC.gg"}].

Counter-Strike has one of the most vibrant and enduring esports scenes. From grassroots LAN tournaments in the early 2000s to the global majors today, CS has consistently been a staple of competitive gaming. The game’s strategic depth, spectator-friendly gameplay, and the thrill of high-stakes matches have made it a favorite among esports fans. Major tournaments, such as the ESL Pro League and Intel Extreme Masters, attract millions of viewers, with professional teams and players becoming household names in the gaming community.

EA Sports FC also boasts a strong competitive scene, particularly through its FIFA eWorld Cup and various regional leagues. The Ultimate Team mode, where players build their dream squads, has become a focal point for both casual and competitive play. EA’s partnership with real-world football organizations has further solidified the game’s status in the esports arena. The ability to compete with others globally and the integration of real-world football elements keep the community engaged and invested.

Both Counter-Strike and EA Sports FC have left an indelible mark on gaming culture. Counter-Strike has influenced countless tactical shooters, establishing key gameplay mechanics and competitive standards that many games follow today. Its community-driven nature, with user-created maps and mods, has fostered a collaborative culture within gaming.

EA Sports FC, on the other hand, has brought the world’s most popular sport to millions of gamers. It has become a cultural phenomenon, bridging the gap between virtual and real-world football. The game’s influence extends beyond gaming, impacting sports culture, media, and entertainment.

Counter-Strike and EA Sports FC exemplify the potential for video games to transcend generations and remain relevant in an ever-changing industry. Through continuous innovation, engagement with their communities, and a commitment to delivering high-quality experiences, these games have not only survived but thrived. As they continue to evolve, they will undoubtedly inspire future generations of gamers and developers, proving that some classics are truly timeless.

Despite being products of different eras and developers, the similarities between these games are striking, underpinning their success and popularity. This article explores the commonalities that make Counter-Strike and Valorant comparable and how these shared attributes have shaped the competitive FPS landscape. In this article we dive into the differences in the usage of [link:{"url":"https://allvalorant.gg/valorant-characters/","isNewTab":true,"text":"characters"}] in Valorant compared to the standard agents in Counter-Strike.

At their core, both Counter-Strike and Valorant share a fundamental gameplay structure that has proven immensely successful. Each game is played in rounds, with teams alternating between offensive and defensive roles. The objective typically involves planting or defusing a bomb (referred to as a Spike in Valorant), or eliminating the opposing team.

Both Counter-Strike and Valorant place a significant emphasis on tactical depth and team coordination. Winning consistently requires more than just sharp aim; it demands strategic planning, effective communication, and seamless execution.

While Counter-Strike focuses on a more traditional approach with its standard weapon and utility system, Valorant introduces a unique twist with its character-based gameplay. Each character, or "Agent," in Valorant has a set of abilities that can be used to support the team or hinder opponents. Despite this difference, the underlying principle remains similar: effective use of abilities or utility items is critical to success.

The competitive scenes of Counter-Strike and Valorant are vibrant and influential, drawing large audiences and fostering dedicated communities. The parallels in their competitive structures have helped both games thrive in the esports arena.

Counter-Strike and Valorant, despite their differences, share numerous similarities that underline their success in the FPS genre. From their round-based formats and economic systems to their emphasis on tactical depth and team strategy, these games have set the standard for competitive shooters. The introduction of character-specific abilities in Valorant adds a unique twist, but the core principles of skill, strategy, and teamwork remain unchanged. As both games continue to evolve, their shared attributes will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of competitive FPS gaming.

Whether competing solo or in teams, it's redefining how players interact. Recently, in-game relations have become increasingly common through the use of skin gambling. Unlike traditional betting, users can wager against each other online, typically using in-game items which are converted into virtual currency. This guide will provide vital information for new players unfamiliar with this type of betting.

In most video games, a skin is an item you can use to customize your characters, weapons, cars, etc. You can earn them from crates after completing a mission or achievement or purchasing them in the store. It can be a rare outfit or a character. Remember that skins don't change the gameplay or mechanics of a game but offer a slight visual update. 

Sometimes, the price of a skin might change, giving the impression that some skins are more expensive than others. However, depending on the type and appearance, these items are often valuable, reaching thousands of dollars. This is because many game publishers have created a significant demand by making a few rarer. 

Skin gambling used to involve wagering rare customs against other players. Depending on the match's outcome, you either win the "pot" or lose your skin. However, nowadays players deposit their skins in return for virtual coins, matching the value of the skin. These coins can then be wagered on games and players can then win more coins to pay for skins again.

This type of gambling gained popularity in the gaming community as a technique to increase reward opportunities. It provided a new level of competition in games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. 

With the popularity of skin gambling increasing, sites like [link:{"url":"https://skinlords.com/","isNewTab":true,"text":"Skinlords"}], have become the hub for the best skin gambling sites. You will be able to find in-depth reviews of different skin gambling platforms, as well as bonuses you can claim to further enhance your gaming expeirence.

Most Popular Online Games With Gambling Skins

While it all started with Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, other game skins are gambled daily. We’ll go into them in depth in the section below.

CS:GO, produced by Valve Corporation, was one of the first video games to introduce the skin gambling market. Thanks to the many bonuses and purchasable cases available in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, you have multiple options to earn special items. 

Some of these skins have gained significant value because of their rarity and visual appeal. The [link:{"url":"https://pley.gg/skins","isNewTab":true,"text":"CS:GO skin"}] community is so strong that it has started attracting even professional investment interests.

Dota 2, also developed by Valve Corporation, has a similar market for special items. You can earn various skins for heroes, wards, and others in-game, and their value depends on how exclusive they are. There are currently eight classes of skins, namely:

It's crucial to understand that Arcana, Immortal, and Legendary skins offer various effects, generally altering how the abilities look. Therefore, it stands to reason that these are the most costly skins in the game.

Rust is an online multiplayer video game produced by Facepunch Studios. There is a thriving community of skin gamblers on Rust who bet with customized avatars and equipment. 

These items range from clothing and armor to weapons and deployable items. This gambling community takes survival experience into account when considering customization.

H1Z1 is a classic battle royale game released in 2015. There are many items to earn or buy, most customized for weapons and characters. Since this is true, skin gambling is prevalent among its players. 

It’s the same thing as other [link:{"url":"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_royale_game","isNewTab":true,"text":"BR games"}], where you use third-party websites to stake your skins for the opportunity to get valuable or rare items. Most of these sites host gambling activities such as coin flips or roulette, where gamers can bet with their virtual items.

PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds) also has a market for betting with skins. Purchases made within the game and item loot crates allow you to collect in-game items such as outfits, weapon paint jobs, and parachute coverings. 

To gamble with PUBG items, you’ll have to use skins like digital currency on external platforms. These sites offer opportunities to play games of chance, like wagering on match wins or participating in random draws aimed at more expensive skins.

The market for in-game skins has expanded far beyond its origins in CS:GO. Each game offers a unique take on the items, fostering active communities. If you’re interested in exploring this unique approach to gambling, you can count on our guide to help you get started.

Valve deployed another update to Counter-Strike 2 last night with a focus on CT economy, Vertigo, and a brand new feature, where you can rent the content of the new Kilowatt Case for a week.

One of the key highlights of this update is the adjustment to the Counter-Terrorists (CT) economy, which has been a focal point for feedback from the community. Two significant changes have been made:

Price Reduction for the M4A4 and Incendiary Grenade: The cost of the M4A4 rifle and the incendiary grenade has been reduced, making these essential tools more accessible for CT players. This change is expected to help CTs better manage their economy, especially in the early rounds.

Reduced Cash for T’s on Bomb Defuse: Terrorists will now receive less money when the bomb is defused. This tweak is designed to slightly shift the economic balance, encouraging more strategic play and making defusal rounds more impactful for the CTs.

Visual and Functional Updates to Incendiary Grenade

In addition to the price cut, the incendiary grenade has received both visual and functional enhancements:

New Visual Treatment: The explosion and flames of the incendiary grenade have been given a visual overhaul. Players will notice a more realistic and visually impressive effect, adding to the immersive experience of the game.

Reduced Spread and Duration: The spread of the flames and the duration of the incendiary effect have been reduced. This change aims to make the grenade more tactical, requiring precise placement and timing to maximize its effectiveness.

Vertigo’s A-site has undergone significant changes, reflecting ongoing efforts to keep maps balanced and engaging:

New Layout for Vertigo A-site: The revamped A-site is now featured in Wingman matches. See the new entrance to the A-site in the picture below.

[image:{"source":"cloudinary","publicId":"Maps/New_Vertigo1_mdvypz","originalWidth":2560,"originalHeight":1440,"customWidth":"100%","customHeight":"100%","cloudinaryAssetData":true,"cloudName":"pley-gg","format":"jpg"}]

Fans of the Kilowatt Collection have a new reason to rejoice. The update introduces a unique feature for case openings:

Rent the Entire Collection: When opening a Kilowatt case with a key, players now have the option to rent the entire collection for a week (excluding the rare special item). This allows players to try out all the weapons in the collection without committing to a single item. However, rented weapons cannot be modified with stickers or nametags.

The update also includes a variety of other improvements and fixes:

Quality of Life Improvements for Demo Playback: Reviewing past matches has become smoother with enhanced demo playback features.

Smarter Chickens: The in-game chickens have received AI tweaks, making them slightly more intelligent and adding a touch of fun to the game.

Various Bug Fixes: As always, the update comes with numerous bug fixes, addressing community-reported issues and improving overall game stability.

Eternal Fire have just claimed their biggest accolade yet by winning the $500.000 event CCT Global Finals this Thursday evening. In the title decider, the Turkish side took down the star-studded Liquid in a thrilling best-of-five grand final which ended 3-1 in the favour of Engin “MAJ3R” Küpeli and company.

The stand-out performer for Eternal Fire was once again the always hard-shooting Ismailcan 'XANTARES' Dörtkardeş, who ended the match with 77 kills and a stellar 1.33 rating, giving Liquid a hard time on all four maps.

XANTARES also ended up as the highest-rated player in the tournament. His strong performance helped Eternal Fire defeat the likes of GamerLegion, BetBoom, SAW, PARIVISION and lastly Liquid on their route to the title, in which they only dropped two maps overall.

While people try to accrue digital commodities such as NFTs and attach value to them, CS:GO was the first place that made online, in-game trading collectibles fun and desirable. Below, we discuss some of the most expensive skins in CS:GO history and why they have so much appeal.  

For the few people who don't know, skins are graphic downloads that can change the appearance of in-game elements. These may change the look of weapons or the outfit a character is wearing. Essentially, they allow characters to be customized in different ways. CS:GO was one of the first games to pioneer this, allowing people to buy rare skins and store them in their library.  

As skins have accrued value, they have become a type of commodity. This has meant that they can be used as promotional tools, appearing in loot crates, or as special prizes. Elements of this reward using random number generation is something that has been adopted across the gaming landscape, even as far as iGaming [link:{"url":"https://duelbits.com/promotions/casino","isNewTab":true,"text":"casino bonuses"}]. Here, players often find similar rewards in the bonus rounds of slot games. Even businesses are using this method of reward to incentivize retail customers.

When it comes to skins in CS:GO, scarcity and condition are the key. The fewer copies of a skin exist, the more likely they are to become valuable. When they are used, the condition deteriorates lowering the cost and demand. 

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The value of this Howl Rifle comes from its interesting backstory. Originally, it was a rifle that gained popularity when it was uploaded to the Steam [link:{"url":"https://www.counter-strike.net/newsentry/3787024475483064536","isNewTab":true,"text":"Workshop and was loved"}] by both Valve and the online community. However, the artwork on the rifle was not that of the person who uploaded it. This saw the creator being banned as they had also used other copyrighted artworks on previous skins.  

As Valve removed it from sale, it is now contraband. This means you can only buy it from another player who owns the skin and that pool is limited. You can [link:{"url":"https://skinport.com/item/m4a4-howl-field-tested","isNewTab":true,"text":"expect to pay"}] around $19000 for the 177 that are factory new, with others starting at around $4000. 

These are the two most expensive AWP skins on the market. For factory new ones, both hang at around the $18,000 mark. The rifle is extremely popular for use on skins, due to its large surface area and ability to plant designs on it easily. The former has an icy blue Nordic design while the latter harkens back to ancient Chinese mythology.  

The value of these skins is like any commodity and is open to a wide range of market conditions. The top is desirability and for the highest priced items, it is unlikely anything will see them drop in value anytime soon. Yet for collectors, the biggest bargains can be found by looking for new and exciting designs that have the potential to rocket in value in the future. 

9INE is back in Counter-Strike with a completely new lineup, starring the likes of former OG AWPer Mateusz "⁠mantuu⁠" Wilczewski and Heroic rifler Ismail "⁠refrezh⁠" Ali.

The fresh international roster is concluded by Kévin "⁠misutaaa⁠" Rabier, Rasmus "⁠raalz⁠" Steensborg and Alexandru "⁠s0und⁠" Ștefan.

Today’s news marks a change for 9INE, as they go fully international after having featured a series of Polish lineups in the past. In a statement, 9INE CGO Adam Videll touches on the decision.

- We decided to adapt to today's meta by building an international roster, ensuring we don't limit our talent pool to a single nation. Following extensive discussions and a rigorous trial process, we are proud to present a lineup with immense potential, made possible by our competent coaching staff and team management, Videll states. 

On paper, the star of the show seems to be the 26-year-old AWPer Mateusz "⁠mantuu⁠" Wilczewski, who has been given a chance after his short but relatively positive tenure with BIG.

mantuu is accompanied with three experienced riflers in refrezh, misutaa and raalz – a trio that has played a myriad of tier-1 competitions in their careers. The last piece of the puzzle, 21-year-old s0und, is on the other hand a rather inexperienced figure in top CS, having represented Nexus and OG Academy in the past.

{cflag:PL} Mateusz "⁠mantuu⁠" Wilczewski

{cflag:DK} Rasmus "⁠raalz⁠" Steensborg

{cflag:FR} Kévin "⁠misutaaa⁠" Rabier

{cflag:RO} Alexandru "⁠s0und⁠" Ștefan

A 10-match win streak has elevated MOUZ into the position of the current best team in the world according to HLTV's weekly world ranking update.

This is the first time since the introduction of HLTV’s World Ranking in August 2015, that MOUZ finds themselves as the best team in the world.

MOUZ secured the spot after defeating Danil "donk" Kryshkovets and Team Spirit in the Grand Final of the BetBoom Dacha Belgrade 2024 tournament adding another win to their 2024 trophy cabinet. MOUZ is now undefeated in ten matches after going through ESL Pro League Season 19 flawless.

The most eye-catching thing about the current iteration of MOUZ is the cohesiveness of the roster, which can be seen in the stats of the players that are very evenly distributed.

{cflag:FI} Jimi 'Jimpphat' Salo – 1.17 rating

{cflag:IL} Dorian 'xertioN' Berman – 1.17 rating

{cflag:HU} Ádám 'torzsi' Torzsás – 1.15 rating

{cflag:SE} Ludvig "Brollan" Brolin – 1.12 rating

{cflag:PL} Kamil 'siuhy' Szkaradek – 1.00 rating

IEM Dallas is next up for MOUZ. They face 9z in the opening round of the tournament that starts on Monday.

siuhy

Brollan

torzsi

xertionic

Jimpphat

Is Astralis finally back in top-tier Counter-Strike?

One individual who’s excited about the current Astralis side is Counter-Strike expert and analyst Mathieu "Maniac" Quiquerez. In a recent [link:{"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H48crC-oUc8","isNewTab":true,"text":"episode "}]of Counter-Points with Duncan “Thorin” Shields, Maniac praises the Danish super team to the skies.

The Swiss expert especially highlights Astralis’ new roster composition, where they brought in br0 and moved device to the IGL role as the reason for their current success.

- Right now, Astralis is showcasing what Jabbi and stavn can do when they have solid fundamentals around them - something that protects them from losing silly situations and round losses. Just look at how Jabbi and stavn are performing now compared to under blameF. It’s absolute night and day!”

- Personally, I think br0 and Staehr are doing an incredible job stabilizing this team and being beacons of safety. device - unbelievable enough - hasn’t skipped a beat even though he’s now the in-game leader. So yeah, I’m very excited about Astralis and I believe they are serious candidates to win IEM Cologne.

The new captain and in-game leader, Nicolai “device” Reedtz, also received praising words from Maniac during the podcast, after the AWPer led Astralis to two consecutive Top 4 results at IEM Chengdu and ESL Pro League Season 19.

- device is capable to have plays that is set around him, but I don’t think he has any problems in taking a support role in some scenarios. If he can enable someone else by being a security AWPer or second line of defense then he’s cool with that. That means all of the aggressive and assertive resources are used for Jabbi and stavn. I think this triangle of Jabbi, stavn and device is working really well.

- The work has definitely been put in. The strat book is strong and the calls are pretty aggressive and daring as well, like the way they call an A rush on Ancient three times in a row. It takes a particular idea about the game to call that. What is actually relatively scary for everyone facing Astralis is that bar the honeymoon concept, I don’t really see a reason why their level would drop. Why would Astralis ever not be in a playoff from this point on? Who would not put them in the Top 8 of any tournament they go to, Maniac said on Counter-Points. 

You can watch the entire podcast down below. 

This system plays a pivotal role in the game, influencing not just the outcome of matches but also the strategies teams adopt. Understanding the [link:{"url":"https://unity.com/how-to/what-is-in-game-economy-guide-part-1","isNewTab":true,"text":"economy"}] in CS:GO is crucial for players who want to elevate their game from average to expert level. It's not just about shooting skills, it's also about knowing when to save, when to spend, and how to best use your team's resources.

When you play CS:GO, the money you earn is super important because you use it to buy things like guns, grenades, and armour for the next time you fight. It’s not just about how many other players you take out; you've got to be smart about how you use your money.  Teams face decisions on spending for immediate advantage or saving for later. Choices include affordable pistols like the Glock-18 or USP-S, powerful rifles such as the AK-47, precision sniper rifles like the AWP, close-combat shotguns, and heavy fire machine guns like the Negev.

Grenades are another key part of your gear. There are several types: smoke grenades can create a visual barrier for strategic moves, flashbangs can disorient opponents with a burst of light, HE grenades deliver explosive damage, and Molotov cocktails can block an area with fire. Each of these grenades can help your team in different ways, like taking control of an area or protecting yourselves from enemies. Choosing the right weapons and grenades is a big part of winning in CS:GO.

Strategic spending and saving: Mastering the economy

In CS:GO, it's really important to know when to save or spend your game money. In eco rounds, when money is tight, teams might just buy a cheap pistol and focus on their main goals like planting the bomb or getting as many eliminations as possible. This strategy mirrors the unpredictability found in [link:{"url":"https://www.unibet.dk/betting/sports/filter/esports","isNewTab":true,"text":"CSGO betting"}], where making the right call can feel just as risky. Then, there are anti-eco rounds, where the team that won before buys shotguns or submachine guns to earn more by taking out enemies.

Full buy rounds are when teams get the best weapons and gear they can, like AKs for attackers and M4s for defenders, plus grenades and defuse kits. Sometimes, teams have to go for semi-buys or force buys when they're short on cash but still want to put up a fight. It's crucial for the team to collaborate and ensure everyone agrees on the purchasing strategy.

The economy system in CS:GO doesn't just affect individual matches, it shapes the global competitive scene. [link:{"url":"https://blast.tv/article/best-teams-in-csgo-history","isNewTab":true,"text":"Teams"}] and players who excel at economic management often find themselves at the top of the leaderboard, demonstrating that strategic thinking and financial planning are just as important as quick reflexes and accurate aiming. The way players manage their economy can influence the meta-game, leading to new strategies and approaches to matches.

News 5 / 2024	Published at
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Euro 2024 Betting Odds and the Rise of CS:GO Esports	5/28/2024
IEM Dallas 2024: Can MOUZ clinch third straight win?	5/27/2024
Counter-Strike and EA Sports FC: Two Timeless Giants in the Gaming Industry	5/27/2024
The Unmistakable Parallels Between Counter-Strike and Valorant	5/27/2024
A Beginner’s Guide To Skin Gambling	5/27/2024
Counter-Strike 2 Update: Enhancements for CT economy, new Vertigo A-site design, and new rental option	5/24/2024
Eternal Fire takes down cadiaN and Liquid to secure $250.000	5/23/2024
The Most Expensive Skins in CS:GO History	5/22/2024
mantuu headlines new 9INE roster	5/22/2024
MOUZ new number 1 team in the world after back-to-back victories	5/21/2024
Maniac praises a revived Astralis: They are serious candidates to win IEM Cologne	5/19/2024
Mastering the market: The intricate economy of CS:GO and its impact on gameplay	5/19/2024
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Will CS:GO/CS2 Skins Lose Value?	5/18/2024
Shock Benching Incoming? CadiaN Could Be on His Way Out of Liquid	5/16/2024
TSM reportedly wish to rebuild around a full Danish roster	5/16/2024
STYKO unveiled as new fourth man on Monte	5/15/2024
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MOUZ takes home back-to-back Pro League titles	5/12/2024
Heroic bound! degster returns to competitive play after lengthy break	5/12/2024
Highest-rated players at ESL Pro League Season 19	5/12/2024
BLEED picks up jkaem and nawwk from Apeks	5/12/2024
Can MOUZ stop the ZywOo train in Malta?	5/12/2024
The Future of Game Hacking: Innovations and Trends in Counter-Strike 2	5/10/2024
Media: arT negotiates and practices with new team	5/9/2024
FaZe got revenge over NAVI and Liquid dodged a bullet in Malta	5/9/2024
The Future of VR and AR: 4 Trends to Anticipate	5/9/2024
NIP completes its roster with the signing of 22-year-old rifler	5/8/2024
HooXi set to miss IEM Dallas; Stewie2k named as potential replacement	5/8/2024
The Youngest and Most Prospective CS:GO Players You Have to Know in 2024	5/8/2024
Playoffs bracket set at ESL Pro League	5/6/2024
Schedule and results from ESL Pro League Season 19	5/6/2024
hallzerk stars as Complexity qualify for playoffs	5/3/2024
syrsoN: I’m not at the level that I was back in the day	5/2/2024
MOUZ and Liquid qualify for Playoffs at Pro League	5/2/2024

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