As we begin 2024 and a full calendar sport year for CS2, we are left with exciting speculations about what this year will bring to Counter-Strike. Will there be groundbreaking changes in the competitive scene? Are some players on the verge of getting sidelined? We will delve into the sphere of the game, its esports scene and I am eager to share my major predictions for CS2 in 2024!
Change in Team Liquid’s lineup
Image credit: Team Liquid
The all-new, star-studded Team Liquid’s lineup for CS2 has been making quite a buzz. Entering 2024, they continue to be an eagerly anticipated team, with clear potential for all to see. We have a prediction that could catch you off guard! We believe that things may not immediately fall into place, leading to a change in the lineup by the end of 2024. Our prediction is that skullz could be the one to be replaced, as he currently seems the most likely candidate.
CS2 to introduce an effective anti-cheat system
Image credit: SecureCheats
The issue of cheating in CS2 is getting increasingly severe. With more gamers suspecting their counterparts of using unfair means, there’s been a rise in cheating instances. The real challenge is the absence of an effective anti-cheat system, akin to what we see in FACEIT. Such systems significantly reduce the number of cheaters and it’s surprising that Valve hasn’t integrated it yet, with VAC leaving much to be desired. However, 2024 could be the year of change. Our major prediction is that Valve will introduce an effective anti-cheat system in CS2, similar to what FACEIT uses.
Astralis claims victory at a major event
Image credit: Astralis
After the intense chain of events encompassing Astralis’ signing of jabbi and stavn from Heroic, they become a team to watch out for as they secured two of the world’s top players. Though their first collective event at BetBoom Dacha didn’t go as expected, we anticipate Astralis to make significant progress in 2024. One of our pivotal CS2 predictions is they are likely to emerge victorious at a Tier 1 event this year – a feat that the organization hasn’t achieved in a few years. While they may not clinch a Major win, it will be a good start.
Return of the Cache map in Active Duty
Image credit: Daniel Morris
The launch of CS2 was marked by the noticeable lack of Cache, a top Counter-Strike map that had been inactive for a few years. But, if FMPONE, the creator of the map, is to be believed, work on an updated Cache will start once the Santorini remake is finished. With the new version of Santorini, aka DE_THERA, now out, it seems Cache is on its way. Our CS2 prediction is that Valve will include the revamped Cache in the Active Duty map pool once it’s ready.
NiKo finally secures his Major
Image credit: Michał Konkol | © BLAST
NiKo’s pursuit to win a Major in Counter-Strike has been one of the most fascinating narratives in recent years. This quest has become an obsession for him, as he remains one of the top players never to achieve this feat. We believe 2024 will mark a turn in his career. Albeit we don’t foresee this happening at the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 due to G2’s current inconstancy and probable team changes post-Copenhagen. Our final CS2 prediction for 2024 is that NiKo will bag his long-awaited Major title at the Perfect World Shanghai Major at the end of the year.