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July is nearly at its finish, and Counter-Strike’s second aggressive season of 2021 is already on the horizon. The subsequent months are very anticipated by Counter-Strike followers, because the Main and a sequence of LAN occasions are presently deliberate to be run from October onwards.
Nevertheless, whereas we’re all excited for what’s to return, it’s essential to recollect what occurred thus far: tournaments, updates, rankings, and extra.
For that motive, we’ve ready this recap as we keep in mind the headliners of every month thus far within the 12 months. Whether or not you’re a returning fan seeking to catch-up for the subsequent semester, or a viewer who desire a fast recap, we now have your again.
JANUARY – BACK TO THE GRIND, the web grind
TOP 5 HLTV RANKINGS (January 4th)
| POSITION | TEAM | PREVIOUS POSITION | MOST RECENT PERFORMANCE |
| 1. | Astralis | — | 1st @ IEM World Problem 2020 |
| 2. | Vitality | — | fifth – sixth @ IEM World Problem 2020 |
| 3. | Natus Vincere | — | third – 4th @ IEM World Problem 2020 |
| 4. | BIG | — | third – 4th @ IEM World Problem 2020 |
| 5. | Heroic | — | seventh – eighth @ IEM World Problem 2020 |
Counter-Strike kicked off 2021 with headliners and premier occasions proper from the beginning. Throughout January, we noticed BLAST Premier World Last, CS_Summit 7, and DreamHack Open January EU because the three key occasions. Natus Vincere, Virtus.Professional and Group Spirit would respectively received these. These victories could be seen as an early sign of the Jap European rise that might be seen afterward.
Sadly, the month additionally had unfavourable information arising. First, EnVy, the group which as soon as hosted the roster which received DreamHack Open Cluj-Napoca 2015 determined to go away Counter-Strike. Then, the legendary GeT_RiGhT introduced his retirement.
The Dialogue Surrounding Coaches continues
Later within the month, dialogue about teaching in CSGO saved being a heated subject inside the group. The dialogue developed additional after an announcement from Valve, during which punishments to coaches who abused a bug within the sport have been revealed. Moreover, coaches and workers wouldn’t be allowed to be in the identical room as gamers throughout on-line matches in tournaments which can be a part of Valve’s system.
In that very same announcement, Valve additionally launched the RMR system to CSGO’s 2021 aggressive season. Since 2020 didn’t noticed any Main working, RMR factors can be transferred, in some degree, to 2021’s RMR. The Main, which by the best way, was confirmed to be hosted by PGL. The corporate introduced that they deliberate to host it in October on the Ericsson Globe in Stockholm with dwell crowds for the playoffs.
Now, roster adjustments. To checklist these in a extra “direct” approach, we’ve received a desk going that present the most important roster strikes of the month – suggestions appreciated. Have a look:
| TEAM | PLAYER(S) ADDED | PLAYER(S) REMOVED OR BENCHED |
| Cloud9 | Xeppaa (01/22) | woxic (01/18) |
| FaZe | Twistzz (01/30) | KJaerbye (01/30) |
| FNATIC | Jackinho (01/12) | flusha (01/08) |
| FURIA | Junior (01/13), honda (01/14) | hen1 (01/08) |
| Liquid | FalleN (01/09) | — |
| MiBR | yel, boltz, chelo, shz, danoco (01/15) | LUCAS1, vsm, leo_drk (01/06), kNgV-, trk (01/08) |
| Mousesports | acoR (01/23) | — |
FEBRUARY – FROM EASTERN EUROPE WITH LOVE
TOP 5 HLTV RANKINGS (February 1st)
| POSITION | TEAM | PREVIOUS POSITION | MOST RECENT PERFORMANCE |
| 1. | Astralis | 1st | 2nd @ BLAST Premier World Last 2020 |
| 2. | Vitality | 2nd | third @ BLAST Premier World Last 2020 |
| 3. | Natus Vincere | third | 1st @ BLAST Premier World Last 2020 |
| 4. | BIG | 4th | third – 4th @ DreamHack Open January 2021 Europe |
| 5. | Group Liquid | NEW | 4th @ BLAST Premier World Last 2020 |
The Jap European trio we listed above would proceed to make the information in February. Na’Vi got here on prime of BLAST Premier Spring Teams to kick off issues. Afterward, within the opening stage of one of many largest occasions of the entire 12 months, IEM Katowice, Gambit, Spirit and Virtus.Professional would qualify to the subsequent stage among the many likes of Liquid, NiP and Mousesports.
In the principle occasion itself, nonetheless, Jap European groups took full management. Na’Vi was eradicated within the quarter-finals, whereas Spirit reached the semis. Within the grand-finals, a conflict between to groups from the CIS area was seen as Gambit lifted the trophy and Virtus.Professional left the occasion in a decent second place. IEM Katowice featured the likes of Astralis, NiP, Heroic and Vitality, and to see such a dominant show from the groups coming from CIS was a sight to behold.
In addition to tournaments, February additionally noticed some names leaving CSGO. The Danish group North, and fan-favorite participant ‘autimatic’ each introduced their departure from the sport – in North’s case, the group introduced whole closure.
The Roster Adjustments of the Month
As with all different month, we additionally noticed some roster strikes occurring within the second month of the 12 months.
| TEAM | PLAYER(S) ADDED | PLAYER(S) REMOVED OR BENCHED |
| Evil Geniuses | — | Ethan (02/28) |
| FaZe | karrigan (02/15) | olofmeister (02/15) |
| Heroic | sjuush, refrezh (02/26) | b0rup, niko (02/26) |
| Mousesports | dexter (02/10) | karrigan (02/15) |
| Movistar Riders | smooya (02/02) | — |
| Ninjas in Pyjamas | ztr (02/02) | twist (02/02) |
| OG | — | NBK- (02/26) |
MARCH – GOODBYE MY OLD FRIEND, not less than in CSGO
TOP 5 HLTV RANKINGS (March 1st)
| POSITION | TEAM | PREVIOUS POSITION | MOST RECENT PERFORMANCE |
| 1. | Astralis | 1st | fifth – sixth @ IEM Katowice 2021 |
| 2. | Natus Vincere | third (+1) | fifth – sixth @ IEM Katowice 2021 |
| 3. | Virtus.Professional | NEW | 2nd @ IEM Katowice 2021 |
| 4. | Gambit | NEW | 1st @ IEM Katowice 2021 |
| 5. | Vitality | 2nd (-3) | ninth – twelfth @ IEM Katowice 2021 |
In March, the longer term was trying considerably bleak. Whereas gamers and followers have been already used to the web period, the offline dream appeared so distant, and plenty of have been feeling drained from the entire on-line situation. Many gamers took as much as social networks to complaints, however there wasn’t a lot to be completed from any social gathering – not less than concerning the return of offline occasions.
Nonetheless, Counter-Strike by no means stops and March was nonetheless a busy month. For the smaller groups in North America, DreamHack Open March 2021 was the most important event then. In Europe, smaller and even some greater groups took half in Snow Candy Snow 2. These two have been received by Additional Salt and HAVU, respectively. Pinnacle Cup 2021, which was additionally directed at smaller groups (though it featured Gambit, BIG and NiP) began in early March, however would solely end a month later.
It’s EPL time for CSGO!
The larger occasion in March, nonetheless, was ESL Professional League Season 13. That includes the likes of Gambit, Natus Vincere, Astralis, Vitality and Liquid, the occasion was set to be one other key occasion from ESL. The occasion would run throughout March and April, with the playoffs happening within the latter. March nonetheless noticed some unbelievable video games and performances within the occasion. Gambit and Heroic, primarily, have been two highlights of EPL Season 13 teams. Within the different aspect, nonetheless, there’s no lack of groups that bombed out of the league: OG, FNATIC, Mousesports, Cloud9 – and the checklist goes on.
Cloud9, particularly, would announce devastating information to its CSGO followers proper after their run led to EPL. The group was placing their CSGO group on maintain indefinitely. The colossus, sadly, had fallen.
| TEAM | PLAYER(S) ADDED | PLAYER(S) REMOVED OR BENCHED |
| Dignitas | Lekr0 (03/07) | H4RR3 (03/18) |
| Evil Geniuses | oBo (03/05) | — |
| G2 | JaCkz (03/04) | kennyS (03/04) |
| MAD Lions | TMB, tudsoN, Woro2K, eager, jL, sausol (03/23) | roej, HooXi (03/01) |
| OG | niko (03/17) | ISSAA (03/16) |
| Vitality | — | Nivera (03/12) |
APRIL – TYING UP LOOSE ENDS, from final month
TOP 5 HLTV RANKINGS (April fifth)
| POSITION | TEAM | PREVIOUS POSITION | MOST RECENT PERFORMANCE |
| 1. | Natus Vincere | 2nd (+1) | fifth – sixth @ IEM Katowice 2021 |
| 2. | Astralis | 1st (-1) | fifth – sixth @ IEM Katowice 2021 |
| 3. | Gambit | 4th (+1) | 1st @ Pinnacle Cup 2021 |
| 4. | Virtus.Professional | third (-1) | 2nd @ IEM Katowice 2021 |
| 5. | Liquid | NEW | third – 4th @ DreamHack Open March 2021 NA |
Total, April was a quieter month in relation to the best degree of competitors in Counter-Strike. The month began heated with the Pinnacle Cup finals and the playoffs of ESL Professional League Season 13, although.
In Pinnacle Cup, HAVU upset the Germans from BIG, setting them an encounter with Gambit who had defeated Spirit. Whereas HAVU couldn’t maintain with the Russian group, it was nonetheless an fascinating watch.
Whereas Pinnacle Cup was fascinating, all eyes have been on EPL Playoffs. Gambit and Heroic superior by means of the bracket earlier by defeating Astralis and NiP and reserving a spot within the SFs. The shedding groups have been booked for the quarter-finals, whereas the eight remaining groups can be preventing their approach from the primary playoffs rounds onwards. FPX, Liquid, Na’Vi and ENCE have been the primary ones to be eradicated. They have been then adopted by G2 and Virtus.Professional within the second spherical. Within the QFs, FURIA defeated Astralis whereas NiP took down Complexity. Each groups would fall to Gambit and Heroic within the semis, and an unbelievable match was set for the grand-finals.
A GRAND-FINAL TO REMEMBER
In fact, this grand-finals encounter between Gambit and Heroic grew to become immensely standard as Heroic not solely did upset Gambit to win the event, however their chief ‘cadiaN’ did an unbelievable play to shut the match. You may watch it under:
As for the remainder of month, April noticed the primary season of Good World League working in Asia, which was additionally the primary RMR occasion of that area. Then, we noticed the beginning of the subsequent premier occasion in CSGO: DreamHack Masters Spring 2021. One of many largest roster strikes in CSGO in latest time was additionally introduced on the finish of the month – Astralis would see their star participant ‘dev1ce’ going to the Ninjas in Pyjamas roster. Evil Geniuses’ would additionally transfer fan-favorite and Main-winner participant ‘tarik’ from their CSGO division to their content material creator division.
It was additionally throughout April that Valve modified some guidelines concerning their circuit. Together with a brand new rule that permit beforehand VAC-banned gamers to play in occasions a part of Valve’s circuit three years after the ban was issued. Extra about this right here.
| TEAM | PLAYER(S) ADDED (announcement) | PLAYER(S) REMOVED (announcement date) |
| Astralis | — | dev1ce (04/23) |
| Evil Geniuses | MICHU (04/15) | tarik (04/15) |
| FNATIC | Peppzor (04/22) | — |
| Natus Vincere | B1T (04/11)*** | flamie (04/11)*** |
| Ninjas in Pyjamas | dev1ce (04/23) | nawwk (04/23) |
| OG | flameZ (04/09) | |
| Vitality | Kyojin (04/12) | RpK (04/12) |
MAY – ANCIENT RISING, and Prepare leaving
TOP 5 HLTV RANKINGS (Might third)
| POSITION | TEAM | PREVIOUS POSITION | MOST RECENT PERFORMANCE |
| 1. | Gambit | third (+2) | 1st – 2nd @ BLAST Premier Spring Showdown 2021 |
| 2. | Heroic | NEW | third – 4th @ BLAST Premier Spring Showdown 2021 |
| 3. | Astralis | 2nd (-1) | ninth – sixteenth @ BLAST Premier Spring Showdown 2021 |
| 4. | Natus Vincere | 1st (-3) | ninth – twelfth @ ESL Professional League Season 13 |
| 5. | Virtus.Professional | 4th (-1) | seventh – eighth @ FunSpark ULTI 2020 Europe Last |
In early Might, Valve introduced main adjustments within the CSGO map pool. ‘Prepare’ can be leaving the aggressive map pool, and ‘Historical’ can be added instead. ESL and different event organizers have been rapidly to react, and the map can be utilized in competitions from June onwards. The map pool adjustments have been introduced alongside the closing of the then working Operation, referred to as ‘Damaged Fang’. In the identical patch, the primary pores and skin case of 2021 was added to the sport. Known as ‘Snakebite Case’, the container featured 17 community-created weapon finishes, in addition to gloves a part of the Damaged Fang assortment.
On the identical time the replace dropped, DreamHack Masters Spring 2021 was nonetheless an ongoing occasion. A mighty trying Natus Vincere confirmed up, with their new participant, ‘B1T’. He can be changing ‘flamie’ within the group’s fundamental squad. Natus Vincere would proceed to convincingly win DHMasters after beating Gambit within the grand-finals. They even received the sport with out dropping a single map within the BO5.
Total, it was at this level that many followers began pointing on the crumbling of Astralis. The group wasn’t the identical for some time at this level, however their newest outcomes have been getting worse rapidly.
IT’S RMR SEASON IN CSGO
In early-to-mid Might, the primary RMR occasions kicked off. European groups headed to Flashpoint 3, whereas Jap Europeans would go to EPIC League CIS. South American groups have been already taking part in CBCS Elite League Season 1, whereas North American groups have been ready till Might 20th for cs_summit 8.
Throughout this era, the notorious incident between the Ninjas in Pyjamas and Anonymo occurred in Flashpoint 3. If you wish to study extra about it, right here’s our piece about it. Following on, Flashpoint 3 and the opposite occasions proceeded as typical, and the RMR standings have been up to date. Mousesports received Flashpoint 3, with NiP coming in second. Group Liquid received cs_summit 8, with FURIA coming in second. MiBR received CBCS, and Sharks got here in second. ViCi received PWLS1, with TyLoo in second. Lastly, Renegades received EPIC Oceania League Spring, with ORDER coming in second place. You may examine the present RMR standings by means of right here.
Might CSGO Roster Strikes
| TEAM | PLAYER(S) ADDED (announcement) | PLAYER(S) REMOVED (announcement date) |
| ENCE | — | allu (05/12) |
| Entropiq | El1an, Lack1, Nickelback, Krad, Forester (05/10) | — |
JUNE – CSGO F2P GETS LIMITATIONS
TOP 5 HLTV RANKINGS (June seventh)
| POSITION | TEAM | PREVIOUS POSITION | MOST RECENT PERFORMANCE |
| 1. | Gambit | 1st | 1st @ EPIC League CIS 2021 |
| 2. | Natus Vincere | 4th (+2) | fifth @ EPIC League CIS 2021 |
| 3. | Heroic | 2nd (-1) | 4th @ Flashpoint 3 |
| 4. | G2 | NEW | third @ Flashpoint 3 |
| 5. | Astralis | third (-2) | sixth @ Flashpoint 3 |
Proper after the bunch of RMR occasions, one other premier occasion was within the horizon: IEM Summer time 2021, which was additionally the primary top-level event to function Historical as a part of its map pool. Gambit, the then finest group on the planet, was fast to point out that they have been greater than keen to play the brand new map, and that it will be one other software of their arsenal. OG, the opposite finalist, lastly had proven indicators of enhancements after having a troublesome 12 months general. Evil Geniuses and Virtus.Professional each reached excessive standings after months of unhealthy performances, too.
Between IEM Summer time 2021 and the subsequent premier occasion within the scene, it was time for an additional main replace from Valve. This time round, it was associated to the informal participant base: CSGO F2P would obtain numerous limitations, and gamers are actually required to buy the sport with a purpose to participate in ranked video games.
Mid-Might in CSGO
In mid-Might, it was time for BLAST Premier Spring Last. The eight-team occasion ended with conflict between two Jap European groups: Gambit and Na’Vi. This time round, Gambit have been those lifting the digital trophy. Nevertheless, the rivalry between Gambit and Natus Vincere was simply heating up.
Right now, it was doable to note the tides altering for sure groups. For Heroic, their momentum was gone. G2, within the different hand, was rapidly heating up. Natus Vincere completed adjusting to their latest participant. Evil Geniuses, sadly, couldn’t repeat their kind from IEM Summer time and wasn’t trying as scorching.
Within the remaining of the month, two Main-winning gamers stated their goodbyes to Counter-Strike. ‘KJaerbye’ (ex-FaZe, North) introduced his retirement, whereas NBK- (ex-OG, DBL Poney) would depart CSGO to grow to be a VALORANT participant. Then Pinnacle Cup 2 and the second CIS RMR occasion each kicked off.
Listed here are the roster strikes of Might:
| TEAM | PLAYER(S) ADDED (announcement) | PLAYER(S) REMOVED (announcement date) |
| ENCE | hades (06/17) | — |
| FaZe | olofmeister (06/14) | coldzera (06/01) |
| FURIA | honda (06/03) | Junior (06/03) |
| Ninjas in Pyjamas | LNZ (06/01) | ztr (06/01) |
JULY – CSGO RETURNS TO LAN, even when only for one occasion
TOP 5 HLTV RANKINGS (July fifth)
| POSITION | TEAM | PREVIOUS POSITION | MOST RECENT PERFORMANCE |
| 1. | Gambit | 1st | 2nd @ StarLadder CIS RMR 2021 |
| 2. | Natus Vincere | 2nd | 1st @ StarLadder CIS RMR 2021 |
| 3. | G2 | 4th (+1) | third @ BLAST Premier Spring Last 2021 |
| 4. | Heroic | third (-1) | ninth – twelfth @ IEM Summer time 2021 |
| 5. | Ninjas in Pyjamas | NEW | 4th @ BLAST Premier Spring Last 2021 |
The month began with StarLadder CIS RMR reaching its climax. The occasion would finish with a grand-final encounter between Gambit and Na’Vi in a BO5 match. Whereas Gambit had the preliminary map benefit, Na’Vi managed to bypass that and take the win after a disputed, must-watch sport. The group definitely gained some essential momentum which might gasoline them of their upcoming occasion.
Now, July definitely was one of the vital anticipated months of the 12 months for CSGO followers. After over a 12 months because the sport noticed its final worldwide LAN occasion, July would mark CSGO’s return to an offline setting with IEM Cologne 2021. ESL, the organizers behind it took all measures to make it occur, and on the finish, we had one unbelievable occasion stuffed with nice tales, which you’ll be able to learn extra about right here. On the finish of IEM Cologne 2021, Natus Vincere lifted the trophy – a bodily one – and dethroned Gambit as the perfect CSGO group on the planet.
In addition to Cologne…
Additionally on this month: HYENAS, the group composed by ex-North gamers, disbanded. FNATIC entered a rebuilding section (extra right here). Valve introduced a contest for the group referred to as ‘Desires & Nightmares’. The competition has a $1.000.000 prize pool that can be rewarded to 10 pores and skin makers. Plus, winners’ works can be additionally made out there in-game by means of a case later this 12 months. PGL has additionally entered discussions with the Swedish authorities with a purpose to be sure that the upcoming PGL Main occurs. Nevertheless, the corporate additionally introduced that in case Sweden refuses to host the event, two different European international locations have been contacted and are able to grow to be the brand new hosts of the $2.000.000 occasion.
So far as competitors goes, the top-tier gamers are on a break that may final till mid-August. Nevertheless, there’s nonetheless loads of official video games occurring on a decrease degree. CBCS Season 2, the second South American RMR kicked off this week. WePlay Academy League additionally began just lately and it will likely be solely ending in August, with its playoffs stage being performed in LAN between 4 groups.
Additionally, July has already seen some fascinating roster strikes, so we’ll be itemizing what has occurred thus far under. You can even come again right here by August, as we can be updating the desk under as quickly as a roster transfer occurs this month.
| TEAM | PLAYER(S) ADDED (announcement) | PLAYER(S) REMOVED (announcement date) |
| Astralis | Fortunate (07/26) | — |
| Complexity | es3tag (07/22) | RUSH (07/22) |
| FNATIC | — | Golden (07/06), JW (07/20) |
AUGUST AND ONWARDS
As talked about above, most Counter-Strike top-level professionals are on a break, however there’s nonetheless loads of matches to look at. And shortly sufficient, the roster strikes will begin coming as much as sustain issues fascinating. So, need to sustain with all that? Then be sure you comply with us!
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