The much-anticipated launch of Counter-Strike 2 is nearing, with leaks suggesting it’s set to release before Summer 2023 draws to a close. Since summer officially ends on September 23, we might have a wait ahead for the new era of CS. Instead of idly waiting, esports teams have already set their rosters in stone. Let’s delve into the best Counter-Strike 2 teams with their fresh line-ups.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Counter-Strike 2 will be separate games. Until CS2 lands, esports tournaments for CS:GO will continue full throttle. As we pen this article, BLAST Premier: Fall Groups 2023 matches are still underway.
So, professional Counter-Strike teams have made player transfers in anticipation of this change. Once CS2 launches, they’ll transition to the new game with their existing squads, barring any new signings.
Related: Is Counter Strike Still Popular in 2023?
Best Counter-Strike 2 Teams
Vitality emerged victorious at the last CS:GO major tournament in May 2023, marking ZywOo’s first major win and setting the stage for his rivalry with s1mple. Meanwhile, Magisk and dupreeh bagged their fourth and fifth wins, respectively, a feat unmatched by any other.
As of July 18, 2023, the landscape looks a bit different. Teams have welcomed new players before the upcoming season, with many familiar line-ups giving way to promising young talent. Natus Vincere has notably switched to international squads for the first time.
Here are the best Counter-Strike 2 teams and their current rosters:
1. Heroic
- New roster: cadiaN — stavn — TeSeS — sjuush — jabbi
- Old roster: cadiaN — stavn — TeSeS — sjuush — jabbi
2. Vitality
- New roster: apEX— Magisk — ZywOo — flameZ — Spinx
- Old roster: apEX— Magisk — ZywOo — dupreeh — Spinx
3. FaZe
- New roster: karrigan — rain — Twistzz — ropz — broky
- Old roster: karrigan — rain — Twistzz — ropz — broky
4. G2
- New roster: NiKo — huNter — jks — HooXi — m0NESY
- Old roster: NiKo — huNter — jks — HooXi — m0NESY
5. Ence
- New roster: Snappi — NertZ — Maden — dycha — SunPayus
- Old roster: Snappi — NertZ — Maden — dycha — SunPayus
6. GamerLegion
- New roster: acoR — Keoz — isak — ? — ?
- Old roster: acoR — Keoz — isak — iM — siuhy
7. Liquid
- New roster: NAF — oSee — YEKINDAR — Rainwaker — Patsi
- Old roster: NAF — oSee — YEKINDAR — EliGE — nitr0
8. Cloud9
- New roster: HObbit — electroNic — Ax1Le — sh1ro — Perfecto
- Old roster: HObbit — nafany — Ax1Le — sh1ro — buster
9. Apeks
- New roster: nawwk — jkaem — STYKO — kyxsan — CacaNito
- Old roster: nawwk — jkaem — STYKO — kyxsan — jL
10. Virtus.pro
- New roster: FL1T — Qikert — Jame — n0rb3r7 — fame
- Old roster: FL1T — Qikert — Jame — n0rb3r7 — fame
That’s a glimpse of the new rosters for best Counter-Strike 2 teams as of July 2023. You’ll notice that Cloud9 has made the most significant transfers. But the real shake-ups are happening among teams that didn’t crack the top 10.
Related: s1mple vs Woro2K Drama, Explained
Best Transfers for Counter-Strike 2
A closer look at the teams that missed the top 10 spots in the CS:GO HLTV rankings reveals some high-profile transfers. To keep this article brief, we will only highlight a handful of noteworthy transfers without providing a comprehensive list of team rosters.
CS:GO legend FalleN left Imperial, the team he founded with his Brazilian mates, to join Furia in pursuit of another championship.
Astralis has undergone significant changes, currently sitting at the 18th spot among the best Counter-Strike 2 teams. Long-time team captain gla1ve and veteran Xyp9x are out, replaced by the talented b0RUP and Staehr.
EliGE, synonymous with Liquid, now wears the Complexity jersey.
NAVI takes the crown for the most dramatic roster overhaul, bringing in three fresh faces: jL, Aleksib, and iM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is the Best Active Player in Counter-Strike?
Selecting the “Best Player”, in the Counter-Strike esports landscape is as challenging as in any sport. Yet, among the active players, two names shine: ZywOo and s1mple. Both players are undoubtedly among the all-time greats, and with many years of play left in them, their potential seems boundless. In particular, ZywOo, only 22, shows immense promise for Counter-Strike 2.
How to Download Counter-Strike 2?
Counter-Strike 2 can be downloaded for free on Steam. However, CS2 is not yet live, meaning your immediate option is to download CS:GO. If you are selected for Limited Testing, Counter-Strike 2 can be downloaded as a free update to CS:GO. Once the full version of the game is released, it will be exclusively available on Steam.
Which Is the Best Team in CS:GO?
Astralis — despite not being at their peak as of Summer 2023, Astralis stands out as the best team in CS:GO history. Their dominance between 2018 and 2020 is unparalleled. They have the most major tournament wins in the Global Offensive era. Furthermore, their players individually hold the record for most major tournament victories. It wouldn’t be surprising to see them emerge as one of the best Counter-Strike 2 teams in the future.
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