2024 will go down in history as one of the most transformative and eventful years for Counter-Strike. With the full transition to Counter-Strike 2, we saw incredible performances from teams, dramatic moments, and notable changes to the game itself. The year brought new legends and ended a lot of long lasting stories.

1. Triumphs of the Professional Scene
2. Underdogs Steal the Spotlight
3. Major Roster Moves and Farewells
4. Loss That Shook the Community
5. Game-Changing Updates in Counter-Strike 2
6. Dramatic Moments and Controversies
7. DRILLAS’ Controversial Journey to the Major
8. Organizations Leaving Counter-Strike

Triumphs of the Professional Scene

2024 was a standout year for Team Spirit and Natus Vincere. Spirit had their most successful year yet, winning IEM Katowice, BLAST Premier Spring Final, and finally the Perfect World Shanghai Major, their first Major title. Their 17-year-old star, donk, dominated the competition, earning accolades as the youngest-ever Major MVP. Donk's meteoric rise not only propelled Spirit to the top but also established him as the best player of the year, redefining the standards for young talent in Counter-Strike.

Meanwhile, NAVI showcased the strength of their new international roster. After securing victory at the PGL Major Copenhagen, they built on this momentum with titles at the Esports World Cup, ESL Pro League Season 20, and IEM Rio 2024. Reaching an impressive six finals this year, NAVI demonstrated their adaptability and consistency under the leadership of Aleksib, solidifying their position as a dominant force on the global stage.

Underdogs Steal the Spotlight

2024 wasn’t just about the giants; underdogs and unexpected heroes made their mark. The MongolZ became a beacon of hope for the Asian Counter-Strike scene. They won the Thunderpick World Championship and the YaLLa Compass 2024, showcasing the potential for non-European teams to thrive. Their journey highlighted the growing diversity and competitive strength of the global Counter-Strike community.

Similarly, Passion UA, an all-Ukrainian team, delivered one of the year’s most heartwarming stories. Their stunning qualification for the Perfect World Shanghai Major against formidable teams like Virtus.pro and Spirit cemented their place in history as the first all-Ukrainian Major team. Though they didn’t progress far in the tournament, their achievement was a testament to hard work and regional talent.

READ MORE: CS2 Shanghai Major Maps Pickrate and Side Balance

Major Roster Moves and Farewells

The year was marked by significant roster changes. One of the most talked-about transfers was NiKo leaving G2 to join Falcons. After years of leading G2’s charge, his departure signaled the end of an era. G2, however, managed to secure victories at IEM Dallas, BLAST Premier: Fall Final, and BLAST Premier: World Final, even amidst internal turmoil.

One of the most talked-about roster moves this year was s1mple's loan transfer from NAVI to Falcons. Joining the ambitious Saudi-backed organization, s1mple aimed to help Falcons climb the competitive ranks. Despite the star-studded roster, Falcons struggled to deliver notable results. Their performances included a 9-16th finish at BLAST Premier: Spring Showdown 2024, a couple of last places at other events, and a disappointing 12-14th placement in the European RMR A for the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024. This underwhelming run highlighted the challenges of building synergy within a new superteam, despite the presence of some of the best players in Counter-Strike history.

Loss That Shook the Community

The sudden passing of cynic at just 23 years old left the Counter-Strike community in mourning. Cynic’s leadership and passion were deeply felt, and tributes poured in from across the scene. His legacy inspired discussions about mental health in esports, with players like STYKO pledging donations to support mental health awareness.

Game-Changing Updates in Counter-Strike 2

Valve kept Counter-Strike 2 fresh with a series of impactful updates. One of the most controversial changes was the removal of Overpass from the competitive map pool, replaced by Dust2. This decision surprised many, as Overpass had recently been reworked. Train made a triumphant return, featuring new pathways and reimagined angles that refreshed its gameplay.

Inferno underwent significant adjustments, addressing community concerns about visual clutter and claustrophobic areas. Gameplay mechanics also evolved, with updates to the CT economy reducing the cost of the M4A4 and incendiary grenades, while Terrorists faced reduced rewards for planted bombs defused by CTs. These changes reshaped strategies and brought fresh dynamics to the game.

Dramatic Moments and Controversies

2024 wasn’t without its share of drama. During the PGL Major Copenhagen, a group of audience members stormed the stage during the quarterfinal match between G2 and MOUZ, causing a 30-minute delay. The stunt, allegedly organized by a gambling site feud, highlighted the need for stricter event security.

A major controversy erupted at the BLAST Premier Fall Final when Astralis was allowed an emergency substitution under vague circumstances, citing that br0 was "unfit to play." This decision, lacking clear medical justification, sparked protests from teams like FaZe and Vitality, who questioned BLAST's transparency and fairness. Despite BLAST defending their actions, the incident raised serious concerns about rule consistency and competitive integrity in high-stakes tournaments.

READ MORE: Frozen Config and settings in 2024

DRILLAS’ Controversial Journey to the Major

One of the most dramatic stories of the year came from OhnePixel’s DRILLAS, a team that stirred both excitement and controversy during their attempt to qualify for the Perfect World Shanghai Major. The team faced heavy criticism for exploiting a loophole that allowed them to field a European-majority roster in the Asia RMR, effectively bypassing the regional core rule. This sparked outrage across the APAC community, with accusations of "colonization" dominating discussions on social media.

Despite the backlash, DRILLAS showcased strong performances in the early stages, defeating local teams and advancing to the lower bracket final against FlyQuest. However, their journey ended in heartbreak after an epic triple-overtime loss on Ancient, where they fell 19-22. The defeat marked the end of their controversial campaign, with FlyQuest moving forward to the Major.

The DRILLAS saga highlighted ongoing concerns about fairness in regional qualifiers, particularly the balance between global competition and regional representation. It also underscored the passion and resilience of the APAC scene, as local teams rallied against what many saw as an unjust challenge to their competitive integrity.

Organizations Leaving Counter-Strike

Several prominent organizations exited Counter-Strike in 2024, reflecting the financial challenges in esports. Evil Geniuses ended their second stint after years of decline and controversy, while Sprout ceased operations, citing an unsustainable talent-development model. Apeks also paused their CS division due to economic struggles, releasing players and staff. These departures underline the need for a more sustainable structure to support teams in the evolving Counter-Strike ecosystem.

Counter-Strike remains a dynamic and evolving esport, where every year brings fresh stories, rivalries, and innovations. 2025 is going to be even more exciting as the new partnerless system is being introduced, so the teams will have to adjust. As fans, players, and teams gear up for another season, the legacy of 2024 will serve as a reminder of the game’s enduring appeal and the limitless possibilities it holds for the future.