The competitive landscape of CS2 in 2024 has been nothing short of thrilling, with teams battling across the globe for supremacy. Among them, one name stands above the rest: Natus Vincere. This team has dominated the year with an incredible mix of skill, strategy, and consistency, making them the undisputed kings of CS2. However, behind NAVI, a host of talented teams are vying for the chance to dethrone them, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. This tier list breaks down the hierarchy of CS2 teams in 2024, from the top-tier contenders to the rising stars, based on their performance, stability, and results so far.
C-Tier: Playoff Potential Teams
These teams frequently make playoffs but struggle to consistently perform at the highest level, often falling just short of being title contenders.
Virtus.pro
VP has had an unstable year with frequent roster and coaching changes, preventing them from reaching their previous heights. They remain a playoff contender but are plagued by internal issues.
paiN
A promising team that lacks the experience to consistently compete with top-tier teams. They frequently reach the playoffs at the lower tier events but struggle to advance beyond that stage.
Astralis
Astralis underwent several roster changes this year, but stability remains elusive. They’ve had some strong playoff showings but can't seem to find consistency in their performances.
Complexity
A team with potential but held back by weaknesses in certain positions, particularly their AWPer. They frequently make it to the playoffs but haven’t been able to push further.
B-Tier: Close to Contenders
These teams are just below the title-contender level but have had breakout performances and are on the verge of joining the top tier.
Eternal Fire
Eternal Fire has had their best year ever, reaching the ESL Pro League Season 20 finals and winning the CCT Global Finals. With immense firepower and a wide map pool, they earned $575,000 this year and are close to breaking into tier 2.
The MongolZ
A consistent presence in the Asian region, The MongolZ have secured playoff spots in international events like ESL Pro League Season 19. Though they haven't won major international titles, they won regional competitions like MESA Nomadic Masters Spring 2024. Their prize earnings total $971,347.
Liquid
Liquid struggled initially but made strides after roster changes, reaching the playoffs at ESL Pro League Season 20 and BLAST Premier Fall Final. However, their inconsistency remains a problem. They earned $282,000 this year and are still finding their peak form.
HEROIC
HEROIC's year was marred by roster instability, but they still managed a semifinal appearance at IEM Rio 2024. Their performances have been inconsistent, but their prize pool of $394,000 suggests potential for growth if they stabilize their lineup.
A-Tier: Title Contenders
These are the teams that are capable of winning major titles but fall short of NAVI's consistency. They have won big tournaments in 2024 but can't match NAVI’s overall performance.
Spirit
Spirit burst onto the tier-one scene by winning IEM Katowice 2024 and BLAST Premier Spring Final 2024. However, their inconsistency has become a major issue, especially with everything seemingly relying on donk. Their inability to maintain peak form throughout the year has held them back, but they still earned $1,41 million in prize money.
MOUZ
A team with immense individual skill but also youth and instability. They secured a major victory at ESL Pro League Season 19 and placed second at IEM Rio 2024. While their potential is high, their inexperience shows at times. Prize earnings stand at $936,000.
Vitality
Vitality's year has not matched their previous success in 2023, but they still managed to win IEM Cologne 2024 and placed second at IEM Dallas 2024. Although consistently making playoffs, their results are shaky, with only $904,000 earned this year.
G2
G2 won three major titles this year: BLAST Premier Fall Final 2024, IEM Dallas 2024, and BLAST Premier: World Final 2024. However, they are one of the most inconsistent top teams, as seen in their last-place finish at IEM Rio 2024. They have earned $1,28 million in prize money.
FaZe
FaZe has had a mixed year with significant highs and lows. They won IEM Chengdu 2024 but failed to make the playoffs at their last event, signaling potential roster changes. Their prize earnings for the year stand at $731,500.
S-Tier: NAVI - The Best Team of the Year
NAVI stands alone as the undisputed best team of 2024. Their dominance is unquestionable, having won multiple major tournaments this year, including the first CS2 Major, Esports World Cup 2024, ESL Pro League Season 20, and IEM Rio 2024. With Aleksib as IGL and a stellar lineup of riflers and an incredible AWPer, their synergy and individual skill are unparalleled. Their coach, B1ad3, has also been instrumental in their success. NAVI earned $1.6 million in prize money and consistently demonstrated they are the team to beat.
As 2024 progresses, the gap between NAVI and the rest of the field remains evident, with their dominance hard to challenge. However, the title contenders in Tier 2, such as Spirit, MOUZ, and Vitality, have shown glimpses of brilliance and are more than capable of toppling NAVI on their best days. Meanwhile, rising teams like Eternal Fire, The MongolZ, and Liquid continue to evolve and could soon make their way into title contention. With several major tournaments left in the year, these teams have the opportunity to rewrite the script, challenge NAVI’s reign, and cement their place in the CS2 elite. The future of CS2 in 2024 is full of promise, and every tournament could bring new surprises to the landscape.
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