Counter-Strike 2 at the IEM Cologne? Unlikely but quite possible, we tell you what speaks for and against it.
The biggest question mark this summer, at least within the gaming bubble, is the release of Counter-Strike 2. So far, Valve has remained silent on when exactly we can expect the CS:GO heir. A first possible release date could be as early as July and fall on a prestigious CS:GO event in the Cathedral of Counter-Strike.
IEM Cologne as first CS2 event?
Since Valve officially announced Counter-Strike 2 on 22 March and started the beta phase of the CS:GO successor shortly afterwards, the rumour mill has been bubbling over when the long-awaited shooter will finally be fully released.
So far, Valve has only confirmed that the release is planned for summer 2023. Officially, the calendar summer begins on 21 June and ends on 21 September, so within these three months Counter-Strike 2 could theoretically be released at any time.
With the BLAST Paris Major the last CS:GO Major before the summer break came to an end on 21 May, before the season continues with the IEM Cologne on 25 July.
Today all ESLProTour and World Ranking invites are locked in with IEM Cologne just 6 weeks away!
Check out how stacked both the play-in and group stage are looking 👇 pic.twitter.com/SVRHtMUaku
– ESL Counter-Strike (@ESLCS) June 12, 2023
Many within the CS community are therefore hoping that the tournament in Cologne will be the first major event at which Counter-Strike 2 is already being played. The official representatives of the ESL are also “cautiously optimistic” that the game will be available by the start of the tournament.
We are excited about the prospect of IEM Cologne potentially becoming the first global CS2 top tier tournament. However, we remain cautiously optimistic because we want the game to be playable and competitive. This is essential for us in such a prestigious tournament where we crown the best team in the world.
Unlikely but possible
The currently playable beta version of CS2 already looks very advanced at first glance and virtually ready for release. What would be a reason for joy for regular players, however, is likely to be a horror for many professionals within the CS:GO scene.
In addition to new game mechanics, many existing features have also received a major overhaul, forcing many pro teams to come up with new tactics.
For example, the new smoke grenades suddenly make formerly completely impossible tactics playable. The teams therefore need sufficient time to get used to the new circumstances and adapt them to their strategies.
In order to see Counter-Strike 2 at IEM Cologne, it would be imperative that the participating teams already train with the final version of CS2 to get used to the new gameplay. However, as the last major update showed, we are still a long way from that.
Even if a release before 25 July is not very likely, as we all know, hope dies last.
