Are you looking forward to betting on Counter-Strike 2? Of course, you are, and we are here to help you learn more about this upcoming title and how you can bet on it! With our in-depth guide to CS2 betting, you’ll learn about the upcoming esports title, including the game’s new features compared to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and when we expect CS2 to come out.
We’ll share important CS2 betting details, such as how you can place wagers, the first events, expected betting lines/markets, and the odds. Let’s pop a Flash Grenade and dive in!
What is Counter-Strike 2?
Counter-Strike 2 is Valve’s follow-up to CS:GO. The tactical, team-based first-person shooter (FPS) is built on Valve’s Source 2 engine and will be available via Steam for PC gamers. Announced as the “largest technical leap forward in Counter-Strike’s history,” the hype is real for CS2.
What’s New in Counter-Strike 2?
Valve is adding some significant new gameplay elements and improvements. You’ll find the highlights of what’s new in Counter-Strike 2 below.
- Responsive Smoke Grenades: CS2’s responsive Smoke Grenades is the most significant gameplay change. The new Smoke Grenade effects are now dynamic volumetric objects. They expand to fill spaces naturally and react to lighting. Players can throw HE grenades and shoot bullets to open sightlines through smoke, changing tactical dynamics across all Counter-Strike maps.
- New Sub-tick Server System: With Counter-Strike 2, a new sub-tick update server architecture is in play, allowing servers to pick up the exact millisecond a player fires a shot or any other action is taken. The result is more responsive gameplay.
- Map Changes: So far, more than 12 maps are confirmed for CS2. Some Counter-Strike 2 maps, such as Overpass, receive complete overhauls, while others, such as Nuke, get mostly upgraded visuals. Touchstone maps like Dust II only need minor work because they already boast a solid foundation to test CS2 gameplay.
- Upgrades to the User Interface & Graphics: Valve has overhauled the User Interface (UI) for CS2. Graphics are also heavily upgraded from CS:GO. Thanks to the Source 2 particle system, new graphical touches and behaviors exist for muzzle flashes, bullet tracers, smoke, fire, water, and bullet impact effects.
- Improved Audio Effects: The sound of Counter-Strike 2 better reflects the map environments thanks to reworks, making audio such as footsteps more distinct. Valve’s goal is also to make the audio experience of CS2 more comfortable for various gamers.
Community map makers will also get access to the Source 2 engine tools and rendering features to create new battlefields! Plus, leaks suggest Counter-Strike 2 will feature global leaderboards, a competitive Premier Mode, and seasons.
When did CS2 come out?
In the initial announcement, Valve revealed a “Summer 2023” release window for Counter-Strike 2. It was a whole summer of speculation with many dates being thrown about all of the summer. Then on September 27, Counter-Strike 2 was finally released.
CS2: What We Know So Far
The CS2 Limited Test beta began in March 2023. Since the beta’s initial release, fans and even pro players have been eager to get in. But the test is, without a doubt, very “limited.” Valve only invited a select group of players and pros.
The developer’s dedication to making CS2 the best Counter-Strike is very clear. We’ve seen hundreds of bug fixes, map changes, UI improvements, and gameplay adjustments throughout the beta.
Valve is transparent with its changes and fixes deployed in the CS2 Limited Test beta. You’ll find a massive list of changes made since March 2023 via the official CS2 Updates page.
CS2 Betting Odds & Lines
Odds on esports or traditional sports matches represent a bookmaker’s confidence in an outcome occurring. This will remain the same with CS2 betting, and the simple mathematical equation for Decimal odds is bet x odds = payout.
CS2 esports will follow the same match format, and we’ll see organizers running their preferred tournament format, such as a Round-Robin group stage and double-elimination playoffs. Because of this, we don’t expect CS2 betting lines and their odds to change.
You’ll find a list of popular betting lines for CS2 below.
- Match Winner
- Correct Map Score
- Overtime
- Match Handicap
- Over/Under Total Maps Played
- Map Winner
- Tournament Winner (Outright)
- Round Handicap
- Over/Under Rounds
- Correct Round Score
- Pistol Round Winner
- Map 1×2
- Total Rounds
At Thunderpick, we strive to bring you the best odds and margins on all your favorite CS2 betting lines!
Counter-Strike 2 Betting Guide: Tournaments
IEM Sydney 2023 is said to be the first Counter-Strike 2 tournament. But now the game is released, we can expect tournaments such as ESL Pro League seasons, BLAST Premier series, Intel Extreme Masters (IEM), and PGL events to switch to Counter-Strike 2. We may even see some new top players in the tournament organizer realm emerge.
As soon as CS2 tournaments are scheduled, you’ll find our list of events to place wagers on growing exponentially. We expect a ton of Counter-Strike 2 esports matches to bet on in 2024, and the number of events will likely continue to grow for more than a decade, judging by the history of CS:GO esports.
First CS2 Major
The first Valve Major Championship for Counter-Strike 2 is PGL Major Copenhagen 2024. You’ll find all the essential details about the first-ever CS2 Major below.
- Location: Copenhagen, Denmark
- Type: Offline
- Prize Pool: $1,250,000
- Start Date: March 17, 2024
- End Date: March 31, 2024
- Team Count: 24
The Champions Stage of the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 will occur in front of a live crowd at the Royal Arena in Copenhagen, Denmark. We can’t think of a more fitting venue for this historic occasion.
Betting on CS2 at Thunderpick
We’ve featured thousands of CS:GO matches to bet on, providing fans with ample options for all their favorite teams and tournaments. There’s no slowing down, as the release of CS2 will usher in a new era for Valve’s iconic team-based shooter and a plethora of betting opportunities.
To start placing bets on Counter-Strike 2 matches, register a Thunderpick account (see our FAQ page) and then follow the steps below.
- Navigate to the dedicated CS2 betting section.
- Browse the list of upcoming matches. Alternatively, search for specific tournaments or teams.
- Select a CS2 match and explore the various betting lines available.
- Choose your wager amount and betting line, then add it via our easy-to-use betslip.
At Thunderpick, we’ll bring you all the CS2 events and matches your heart desires! Gamers can bet on Counter-Strike using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin.
