CS2’s debut in esports could be closer than ever. Even this week, Valve’s new game could make its debut. However, it seems that it is the professional players who have the last word. We can say that a big decision is in the hands of the best players in the world.
CS2’s debut in esports
Let’s remember that Valve published the following message a couple of days ago: What will you do on Wednesday night? This message was addressed to the entire gaming community and referred to today, September 27. However, that message could be addressed to professional CS:GO players who compete in the ESL Pro League Season 18, as well as to the organizers of the event. All these people could decide whether CS2 will make its big esports debut.
Without a doubt, Valve knew how to ignite the flame of excitement last week with such a message. The community at large has cleared their schedules, and they’re keeping an eye out for anything that might happen today. Much of the community hopes today will be the big CS2 release day. However, today’s schedule for professionals participating in the ESL Pro League is for the second round of the playoffs.
What are you doing next Wednesday?
— CS2 (@CounterStrike) September 20, 2023
According to information revealed by Ryan Friend of Dust2.us, the ESL has communicated with every team and player in the tournament. They have been emailed to ask if they would consider switching to CS2 as soon as possible. If the switch is successful, it will most likely occur in the semi-finals or grand finals.
On the other hand, according to information revealed by Dust2, neither the teams nor the tournament organizers have made a decision. It is currently unknown what the players’ responses will be.
Arrival of CS2
According to data obtained from HLTV, 66 matches of ESL Pro League season 18 have already been played. So, a switch to CS2 would be truly unheard of. The new title would only be played in the semi-finals or finals.
It is important to note that this change would strongly impact the tournament results. On top of that, it is hard to imagine that most teams would agree to such a change, as many have commented that they have not yet started practicing in CS2.
Therefore, if the full launch of CS2 is today, September 27, the entry of the new game into the competitive arena could take a little longer to arrive. ESL Pro League Season 18 will likely conclude with CS:GO, which will finally be its farewell to esports. And CS2’s esports debut could be on October 16 at IEM Sydney.