Last Updated on March 1, 2023 by Editor Futurescope
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has remained at the heart of the esports sector since the inaugural CS:GO Major back in 2013. It continues to be one of the leading lights of competitive gaming, holding its own against other popular titles like League of Legends, Valorant, and Dota 2. While pro-level CSGO tournaments are an attractive prospect to would-be pros, this first-person shooter is also a fantastic spectator esport.
1. There Are Tons of Tournaments to Enjoy
The Counter-Strike series has been played competitively since 2008, with Global Offensive cementing this franchise as one of the most prolific esports titles of all time. Today, there are plenty of tournaments and leagues for fans to enjoy. The most obvious is the CSGO Majors, but the Global offensive community has dozens of other smaller leagues to follow.
2. It’s Grounded in Reality
As it’s a tactical-based game, CSGO is more grounded in reality than the MOBA titles that dominate the professional esports circuit. While some love watching fantastical heroes fight it out with magical spells and abilities, others prefer viewing battlegrounds inspired by the world we actually live in.
3. Professional Performance is Easy to Emulate
Many gamers wish they could join the ranks of pro-level play. Although top-level competition is particularly fierce, even a beginner can feel inspired watching S-Tier teams battle it out. An aspiring esports athlete can watch how the professionals meander across an in-game map or utilize a newly released weapon.
4. There’s an Emerging Betting Market
You’ve probably enjoyed the occasional wager on the outcome of a soccer or basketball game before, but did you know you can now bet on esports? The esports betting market is worth more than $1 billion, with experts predicting rapid growth in the years ahead. Because it’s been around for longer than many other esports titles, CSGO offers some of the broadest betting opportunities.
5. Fans Can Stock Up on Exclusive Merchandise
As with traditional sports, the esports industry offers an extensive selection of team and tournament merchandise. Fans can pick up a branded jersey sporting the name of their favorite team or stock up on one-of-a-kind collectibles that are guaranteed to accrue value over time.
6. Big Personalities and Popular Players
Dynamic personalities are the heart of any great sport and CSGO esports is no different. This first-person shooter has produced some of the richest esports players of all time, with many retired players remaining popular, years after they stepped away from professional competition. Christopher “GeT_RiGhT” Alesund was a staple of the Ninjas in Pyjamas roster during the early 2010s. Although he’s not playing at tournaments anymore, he remains a beloved part of the esports community and puts out exclusive content for Dignitas.
7. Constant Updates Keep Things Fresh
When watching CSGO live, it also feels like there’s something new going on. This is hardly surprising. Despite being one of the oldest esports games in existence, CSGO is constantly updated by Valve. Some of these changes are minor, while others are more pronounced. For a typical spectator attending a major tournament, there’s always bound to be a fresh angle to enjoy during a match.
