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EYEBALLERS Stuns FaZe in BLAST Bounty Stage 1

Sarjyo Mukherjee
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EYEBALLERS Stuns FaZe in BLAST Bounty Stage 1

Opening the new year with a bang, EYEBALLERS has taken down FaZe Clan to kick off 2026 with a shaky win in the BLAST Bounty Stage 1. Having closed their season with a miraculous run at the Major, the new FaZe lineup will have a lot to prove coming into the season, and their journey starts here.

VETO

  • EYEBALLERS removed Nuke
  • FaZe removed Anubis
  • EYEBALLERS picked Ancient
  • FaZe picked Mirage
  • EYEBALLERS removed Dust2
  • FaZe removed Overpass
  • Inferno was left over

Map 1: Ancient; Pick: EYEBALLERS; Winner: FaZe

Starting on the defense with three convincing rounds, FaZe Clan has put JW’s side on the back foot before running a two-minute mile on their CT side. While EYEBALLERS came up with clever ideas to find gaps in the FaZe defense, the sheer individual brilliance of FaZe couldn’t be exploited, leading to a dominant half before JW won a 1v1 clutch against jcobbb to bring home a 9-3 scoreline. Making FaZe sweat on the pistol, EB managed to win 3 rounds in a row, but FaZe were too far in the lead for them to mount a comeback. Winning back-to-back rounds, FaZe closed the lead and started the series with a convincing 13-6 win.

Map 2: Mirage; Pick: FaZe; Winner: EYEBALLERS

Starting the map with a pistol win, FaZe dropped the ball against an EB force buy. Most unbelievably, EB managed to put together 10 rounds in a row as the FaZe offense failed to win a single gun up until the very end of the half, where they doubled their score and secured a 2-10 half. While FaZe are no strangers to stunning comebacks, it wasn’t supposed to happen this time around. Failing to win the pistol, EB put the hammer down to FaZe’s shot at winning the second map and hit the map point before FaZe won two more rounds before taking the series to a third map.

Map 3: Inferno; Pick: Decider; Winner: EYEBALLERS

3-0 start for EYEBALLERS put FaZe on the backfoot before both teams started trading rounds as EYEBALLERS edged out a narrow lead by the end of the first half. Switching sides with a 7-5 scoreline, FaZe managed to cut the lead in half with the pistol round win before EYEBALLERS managed to pick up the second anti-eco of the series and rally up to double digits, with FaZe winning a round in between, upon which the Swedish side put together three in a row to pull off a magnificent win.

Being the Major runner-ups and losing to EYEBALLERS is quite disappointing, but some slack can be cut, given this is the first event of the year. Only time will tell if FaZe Clan improves with the current squad, but until then, EYEBALLERS will have a win to remember.

Imperial Valkyries Disbands Its CS2 Roster

Sonu Banerjee
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Imperial Valkyries Disbands Its CS2 Roster

Brazilian esports organization Imperial Esports has confirmed that it is disbanding its female Counter-Strike 2 roster, Imperial Valkyries.

Needless to say, the announcement came as a shock to the entire CS2 community, especially considering the fact that Imperial Valkyries were easily one of the strongest female CS2 teams in the world.

On January 13, the organization posted a statement on X confirming the news. The X post also includes a heartwarming video featuring messages from the Imperial Valkyries players, reflecting on their time with the team and their journey together.

“This is not the end,” the statement reads. “We will return to the female competitive CS scene. Until then, we remain committed as an organization: supporting tournaments, content creators, and creating events to expand this legacy even further.”

To call Imperial Valkyries one of the best teams in the women’s CS2 scene would be an understatement. Over the past two years, the roster managed to win the first-ever women’s world title in Counter-Strike, competed in six international LAN tournaments, and claimed three championship trophies along the way.

Furthermore, Imperial Valkyries became the first all-female team to qualify for S-tier events, and according to data from Esports Charts, they were also the most-watched female esports roster of 2025, with fans tuning in from around the world to watch their matches.

The (now disbanded) Imperial Valkyries CS2 roster included the following players:

  • Alexandra “twenty3” Timonina
  • Ana “ANa” Dumbravă
  • Katarína “Kat” Vašková
  • Victoria “tory” Kazieva
  • Narmina “wieenN-” Gasanova
  • Kamen “bubble” Kostadinov (Coach)

PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 CS2 Event: Teams, Dates, Format & Other Details

Sonu Banerjee
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PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 CS2 Event: Teams, Dates, Format & Other Details

With the highly anticipated PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 Counter-Strike 2 event being just over a month away, the tournament organizers have officially revealed the full list of teams that have secured invites.

Scheduled to kick off on February 14, the PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 will feature 16 elite CS2 teams battling it out for a shot at the lion’s share of a $1.25 million USD prize pool. The tournament will feature eight days of intense competitive Counter-Strike, culminating on February 22 with the crowning of a champion.

Here’s everything you need to know about the PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 CS2 event, including the list of participating teams, format, and more.

PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 CS2: All Participating Teams

Below, we’ve listed all the confirmed teams that will be participating in the upcoming PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026:

  • FURIA
  • Vitality
  • Team Falcons
  • Natus Vincere
  • MOUZ
  • FaZe Clan
  • The MongolZ
  • Aurora
  • B8
  • Legacy
  • G2 Esports
  • 3DMAX
  • Astralis
  • PARIVISION
  • HEROIC
  • paiN Gaming

PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 Format

PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 will feature a 16-team Swiss System format. All matches played in the group stage will be best-of-threes, and the top eight teams will be directly sent to the playoffs.

The playoffs of PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026, set to take place from February 20 at BT Arena in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, will feature eight teams competing in a single-elimination bracket. All matches will be best-of-three, with the exception of the grand final, which will be played as a best-of-five.

PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 Tickets

The ticket sales for PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026 are already live, and fans looking to attend the event in person can grab their tickets via the official ticketing portal.

Otherwise, you can also watch the tournament online by visiting the Twitch or YouTube handle of PGL CS2 and catching the livestreams.

Krafton India Partners with Royal Enfield: Bullet 350 and Continental GT 650 Arrive in BGMI

Aditya Parsutkar
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Krafton India Partners with Royal Enfield: Bullet 350 and Continental GT 650 Arrive in BGMI

In one of the most significant brand integrations to hit the Indian gaming ecosystem, Krafton India has officially partnered with Royal Enfield to bring the country’s motoring heritage into the digital battlegrounds.

Announced on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, this collaboration introduces two legendary motorcycles – the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 and the Continental GT 650 as fully rideable vehicles within Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI). This move marks a distinct shift for Krafton, moving beyond standard cosmetic skins to integrating vehicles that carry deep cultural weight for Indian players.

The Machines: Classic Thump Meets Digital Tactics

Starting January 19, 2026, players will be able to traverse the maps of Erangel and Miramar on these iconic machines. The integration is part of the BGMI 4.2 Update, which goes live on January 15, 2026.

  • The Bullet 350: Known for its signature “thump” and enduring legacy on Indian roads, this bike offers a rugged, classic option for squad rotations.
  • The Continental GT 650: The “café racer” variant brings a sportier, more aggressive aesthetic to the game, likely offering a different handling profile suited for high-speed pursuits.

Beyond the virtual implementations, Royal Enfield has bridged the gap to reality by unveiling a custom-built Continental GT 650. Developed in collaboration with a Delhi-based workshop, this physical prototype is “war-ready,” featuring Picatinny rails, armored plating, parachute tie-down points, and balloon tires—a direct nod to the tactical aesthetic of BGMI.

How to get Royal Enfield bike in BGMI

Krafton has structured the release around a dedicated engagement event running from January 19 to February 22, 2026.

  • Special SPIN Format: Players can acquire the rideable bikes and permanent “Mythic” (Red Tier) items through a spin mechanic. Exclusive rewards include the Revel 01 Set, a Bullet Line P90 skin, a CrankGuard helmet, and a Roadborn Rucksack.
  • Passive Engagement: In a first for the game, a new “login-based mechanic” rewards players simply for being online. Logging in for 60 minutes daily—without the requirement to actively play matches—grants a Royal Enfield Event Crate. Dedicated players can farm up to 34 of these crates over the event duration to maximize their chances of unlocking premium items.

Strategic Localization

This partnership underscores Krafton’s aggressive strategy to “Indianize” BGMI. By aligning with Royal Enfield, a brand synonymous with freedom and exploration in India, the developer is weaving local lifestyle elements directly into the gameplay loop.

Seddharth Merrotra, Head of Business Development at Krafton India, described the move as a foundation for 2026, a year the studio claims will be defined by “culturally meaningful and locally rooted experiences.” For Royal Enfield, it represents a pivot to engage the next generation of riders where they spend their time: on the virtual frontlines.

Free Fire OB52 Update Download Links, Date, Time, Guide, and More

Aditya Parsutkar
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Free Fire OB52 Update Download Links, Date, Time, Guide, and More

Free Fire OB52 update download links are now available, and the highly anticipated update is set to go live on 14 January 2026 in the early morning. Free Fire new update brings major weapon balance changes, character META shifts, and several new gameplay features that will have a big impact on both casual players and Esports athletes.

Garena is rolling out the FF OB52 update globally, and players can download the update directly from the official app stores once it becomes available in their region.

Free Fire OB52 Update Release Date and Time

The official release date for the Free Fire OB52 update is 14 January 2026. As per previous updates, the rollout is expected to begin early morning, starting with server maintenance. Once the maintenance is completed, players will be able to log in and experience all the new changes.

The update timing may slightly vary depending on region and device, so players are advised to keep checking the Play Store for the update notification.

Players should always download Free Fire updates only from official sources to avoid security risks or account bans.

Android (Google Play Store)

Free Fire Max (India): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dts.freefiremax

Free Fire (Global): https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dts.freefireth

These are the official Google Play Store links, and once the OB52 update is live, the “Update” button will appear automatically.

Read More: Free Fire Panel APK Download Link: Why Gamers Should Avoid Using It

How to Download FF OB52 Update – Step-by-Step Guide

To download the FF OB52 update without any issues, players should first ensure they have a stable internet connection and enough storage space on their device. Open the Google Play Store and search for Free Fire or Free Fire Max. Once the OB52 update is live, tap on the Update button and wait for the download to complete. After installation, open the game and allow any in-game resource downloads to finish before entering a match.

Players are advised not to use APKs, mod files, or third-party websites, as Garena strictly prohibits unauthorized downloads.

The OB52 update introduces major changes that directly affect gameplay and Esports META. Weapon balancing includes buffs to guns like Groza, Thompson, and M249, while shotguns like M590 have received significant reworks. Character META has also changed, with heavy nerfs to Tatsuya and Wukong, while Xayne gets a solid buff. A new character named Mors has been introduced, offering invisibility with throwable-based gameplay.

New features like Rally Beacon, Ultra Vest and Helmet, breakable arsenals, vehicle boost mechanics, and coin mushrooms further enhance the competitive experience.

Free Fire OB52 update is scheduled to release on 14 January 2026, and the official download links are already live on the Google Play Store. Players should update the game as soon as it becomes available to enjoy the latest features, balance changes, and improved competitive experience.

Make sure to download the update only from official sources and stay away from fake APKs or mod files to keep your account safe.

BGMI Redeem Codes Today (13 January 2026): KRAFTON Introduces the Secret Legacy Backpack Ahead of the BGMI 4.2 Update

Aditya Parsutkar
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BGMI Redeem Codes Today (13 January 2026): KRAFTON Introduces the Secret Legacy Backpack Ahead of the BGMI 4.2 Update

KRAFTON India has rolled out a fresh set of BGMI redeem codes ahead of the upcoming BGMI 4.2 update, giving players the opportunity to unlock the Secret Legacy Backpack. As part of BGMI’s ongoing reward initiative, this limited-time drop adds a bold new cosmetic to players’ inventories while building excitement leading into the next major BGMI 4.2 update

BGMI Redeem Codes Today (13 January 2026): KRAFTON Introduces the Secret Legacy Backpack Ahead of the BGMI 4.2 Update

Redeem codes are valid until 28th February 2026 and can be redeemed only on BGMI’s official website.

Redeem Codes:

  • HQZCZUEBV668VGW4
  • HQZDZPN59GVU6T4K
  • HQZEZQXRGMA4WC6G
  • HQZFZVT5PRMUX7DQ
  • HQZGZ8V8J7RFDJ7T
  • HQZHZ8X4CW3WSQAC
  • HQZIZCAB48H8RCWP
  • HQZJZC3967BHUEDS
  • HQZKZW77D4GVWSEB
  • HQZLZN8CPU63Q4EV
  • HQZMZS6H6MC5UDJF
  • HQZNZEHQUR46P7XK
  • HQZOZ3DG66PC3VPM
  • HQZPZUPDG58WPK9F
  • HQZQZUAV7TXPNPEJ
  • HQZRZBTHAFWSKMK3
  • HQZVZN5JVRSXHGHC
  • HQZTZ7W7XB9FDA5U
  • HQZUZJAMQAPXF7E4
  • HQZBAZM3J3EFF949
  • HQZBBZR5PGGXVXGH
  • HQZBCZD8K8J6REMQ
  • HQZBDZ9MWTWVUXWB
  • HQZBEZFV9XCF3FKM
  • HQZBFZ5UN9T7RRAV
  • HQZBGZ7WECCE5MJ6
  • HQZBHZHRKUJ99JKC
  • HQZBIZAW6BPWFUUD
  • HQZBJZTQG89GTDND
  • HQZBKZFTW9H99J3W
  • HQZBLZV4PEC34CFF
  • HQZBMZB837SEX54Q
  • HQZBNZPSMRUB7XXF
  • HQZBOZVPJ4QHE3QE
  • HQZBPZVNSWCTHKBB
  • HQZBQZN6DDG5P464
  • HQZBRZATD8WXPRHS
  • HQZBVZF9JBJUUJ8G
  • HQZBTZJE6PC8PNAR
  • HQZBUZKUDU6RM9DS
  • HQZCAZRJ9NTR9GNJ
  • HQZCBZX6JNAGEUPM
  • HQZCCZPWFSGG33X9
  • HQZCDZVDBP85BQB8
  • HQZCEZ8S4JJSSQFF
  • HQZCFZBBS54A8AAF
  • HQZCGZNE9JKT53QB
  • HQZCHZ6PR46VEX36
  • HQZCIZTDF4A769AH
  • HQZCJZQD8KXTD33E
  • HQZCKZMDXMNFW6KB
  • HQZCLZ9UG8EGWTDE
  • HQZCMZW9S3EKUMS6
  • HQZCNZB8SU5QUA7S
  • HQZCOZK78D8VJ56X
  • HQZCPZ8WW3P3CWXR
  • HQZCQZVPT5TJCBUP
  • HQZCRZTVA7VHT7M8
  • HQZCVZQX4DAGX6HF

Read More: Official BGMI 4.2 Update Release Date and Time Announced

Steps to redeem

Players can follow these simple steps to claim their rewards:

  • Step 1: Go to the Redeem section on BGMI’s official website www.battlegroundsmobileindia.com/redeem
  • Step 2: Enter your Character ID
  • Step 3: Enter the Redemption Code
  • Step 4: Enter the verification/ Captcha code → A message will confirm “Code redeemed successfully”
  • Step 5: The reward will be delivered via in-game mail

Rules to Remember:

  • A maximum of 10 users can redeem each code on a first-come first served basis
  • A user cannot redeem a code twice
  • Users must claim their rewards via in-game mail within 7 days or the mail will expire
  • If a player is among the first 10 users to redeem the code, a message will confirm “Code redeemed successfully”. Otherwise, users will see “Code expired” or a similar message
  • Each user account can redeem only one code per day
  • Redeem codes cannot be used via guest accounts
  • Rewards must be claimed within 30 days from receiving the in-game mail
    For the latest updates, follow BGMI’s official YouTube, Instagram and Facebook pages.

What Are BGMI Redeem Codes?

BGMI redeem codes are special codes that give you free rewards in the game. KRAFTON shares these codes, and you can use them to get free skins, outfits, gun upgrades and other items. You don’t need to spend any money. You just enter the code on the BGMI redeem website, and the reward comes to your in-game mail. It is an easy and free way to get new items in BGMI.

Free Fire Panel APK Download Link: Why Gamers Should Avoid Using It

Aditya Parsutkar
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Free Fire Panel APK Download Link: Why Gamers Should Avoid Using It

Many players search for Free Fire panel apk download to gain quick advantages like auto headshots, rank push, or unlimited features. These tools are often promoted as easy shortcuts to win matches. However, such APKs are illegal and unsafe. Using them can put your Free Fire account at risk and may also harm your device, which is why gamers should avoid downloading or using them.

What Is Free Fire Panel APK Download?

The term free fire panel apk download refers to a third-party modified application that claims to provide a special control panel for cheating in Free Fire. These panel APKs promise features such as aim assist, wall hack, speed boost, and one-tap headshots. Since these apps modify the original game files, they are considered unauthorized Free Fire mods and violate Garena’s terms and conditions.

Why Free Fire Panel APK Download Is Risky

Downloading a Free Fire panel apk is risky because these files come from unknown sources and are not verified by Garena. Many such APKs contain malware, spyware, or harmful scripts that can steal personal data, damage your phone, or slow down performance. Apart from security issues, these illegal Free Fire tools often cause game crashes, lag, and unstable gameplay.

Garena uses a strong anti-cheat system to detect illegal activity. If a player is caught using a free fire panel apk download, the account can face penalties such as temporary suspension or permanent ban. Once banned, players lose all progress, rare skins, characters, and in-game purchases, making panel APK usage a costly mistake.

Read More: Free Fire OB52 Download Date and Time Revealed: How to Download, New Features, Characters, and Major Changes

Free Fire Proxy Server Download / Free Fire VIP Proxy Server Downloads

This download works similarly to tools like Free Fire Proxy Server download and Free Fire VIP Proxy Server download. These proxy servers claim to offer benefits such as low ping, VIP access, or special servers. However, these proxy tools are also unauthorized. Garena does not allow any external proxy server, VIP server, or modified network connection to access Free Fire, and using them can also lead to account bans.

There is no official Free Fire panel apk download, Free Fire Proxy Server, or Free Fire VIP Proxy Server available. Garena only allows players to download and play Free Fire through official platforms like the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Any website or app claiming to provide these tools is spreading fake or unsafe Free Fire mods.

Why Gamers Should Avoid It Completely

Gamers should completely avoid it, Free Fire proxy server apps, and VIP server downloads because all of them break Free Fire’s fair-play rules. Using such tools can ruin the gaming experience, lead to permanent bans, and expose devices to serious security threats.

Instead of searching for this download link or proxy tools, players should focus on legal methods to improve gameplay. Practicing aim, adjusting sensitivity, learning character skills, and watching Free Fire esports tournaments can help players improve naturally without risking account safety.

These downloads are unsafe and unauthorized. None of these tools are approved by Garena, and using them can result in permanent account bans and device security issues. Players who want long-term enjoyment should stick to official Free Fire updates and fair gameplay.

Train Derails: Why CS2’s Classic Map Became the Least Popular Choice of 2025

Pranav Nalawade
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Train Derails: Why CS2’s Classic Map Became the Least Popular Choice of 2025

Train returned to Counter-Strike 2 in January 2025 with a fresh coat of paint and major gameplay changes. Valve replaced Vertigo with the remade Train, hoping the classic map would win over both casual players and professional teams. But here we are, and the reception has been anything but warm.

The numbers tell a story that’s hard to ignore. Train sits at the bottom of the map pool in terms of play rate, and it’s not even close. Players just aren’t picking it.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

By early May 2025, Train had been played only 486 times in professional matches. Compare that to Ancient, which topped the charts with 1,433 matches. Even Inferno, the second least-played map, saw 832 matches during the same period. Train was getting picked roughly half as often as the next lowest map.

In matchmaking, the situation looks even worse. During Premier Season 2, Train showed up in just 4.6% of roughly three million matches. That’s actually lower than Vertigo’s 9.7% pick rate from the previous season, which is ironic since Valve removed Vertigo specifically because it was unpopular.

Here’s how the maps stacked up in professional play through early 2025:

  • Ancient: 1,433 matches
  • Mirage: 1,225 matches
  • Anubis: 1,078 matches
  • Dust 2: 1,072 matches
  • Nuke: 1,055 matches
  • Inferno: 832 matches
  • Train: 486 matches

What Went Wrong?

Train isn’t new to Counter-Strike. The map first appeared back in 1999 and became a staple of competitive play for years. But it was removed from CS:GO in May 2021 because, well, people didn’t want to play it then either. The CS2 remake was supposed to fix that problem.

Valve made significant changes to address Train’s biggest issue: it was heavily CT-sided. They removed the infamous heaven position overlooking A site, widened entry points for Ts, and streamlined confusing corridors. The beloved ladder drop? Gone. Popdog became longdog. Both bomb sites got opened up with fewer hiding spots and, ironically, fewer trains.

On paper, these changes made sense. In practice, they created new problems.

The CT-Sided Dilemma

Despite Valve’s efforts to balance the map, many players still feel Train favors the Counter-Terrorists too much. The wide-open bomb sites that were meant to help Terrorists actually make it harder to hold positions once the bomb is planted. Meanwhile, CTs still have strong defensive positions that make entry difficult.

The layout feels like it’s stuck between two identities. It’s not the old Train that veterans remember, but it’s also not different enough to feel fresh. Players who mastered the original version had to relearn everything, while new players found a map that didn’t quite fit modern CS2 gameplay.

Performance Problems

Frame rate issues haven’t helped Train’s case. Multiple players report significant FPS drops in contested areas, with frame rates sometimes becoming unplayable. This has been an ongoing problem with CS2 in general, but it seems particularly bad on Train. When you’re trying to hold a critical angle or make a precise shot, stuttering frames can cost you the round.

The Vicious Cycle

Here’s where things get tricky. Train is unpopular, so teams don’t practice it. Because teams don’t practice it, they ban it. Because it keeps getting banned, it stays unpopular. Queue times get longer for players who actually want to play Train, which makes even fewer people willing to wait.

Most professional teams that had Vertigo as a permanent ban simply switched to banning Train instead. It was the path of least resistance. Why spend hours learning a new map when you can just ban it and play the six maps you already know?

Complexity stands out as one of the few top teams that actually tried to make Train work. They invested time into learning the map and attempted to use it as a competitive advantage. But when every other team just bans it, that advantage never materializes.

What Happens Next?

Valve made a decision in January 2026 that basically confirmed what everyone already knew: Train wasn’t working. They removed it from the active map pool and brought back Anubis for Premier Season 4.

Over its one-year run, Train was played 1,942 times in total across all competitive levels. For comparison, Anubis, which was only in the pool for part of 2025 before being removed in June, still managed 1,552 matches.

The Train experiment lasted exactly one year. It returned in January 2025 and was removed in January 2026. That’s a pretty clear signal that something wasn’t working.

Learning from Vertigo’s Mistakes

Remember why Vertigo got removed? Players didn’t like it. So Valve brought back Train thinking nostalgia would carry it. But bringing back a map that was already unpopular in CS:GO, even with a remake, was always going to be a tough sell.

The Counter-Strike community can be resistant to change, but they’re also quick to embrace maps that work. Look at Ancient, which debuted in CS:GO and quickly became one of the most-played maps in CS2. Or Anubis, which found its footing after some initial adjustments. These maps succeeded because they offered something fresh while still feeling like Counter-Strike.

Train’s problem wasn’t that it was new. It’s that it felt like a compromise between old and new, satisfying neither camp fully.

The Bigger Picture

Valve typically shakes up the map pool after major tournaments. The Austin Major came and went with Train still in the pool, despite its low numbers. By the time the Budapest Major wrapped up in late 2025, it was clear Train’s days were numbered.

When Season 4 started in January 2026, Anubis replaced Train. Teams now have a map they’re more familiar with, one that saw strong play in 2024 before its temporary removal. Whether Anubis stays or becomes the next casualty of the map rotation remains to be seen.

For casual players, map preference might seem like a minor issue. But in competitive Counter-Strike, the map pool shapes everything. It determines which teams have advantages, which strategies work, and which players shine. A map that nobody wants to play creates dead weight in the rotation.

Train’s failure also raises questions about how Valve handles map updates. Is it better to tweak existing maps or introduce completely new ones? Should unpopular maps get multiple chances, or is it better to move on quickly? The Train experiment suggests that sometimes, even nostalgia isn’t enough to revive a map that players have already rejected once before.

At the end of the day, the numbers speak for themselves. Players vote with their picks and their bans. Train got neither the matches nor the love it needed to succeed. Whether it will return again in the future with even more changes, or if it’s destined to remain in Counter-Strike’s history books, only time will tell.

For now, Train is back on the sidelines, and the competitive scene is moving forward without it.

CS2 Tournament Calendar 2026: Complete Schedule, Prize Pools, and What Fans Should Track

Satyam Kumar
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CS2 Tournament Calendar 2026: Complete Schedule, Prize Pools, and What Fans Should Track

The Counter-Strike 2 competitive landscape continues to evolve in 2026 with an action-packed schedule. Following Valve’s decision to transition away from franchised leagues, the open circuit format has created opportunities for more tournament organizers to host premier events throughout the year.

This comprehensive guide covers every confirmed CS2 tournament in 2026, including Majors, premier tier events, and significant regional competitions. We have included dates, venues, prize pools, and club rewards for each tournament to help fans and bettors stay informed about the competitive calendar.

Understanding Club Rewards in CS2 Tournaments

Before diving into the schedule, it is important to understand the club reward system. Major tournament organizers like ESL and BLAST now split prize money between players and their sponsoring organizations. The total prize pool includes both player winnings and club rewards, which are distributed to teams based on their participation and performance.

January 2026 CS2 Tournaments

BLAST Bounty 2026 Season 1

The year kicks off with BLAST Bounty, featuring both online qualifiers and a LAN finale in Malta.

Dates: January 12-17 (Online), January 22-25 (Malta Finals)
Location: Online and Malta
Total Prize Pool: $1,150,000 (includes $650,000 club reward)

IEM Kraków 2026

Intel Extreme Masters returns to Poland for one of the first major LAN events of the year.

Dates: January 31 – February 8
Location: Kraków, Poland
Total Prize Pool: $1,222,000 (includes $250,000 club reward)

February 2026 CS2 Events

PGL Cluj-Napoca 2026

PGL continues its Romanian tournament series with a mid-February event.

Dates: February 14-22
Location: Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Total Prize Pool: $1,250,000 (includes $625,000 club reward)

ESL Pro League Season 23 Stage 1

The online qualifier stage for ESL Pro League begins in late February.

Dates: February 27 – March 3
Location: Online
Prize: 8 qualification spots for Stage 2

March 2026 Tournament Calendar

ESL Pro League Season 23 Stage 2

The second online stage narrows down the field before the LAN finals.

Dates: March 5-9
Location: Online
Total Prize Pool: $185,000 (includes $99,000 club reward)

ESL Pro League Season 23 Finals

Teams compete in Stockholm for the Pro League trophy and substantial prize money.

Dates: March 13-15
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
Total Prize Pool: $776,000 (includes $501,000 club reward)

BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026

BLAST brings its tournament circuit to the Netherlands with a multi-week competition.

Dates: March 18-29
Location: Copenhagen (Group Stage) and Rotterdam (Finals)
Total Prize Pool: $1,100,000 (includes $700,000 club reward)

April 2026 CS2 Competitions

April features four major tournaments across three continents, making it one of the busiest months.

PGL Bucharest 2026

Dates: April 3-11
Location: Bucharest, Romania
Total Prize Pool: $1,250,000 (includes $650,000 club reward)

IEM Rio 2026

The Brazilian Counter-Strike scene hosts another premier IEM event.

Dates: April 13-19
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Total Prize Pool: $1,000,000 (includes $700,000 club reward)

FISSURE Playground 3

The Chinese tournament series continues with its third edition.

Dates: April 20-26
Location: Shenzhen, China
Total Prize Pool: $1,000,000 (includes $550,000 club reward)

BLAST Rivals 2026

BLAST heads to the United States for a week-long competition in Texas.

Dates: April 27 – May 3
Location: Fort Worth, Texas, USA
Total Prize Pool: $1,000,000 (includes $650,000 club reward)

May 2026 Tournament Schedule

PGL Astana 2026

One of the larger prize pools of the year comes to Kazakhstan.

Dates: May 7-17
Location: Astana, Kazakhstan
Total Prize Pool: $1,600,000 (includes $800,000 club reward)

IEM Atlanta 2026

Another American stop for the Intel Extreme Masters circuit.

Dates: May 7-17
Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Total Prize Pool: $1,000,000 (includes $700,000 club reward)

CS Asia Championships 2026

The Asian region gets a dedicated championship event in Shanghai.

Dates: May 19-24
Location: Shanghai, China
Total Prize Pool: $1,000,000 (includes $600,000 club reward)

June 2026: IEM Cologne Major

IEM Cologne Major 2026

The biggest tournament of the first half of 2026 takes place in Germany. This is one of two Majors scheduled for the year.

Dates: June 2-21
Location: Cologne, Germany
Total Prize Pool: $1,250,000

The Cologne Major spans three weeks and includes open qualifiers, closed qualifiers, and the main event featuring the world’s best teams competing for Major status and championship glory.

July 2026 CS2 Events

FISSURE Playground 4

The fourth installment of the Chinese tournament series offers the largest prize pool yet for this event.

Dates: July 13-19
Location: To be announced
Total Prize Pool: $1,400,000 (includes $600,000 club reward)

BLAST Bounty 2026 Season 2

The second Bounty event of the year returns to Malta.

Dates: July 20 – August 2
Location: Malta
Total Prize Pool: $1,150,000 (includes $650,000 club reward)

August 2026 Tournament Calendar

Esports World Cup 2026

The Esports World Cup returns to Saudi Arabia with one of the largest prize pools of the year.

Dates: August 12-23
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Total Prize Pool: $2,000,000 (excluding additional EWC club program benefits)

BLAST Open 2026 Season 2

The second BLAST Open event of the year has yet to announce its location.

Dates: August 24 – September 6
Location: To be announced
Total Prize Pool: $1,100,000 (includes $700,000 club reward)

September 2026 CS2 Tournaments

FISSURE Playground 5

The fifth edition of FISSURE Playground is scheduled but details remain limited.

Dates: September 7-13
Location: To be announced
Prize Pool: To be confirmed

StarLadder StarSeries 20

StarLadder hosts a European tournament in mid-September.

Dates: September 17-20
Location: Europe (specific city TBA)
Total Prize Pool: $500,000 (includes $250,000 club reward)

October 2026 CS2 Events

ESL Pro League Season 24

The second Pro League season of the year takes place in Poland.

Dates: October 3-11
Location: Katowice, Poland
Total Prize Pool: $1,000,000 (includes $700,000 club reward)

PGL Masters Bucharest 2026

Originally scheduled for Belgrade, this event was moved to Bucharest in December 2025.

Dates: October 24-31
Location: Bucharest, Romania
Total Prize Pool: $1,250,000 (club reward to be determined)

Note: A PGL event originally scheduled for early October 2026 has been cancelled.

November 2026 Tournament Schedule

IEM China 2026

Intel Extreme Masters brings another premier event to China.

Dates: November 2-8
Location: China (specific city TBA)
Total Prize Pool: $1,000,000 (includes $700,000 club reward)

BLAST Rivals 2026 Season 2

The second BLAST Rivals event heads to Hong Kong.

Dates: November 9-15
Location: Chek Lap Kok, Hong Kong
Total Prize Pool: $1,000,000 (includes $650,000 club reward)

PGL Singapore Major

The year concludes with the second Major championship in Singapore, marking PGL’s return to Southeast Asia.

Dates: November 25 – December 13
Location: Singapore
Total Prize Pool: $1,250,000

This Major represents a significant moment for the Asian Counter-Strike scene, providing local fans with the opportunity to watch the world’s best teams compete for Major status.

Key Takeaways for CS2 Fans in 2026

The 2026 Counter-Strike 2 calendar demonstrates the healthy state of the competitive ecosystem. With over $25 million in combined prize pools across the year, teams and players have numerous opportunities to compete at the highest level.

Major tournament organizers including ESL, BLAST, PGL, StarLadder, and Perfect World have structured a calendar that avoids major schedule conflicts while maximizing opportunities for teams to participate in premier events. The geographic diversity of tournaments, spanning Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East, ensures global representation throughout the season.

For fans looking to follow professional CS2, this schedule provides a roadmap for the entire year. Whether you are interested in betting on matches, following your favorite team, or simply watching world-class Counter-Strike, 2026 offers an exciting lineup of tournaments from January through December.

Bookmark this calendar and check back regularly as tournament organizers continue to announce updates, venue changes, and additional details for these events throughout the year.

Embark is Planning to Tweak Arc Raiders Expedition After Listening to Community Feedback

Sonu Banerjee
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0
Embark is Planning to Tweak Arc Raiders Expedition After Listening to Community Feedback

With a few weeks having passed since the launch of the first Arc Raiders Expedition and with the second one rapidly approaching, Embark has confirmed that it is planning to tweak the current Expedition format after listening to feedback from the game’s community.

In a recent interview with PCGamesN, Arc Raiders design director Virgil Watkins stated that over 1 million gamers had participated in the first Arc Raiders Expedition, with nearly 35-40% of those players claiming the full 5 Skill Points after accumulating over 5 million coins in their stash.

However, the 5 million coin requirement for the Skill Points drew in mixed reactions from the community, with many players claiming that it introduced a layer of ‘gear fear’ that isn’t healthy for the game.

“One of the bigger topics [of feedback] was the requirements for the final stage to get the skill points, and probably going out a bit too late with that information, because we wanted to hold off until we could calibrate it around the actual economy of the player base, rather than trying to guess really early on,” Watkins said in the interview. “So then, when we chose the number, which was the five million credits for the full thing, [we set] that as an aspirational goal that some players might achieve. But then I think a lot of players took that as like, ‘Well, now I have to do that to get it.’”

As a result, Embark is aiming to introduce “revisions” on the Arc Raiders Expedition system to fix these underlying problems. While the devs have yet to confirm exactly how they plan to address the issues with the current Expedition format, the community is hoping that the 5 million coin requirement for the full set of skill points will be lowered.

“We completely acknowledge that it isn’t the most engaging thing to just go for money, [and it has] the potential outcome of disincentivizing using your gear, which is kind of what people look forward to towards the end of a reset cycle,” he said. “So yeah, we’re looking at revisions on that.”

Since the last Expedition, both the general player base and content creators have come up with a number of potential changes to the system that can make your Raider’s departure feel a bit more engaging, and with the second Expedition still being a little ways down the road, Embark should have plenty of time to assess their options before introducing a big change.

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