Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, or CS:GO, is an objective-based, multiplayer first-person shooter (FPS) developed by Valve and Hidden Path Entertainment.
The Counter-Strike series began as a mod to Half-Life and was first released in 2003. Since then, the game has soared to popularity and is one of the most competitive FPS games to date. Let’s take a quick look at the basics of how to play Counter-Strike and set you up for CS:GO betting!
What is CS:GO?
CS:GO is one of the many competitive games that takes a minute to learn and a lifetime to master. Counter-Strike requires quick reaction time, pixel-perfect aim and solid communication. On top of that, each player must have impeccable map awareness and in-depth knowledge of the game.
CS:GO Gameplay
CS:GO gameplay is all about strategy, objective control and eliminations. The players are split into two teams of five, the Terrorists and Counter-Terrorists. Each team is tasked with different objectives and must complete them, round after round, to bring home the win.
Tournaments are played in the Competitive game mode and can last up to 90 minutes. At the end of each round, players are rewarded with in-game currency based on their (and their teams’) performance. This currency can be spent on utility equipment or other items to be used in the following rounds.
CS:GO Game Modes
Before you get started with CS:GO match betting, there are several game modes that you should be familiar with to better understand the game’s pace and structure.
- Deathmatch — Team Deathmatch is the keystone of countless first-person shooters, including CS:GO and CoD. The mode sets a fixed number of kills to reach; the first team to hit the number wins the match.
- Demolition — Demolition is the primary game mode in competitive play. The Terrorists are tasked with planting a bomb in designated sites, while the Counter-Terrorists must do everything in their power to defuse the explosives.
- Hostage Rescue — Alongside Demolition, Hostage Rescue is available in casual and competitive play. In this mode, the Terrorists begin the round with two hostages, which they must protect. The Counter-Terrorists must locate the hostages, carry out a rescue mission and return to the starting zone safe and sound. Counter-Terrorists only need one saved hostage to win the round, but if the timer runs out before they do so — Terrorists will claim the win. Victory can also be achieved by eliminating every player on the opposing team.
Competitive CS:GO
CS:GO tournaments are incredibly competitive, reserved for the best of the best. Professional CS:GO players are scouted by sponsors and teams alike through the internal CS:GO ranking system, where players climb their way to the top over years of practice.
There are 18 obtainable ranks, the most prestigious of which is Global Elite, which accounts for less than 1% of all CS:GO players. Most CS:GO esports teams are Global Elite, but that’s not all it takes to go pro. Reaching the esteemed rank is just the first step; players must prove their worth through years of hard work, demonstrating precision, knowledge of the game and unshakeable resolve.
CS:GO Events
There are a few CS:GO tournaments, leagues and events that you should keep tabs on. While there is a great variety of events worldwide, big and small, and they all have three things in common: the best CS:GO esports teams, million-dollar prize pools and the most passionate esports fans.
When you’re ready to make your first CS:GO bets, look into the whos and wheres of:
- BLAST Premier
- IEM (Intel Extreme Masters)
- ESL One Pro League
- CS:GO Major Championship
- DreamHack Masters
- PGL Major
CS:GO Betting
Despite the many obstacles caused by current world events, CS:GO competitive play is thriving! Millions of fans tune in to watch their favourites pull trick shots, showcasing inhumane ability and prodigious aim.
To get started on CS:GO match betting, have a look at LV BET, where you’ll find multiple betting markets at top CS:GO odds. Counter-Strike betting is fairly straightforward! You can wager on markets like Match Winner, Map Winner, Map Handicaps and Total Rounds.
Make sure to come back for more! We’ll be covering major CS:GO tournaments, match previews and everything else you need to know about the most competitive esports on the scene.