Regional Format and Qualification Process

The Rising Circuit spans four key regions—Europe, North America, South America, and Asia. Each region will have two qualifying stages: Open Qualifiers and Closed Qualifiers.

1. Direct Invitations – The top four teams based on Regional Valve Rankings, which are not directly invited to the BLAST Open, will secure automatic spots in the Rising Finals.
2. Closed Qualifiers – The next 12 teams in the rankings join four teams from the Open Qualifiers to form a 16-team pool. These teams are split into groups and compete in best-of-three, double-elimination brackets.
3. Final Stage – The four winners from the Closed Qualifiers join the four directly invited teams to compete in the BLAST Rising Finals.

Schedule for Season One

Here’s the schedule for the first season of the Rising Circuit:

Europe (Relog Media):

• Invitation Date: February 3
• Open Qualifiers: February 4
• Closed Qualifiers: February 5–7
• Finals: February 8–9

North America (Liga Ace):

• Invitation Date: February 3
• Open Qualifiers: February 7
• Closed Qualifiers: February 8–10
• Finals: February 13–14

South America (Liga Ace):

• Invitation Date: February 3
• Open Qualifiers: February 5
• Closed Qualifiers: February 6–8
• Finals: February 9–10

Asia (GGTV):

• Invitation Date: February 3
• Open Qualifiers: February 5
• Closed Qualifiers: February 6–8
• Finals: February 9–10

Path to BLAST Open

The Rising Circuit’s ultimate goal is to identify the best teams from each region and advance them to the BLAST Open, which begins on March 19. These matches promise to showcase rising talent while ensuring fair and transparent selection processes through rigorous qualifiers.

The post BLAST Rising Circuit 2025: Qualification Format, Schedule, and Path to BLAST Open appeared first on TalkEsport.

Valve Unveils 2025 Ranking Update

• Tournament Invitations:
  • IEM Katowice: Top 8 teams directly qualify for the group stage, while ranks 9–24 move to the Play-In round.
  • PGL Cluj-Napoca: The top 16 teams gain access to this $1,250,000 event.
  • ESL Pro League S21: Teams ranked 1–12 secure invitations, alongside other qualifiers from ESL Challenger Leagues worldwide.
• Top Performers:
  • Spirit climbed to the No. 2 spot, reflecting their recent Major victory.
  • The MongolZ soared to No. 3 after a stellar campaign in China.
  • Natus Vincere dropped to No. 7 following their failure to reach the playoffs in Shanghai.

Key Tournament Invites Decided

The rankings not only prioritize individual performance but also enforce strict organizational rules. Only one team per organization is allowed to attend a single event. For example, FURIA and FURIA fe cannot both compete in the same tournament. Similarly, HEROIC lost their position to Falcons after player transfers earlier this year.

Also Read: Valve Expands CS2 Majors to 32 Teams

Top 10 Teams in Valve’s 2025 Ranking

1. G2 – 19,562 points
2. Spirit – 19,333 points
3. The MongolZ – 18,494 points
4. Vitality – 18,345 points
5. FaZe – 18,345 points
6. MOUZ – 17,827 points
7. Natus Vincere – 17,448 points
8. HEROIC – 17,059 points
9. Liquid – 16,461 points
10. FURIA – 15,855 points

Backup Invitations

If any team declines an invitation, the next highest-ranked team automatically receives the spot, ensuring fairness and competitive integrity in the selection process.

Valve’s 2025 Ranking Update has already sparked excitement among fans and analysts. With high-stakes tournaments around the corner, teams will aim to solidify their rankings and prepare for intense battles on the global stage.

Stay tuned for further updates and announcements as the esports landscape continues to evolve in 2025!

The post Valve Drops 2025 CS2 Rankings – Shocks, Surprises, and Invites appeared first on TalkEsport.

Here’s a list of 12 budget-friendly AK-47 skins, each priced under $10, offering both style and value.

1. AK-47 | Uncharted

• Price Range: $2.50 – $4.00
• Theme: Tribal
• Design: Features tribal patterns and earthy tones, perfect for players who prefer a rustic and adventurous look.

2. AK-47 | Elite Build

• Price Range: $3.00 – $6.00
• Theme: Tactical
• Design: Sleek and professional with a matte black finish and gold accents, ideal for a clean and modern appearance.

3. AK-47 | Jungle Spray

• Price Range: $1.50 – $3.00
• Theme: Camouflage
• Design: A jungle camouflage pattern, great for players who like traditional military designs.

4. AK-47 | Red Laminate

• Price Range: $7.00 – $9.50
• Theme: Bold & Minimalist
• Design: A striking red and black laminate finish that’s both vibrant and elegant.

5. AK-47 | Safari Mesh

• Price Range: $1.00 – $2.50
• Theme: Minimalist
• Design: Subtle and low-key desert-inspired mesh patterns for players who prefer simplicity.

6. AK-47 | Frontside Misty

• Price Range: $8.50 – $10.00
• Theme: Futuristic
• Design: A bright blue and white futuristic look, great for players who enjoy eye-catching styles.

7. AK-47 | Baroque Purple

• Price Range: $4.00 – $6.00
• Theme: Ornate
• Design: Features floral patterns in purple and black, offering a luxurious appearance at a low cost.

8. AK-47 | Cartel

• Price Range: $8.00 – $9.50
• Theme: Engraved
• Design: A black finish with intricate engravings for players looking for elegance and sophistication.

9. AK-47 | Orbit Mk01

• Price Range: $6.00 – $9.00
• Theme: Sci-Fi
• Design: Combines black, orange, and white tones with a futuristic vibe, ideal for tech enthusiasts.

10. AK-47 | Green Laminate

• Price Range: $4.00 – $7.00
• Theme: Classic
• Design: Green and black laminate finish for a traditional yet vibrant style.

11. AK-47 | Slate

• Price Range: $7.50 – $9.50
• Theme: Minimalist
• Design: Fully matte black design, offering a stealthy and sophisticated aesthetic.

12. AK-47 | Black Laminate

• Price Range: $5.00 – $8.50
• Theme: Timeless
• Design: Simple and stylish black and gray laminate, perfect for subtle elegance.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading your AK-47 skin in CS2 doesn’t have to burn a hole in your wallet. From vibrant designs like the Frontside Misty to minimalist choices such as Slate, there’s something for every style and budget. With prices under $10, these skins offer great value while helping you personalize your gameplay.

FAQs
Q1. What is the cheapest AK-47 skin in CS2?
Some skins cost as little as $1, but for a decent look, players should budget between $5–$10.

Q2. What is the most expensive AK-47 skin?
The most expensive AK-47 skin is the Case Hardened #661, known for its rarity and high price.

The post 12 Best Cheap AK-47 Skins in CS2 for Budget Players appeared first on TalkEsport.

This move marks another major shift for Heroic, as NertZ becomes the fourth player to leave the 2024 roster. Earlier in January, Damjan “kyxsan” Stoilkovski, Abdul “degster” Gasanov, and René “TeSeS” Madsen transitioned to Falcons, leaving Heroic’s lineup in flux.

Adding to the uncertainty, Rasmus “sjuush” Beck is also rumored to join Ninjas in Pyjamas, leaving Heroic with only their coach, Eetu “sAw” Saha, who hinted at a complete rebuild for the organization.

Despite these changes, NertZ leaves behind an impressive legacy. With a 1.14 average rating, he narrowly missed a spot in the Top 20 CS2 players of the year. His final appearance in Heroic’s jersey was at the Shanghai Major, where the team narrowly lost to G2 in the quarter-finals.

As Heroic prepares for another rebuilding phase, fans will eagerly watch how NertZ performs in Liquid and whether Heroic can reclaim its position among the top contenders in esports.

The post Heroic Announces NertZ’s Departure Amid Major Roster Reshuffle appeared first on TalkEsport.

Longer Tournament Duration

With the addition of this new stage, CS Majors will now run approximately four days longer than before. The expanded format ensures a more competitive platform, providing ample opportunities for teams to advance.

New Regional Qualifiers (MRQ)

Replacing the previous RMR system, Valve introduced Major Regional Qualifiers (MRQ) to determine team eligibility. Key details include:

• Americas and Europe will have 16 teams each in their MRQs.
• Asia will have 8 teams in its MRQ.
• MRQs may be conducted online, with regions split into sub-regions to minimize ping differences.

Qualification Process and Slots

From the MRQs:

• 6 teams each from Americas and Europe, and 4 teams from Asia will qualify for Stage 1.
• Stage 2 will feature 8 directly invited teams, joined by 8 teams advancing from Stage 1.

Further, regions earn direct invites based on past performance. For example, Europe secured 6 Stage 3 slots due to strong performances in previous tournaments, while Americas and Asia earned 1 slot each.

VRS Rankings-Based Slot Distribution

For the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025, slot allocation will follow the VRS rankings:

• Europe: Top 6 teams to Stage 3, 4 teams to Stage 2, and 16 teams to MRQ.
• Americas: Top 1 team to Stage 3, 4 teams to Stage 2, and 16 teams to MRQ.
• Asia: Top 1 team to Stage 3, none to Stage 2, and 8 teams to MRQ.

This format overhaul aims to enhance competitiveness, fairness, and global representation in CS Majors. The BLAST.tv Austin Major will mark the debut of this expanded format, promising intense action and thrilling matches for Counter-Strike fans worldwide.

The post Valve Expands CS2 Majors to 32 Teams appeared first on TalkEsport.

The news was announced in an X (formerly Twitter) post by the official Falcons Esports handle, accompanied by a video welcoming the 27-year-old to the team.

“Really happy to get the best rifler on board this team,” Falcons head coach Danny “⁠zonic⁠” Sørensen said in a statement. “Hopefully one day I am right behind him when he lifts that major trophy.”

This move marks the end of an era as NiKo bids farewell to G2 esports after a remarkable four-year journey with the organization.

During his time with G2, NiKo enjoyed significant success, securing six big titles and earning an MVP award at IEM Cologne, solidifying his legacy as one of the best players in the Counter-Strike scene.

At Falcons, NiKo will join forces with Emil “⁠Magisk⁠” Reif and three yet-to-be-revealed teammates, with the ultimate goal of securing his first Major title.

Fans can catch the new Falcons roster in action when they make their debut at the upcoming BLAST Bounty on January 12, 2025.

The post Falcons Officially Sign NiKo To Its CS2 Roster appeared first on TalkEsport.

Despite his remarkable individual performance, NiKo leaves without securing a Major trophy – a dream he continues to chase. Reports suggest he is now set to join Team Falcons, where he will team up with Emil “Magisk” Reif, Danny “zonic” Sørensen, and members of HEROIC’s core roster in pursuit of that elusive Major win.

NiKo’s Legacy at G2

During his tenure at G2, NiKo consistently ranked among the world’s top CS players, earning 2nd, 5th, 4th, and 3rd positions in HLTV’s annual rankings. His last tournament appearance for G2 was in Shanghai, where the team fell to FaZe Clan in the semi-finals.

Although the departure had been anticipated since October, G2’s CEO Alban Dechelotte affirmed that retaining NiKo was an option but ultimately not pursued.

G2’s Roster Update

G2 is already working on reshaping its roster to fill the void left by NiKo. Nikita “HeavyGod” Martynenko is the official replacement, although Mario “malbsMd” Samayoa is expected to assume NiKo’s in-game roles. Samayoa expressed admiration for NiKo, calling him both a leader and a mentor and pledged to honor his legacy.

Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov, a close associate of NiKo, will continue with G2 despite rumors of interest from Falcons.

What Lies Ahead?

As NiKo embarks on a new journey with Falcons, G2’s revamped lineup aims to maintain its competitive edge. With seasoned players and rising stars, G2’s prospects remain strong in the esports arena.

The updated G2 roster includes:

• Janusz “Snax” Pogorzelski
• Nemanja “huNter-” Kovač
• Mario “malbsMd” Samayoa
• Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov
• Wiktor “TaZ” Wojtas (coach)

Fans eagerly await the debut of both NiKo’s new chapter with Falcons and G2’s fresh lineup as the esports season progresses.

The post NiKo Leaves G2 Esports After Four Years of Success appeared first on TalkEsport.

Eternal Fire managed to turn a few heads mid-session with a stellar run in a few tournaments leading up to the CS2 Major. However, a disappointing result at the big event forced them to make a few changes, and longstanding member Calyx was the one to part ways.

“Calyx holds a special place in all our hearts,” read EF’s post on X. “Together with him, we achieved great victories on the global stage and created unforgettable moments.”

Eternal Fire has the following team:

• Engin “⁠MAJ3R⁠” Küpeli
• Ismailcan “⁠XANTARES⁠” Dörtkardeş
• Özgür “⁠woxic⁠” Eker
• Ali “⁠Wicadia⁠” Haydar Yalçın
• Samet “⁠jottAAA⁠” Köklü
• Sezgin “⁠Fabre⁠” Kalaycı (coach)

JottAAA hailed from Eternal Fire’s academy roster and was eventually loaned out to Sangal, where he flourished in his role, finally seeing him get his much-deserved spot in Eternal Fire. While his role is not exactly a like-for-like replacement for the outgoing Calyx, being a versatile young player, he can be molded to fit the team’s needs.

Blast Bounty being the upcoming event, we might see the new roster in action right in as soon as 12 days.

The post jottAAA joins Eternal Fire appeared first on TalkEsport.

A Look Back: Why Was Steel Banned?

The story dates back to 2014, during Season 5 of the CEVO Professional League. Steel, along with his teammates from iBUYPOWER, was embroiled in a match-fixing scandal that rocked the esports community.

Despite being strong favorites to win, iBUYPOWER intentionally lost to Netcodeguides.com. Investigations revealed that players had placed bets against themselves, profiting significantly from the fixed outcome.

Key Players Involved:

• Josh “steel” Nissan
• Braxton “swag” Pierce
• Keven “AZK” Larivière
• Sam “DaZeD” Marine

The aftermath resulted in lifetime bans for those involved, except for Tyler “Skadoodle” Latham, who was found uninvolved.

From Permanent Ban to Redemption

Initially, the bans were viewed as permanent. However, growing debates about fairness led to adjustments in the rules. By 2017, major tournament organizers like ESL and DreamHack eased restrictions, enabling banned players to participate in non-Valve-sponsored events.

Despite the changes, steel and others were still excluded from major Valve tournaments—the pinnacle of Counter-Strike competition. This limitation pushed steel to explore new horizons, including a transition to Valorant in 2020, where he enjoyed consistent success.

The Comeback: Valve Lifts the Ban

As of January 29, 2025, Valve has officially lifted steel’s ban, granting him eligibility to compete in CS2 tournaments. This decision paves the way for steel—and potentially other banned players—to reclaim their spots in the Counter-Strike scene.

What’s Next for Steel?

Steel has expressed enthusiasm about returning to Counter-Strike if the right opportunity arises. In a recent interview, he hinted at his willingness to join competitive CS2, provided he finds the right team and platform to showcase his skills.

Given his success in Valorant, however, fans are curious whether steel will split his focus between both games or commit entirely to one. Either way, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for his career.

Steel’s return highlights the evolving landscape of esports and Valve’s willingness to revisit past decisions. His story serves as a reminder of redemption and second chances, not just for him but for others impacted by similar controversies.

With the ban officially lifted, the spotlight is back on steel. Fans eagerly await announcements about his next move—whether it’s dominating CS2 tournaments, continuing his Valorant journey, or possibly balancing both.

The post Valve Lifts CS2 Ban on Steel After a Decade appeared first on TalkEsport.

This guide explains the best CS2 viewmodel settings. It also lists commands to help players customize their setup quickly.

What is a Viewmodel?

A viewmodel is the visible position of your weapon and hands during gameplay. It affects:

• Field of View (FoV): Reduces visual clutter to help spot enemies.
• Aiming Consistency: Keeps weapon position steady for better accuracy.
• Personal Preference: Allows players to adjust visuals for comfort.

Key CS2 Viewmodel Commands

Players can use console commands to adjust viewmodels.

1. viewmodel_offset_x [value] – Moves the weapon left or right.
2. viewmodel_offset_y [value] – Moves the weapon forward or backward.
3. viewmodel_offset_z [value] – Moves the weapon up or down.
4. cl_righthand [0/1] – Switches the weapon between hands.
5. viewmodel_fov [value] – Changes the Field of View (FoV).

Range Limits:

• FOV: 54–68
• Offsets: -2 to 2

How to Choose the Best Viewmodel for You

1. Minimal Viewmodel

• Commands:
  • viewmodel_offset_x -2
  • viewmodel_offset_y 2
  • viewmodel_offset_z -2

Pros:

• Maximizes screen visibility.
  Cons:
• Reduces weapon visibility.

2. Centered Viewmodel

• Commands:
  • viewmodel_offset_x 0
  • viewmodel_offset_y 1
  • viewmodel_offset_z -1

Pros:

• Balanced positioning.
  Cons:
• Slightly reduces visibility.

3. Left-Handed Viewmodel

• Command:
  • cl_righthand 0

Pros:

• Useful for left-handed players.
  Cons:
• May feel unusual for right-handed players.

4. Maximized Weapon Visibility

• Commands:
  • viewmodel_offset_x 2
  • viewmodel_offset_y -2
  • viewmodel_offset_z 2

Pros:

• Highlights weapon details.

Cons:

• Adds screen clutter.

How to Change Viewmodel Settings in CS2

1. Open Console: Press the ~ key.
2. Enter Commands: Type viewmodel commands directly.
3. Test Settings: Adjust values until satisfied.
4. Save Changes: Add commands to autoexec.cfg for automatic application.

Adjusting CS2 viewmodel settings improves gameplay by enhancing visibility, precision, and comfort. Players should experiment with commands to find their ideal setup. Saving configurations ensure consistency for future matches.

This guide provides the commands and tips needed to create the best CS2 viewmodel settings for any player style.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best CS2 viewmodel for competitive play?
A minimal viewmodel is preferred for maximizing visibility and focus during gameplay.

2. Does viewmodel customization affect performance?
Yes, optimizing viewmodels reduces visual clutter and improves aiming precision.

3. How do I save my viewmodel settings?
Add commands to your autoexec.cfg file for automatic application.

The post Best CS2 Viewmodel Settings for 2025 appeared first on TalkEsport.