CS:GO, the unexpected rise of an iGaming giant

News Team October 7, 2024

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), a multiplayer tactical first-person shooter video game, has unexpectedly evolved into a major force within the iGaming world. Developed by Hidden Path Entertainment and Valve, this fourth installment in the Counter-Strike series has cemented itself not only as a competitive esports staple but also as a significant player in online gambling.

A two-decade legacy

CS:GO was released in 2012, following the initial success of Counter-Strike 1.6 in 2000, which quickly became a sensation in competitive gaming. Over the years, Counter-Strike established itself as one of the most enduring esports titles, with professional tournaments dating back to the early 2000s. The first significant competition, the 2001 Cyberathlete Professional League (CPL) Winter Championship, set the stage for a global Counter-Strike esports scene. Valve, co-creator, further expanded its influence by recognising the Counter-Strike Major Championships in 2013. Starting with a modest $250,000 prize pool, the Majors grew significantly in size and prestige. The latest Major, held in Copenhagen in 2024, boasted a $2 million prize pool, drawing teams from across the globe. The popularity of these tournaments reflect CS:GO’s lasting appeal in the esports world, where teams compete for multi-million-dollar prize pools.

iGaming explosion, from skins to wagers

While CS:GO was thriving as an esports sensation, the game’s introduction of virtual weapon skins in 2013 through the Arms Deal update led to an unexpected development. The rarity and value of these digital items gave rise to a fast-growing skin economy, which soon extended into the world of gambling. explained: “Third-party platforms began allowing players to bet these skins on the outcomes of professional matches, and that decision ultimately led to a new form of virtual currency in the iGaming space.”

Nowadays, the game continues to generate significant revenue from gambling, whether through skin trading or more conventional betting on match outcomes.

Denied an Olympic stage

Despite its massive popularity, CS:GO has faced challenges when it comes to official recognition in traditional sports. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) made waves by announcing that first-person shooter (FPS) games like CS:GO would never be included in the Olympic Esports series. Citing concerns over violent content, the IOC argued that games involving firearms, explosives, and other weapons clash with Olympic values. While this decision may have disappointed the CS:GO community, it hasn’t stopped the game from continuing its reign as one of the most-watched and most-played esports titles globally. In fact, the game’s prominence in mainstream media is only growing—CS:GO events like the BLAST Premier have even been featured on platforms such as the , demonstrating the game’s expanding reach beyond its core audience.