Latest news with #CS2
Saudi Gazette
3 days ago
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
StarLadder brings CS2 Major to Budapest in 2025
The ES Times — StarLadder is making a major comeback. The tournament organizer has officially announced that it will host the second Counter-Strike 2 Major of 2025 in Budapest, Hungary — marking a significant milestone since its last Major in 2019. For those closely following the CS competitive scene, this is a bold and exciting move. Event dates and venues The Budapest Major is set to take place from November 24 to December 14, 2025. In a break from tradition, StarLadder plans to open its doors to fans from the very beginning of the tournament. Opening matches will be held at the MTK Sportpark, a venue with a 2,000-fan capacity. This shift from typically closed early-stage matches is expected to inject fresh energy and live audience atmosphere from day one. The event will then transition to the MVM Dome — a 20,000-seat arena — where the championship will be decided. A vision from StarLadder leadership Roma Romantsov, CEO of StarLadder, shared his ambitions for the Budapest Major: 'Hosting another Major is a great honor, and we are determined to make it unforgettable.' He also emphasized the importance of the host city: 'Budapest provides us with the perfect stage to push the boundaries of what a live CS2 event can look and feel like.' StarLadder is clearly aiming to make a lasting impression. Legacy and new ownership This marks StarLadder's return to Major hosting since 2019, when it delivered a standout tournament won by Astralis — a moment still remembered by fans worldwide. Now operating under NODWIN Gaming, which acquired the company for $5.5 million (SR20,625,000) in January 2025, StarLadder is poised for a renewed presence at the top of the CS2 scene. Format, prizes, and tickets The Budapest Major will follow the new CS2 Major format, with 32 teams competing for a $1.25 million prize pool (SR4,687,500). The largest share will go to the winning team. Tickets are already on sale. Group stages and playoffs will run from November 24 to December 7, with the finals scheduled from December 11 to 14. If you're planning to attend, act quickly — this is shaping up to be one of the year's most anticipated Counter-Strike events. Sami Belhamra – Esports and Gaming Writer
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
TimTheTatman thinks ‘Just Chatting' killed gaming on Twitch, says that 'IRL is king now'
(Image via YouTube/@TimTheTatman) Twitch was built on gaming, but is that still true in 2025? TimTheTatman isn't so sure. During a recent stream, he dropped a hot take that's got the internet buzzing: Twitch isn't a gaming platform anymore… it's an IRL content machine. With creators like Kai Cenat, IShowSpeed, and others turning streams into full-blown reality shows, the line between gaming and entertainment is blurrier than ever. Gaming Is Getting Drowned Out In a recent stream, TimTheTatman pointed out something wild: Just Chatting had 500K viewers… while League of Legends trailed at 100K and CS2 barely hit 85K. That's a huge gap. And Tim didn't hold back: 'You could argue that the biggest streamers don't even game that much anymore… IRL is king now.' And honestly, he's not wrong. A scroll through Twitch's homepage on any given day will show more people reacting to memes, hosting celeb guests, or debating drama than actually touching a controller. Twitch Is Dead IRL Content Is the New Rockstar Creators like Kai Cenat are practically living a mainstream celebrity lifestyle. Hanging with Drake? Check. Vibing with LeBron James? Yup. Hosting the BET Awards? You bet. It's not just Kai. IShowSpeed's global antics (from meeting Cristiano Ronaldo to setting off fireworks in his room ) rack up millions of views—without a game in sight. They've turned Twitch and YouTube streams into a hybrid of late-night talk shows, reality TV, and chaotic entertainment. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Nhà container với cách nhiệt và chống thấm hiện đại Visionary Echo Tìm Ngay Undo Gaming? That's just a side quest. Twitch's OGs aren't thrilled Tim's concern isn't just nostalgia—it's a wake-up call for the gaming side of Twitch. A lot of OG streamers and fans are starting to ask: Is there even space for 'pure' gaming anymore? Some say we're just in a dry spell. No hype titles, no crazy launches. A GTA 6 or a massive multiplayer hit could swing things back. But others think this shift is permanent. It's a mixed bag. But the trend is clear: people want personalities , not just gameplay. Is Twitch Dying or is it Just Oversaturated? Will Gaming Bounce Back? Gaming isn't dead on Twitch. Let's not be dramatic. The most-subscribed streamers still include tons of hardcore gamers. And even Kai's gaming marathons (like his upcoming Mario Bros. collab with Speed) still pull in massive numbers. B ut the energy is different now. It's less about watching someone sweat through ranked and more about seeing your fave creator in a boxing ring, or doing wild stuff with celebrities. TimTheTatman's take has sparked a debate that's long overdue. Twitch started with games, but it's growing into something else—part talk show, part reality TV, part chaos machine. Whether that's good or bad? That's up to the viewers. But one thing's for sure: IRL content isn't just a side hustle anymore. It is the main event. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Geek Girl Authority
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
The Most Profitable CS2 Cases for Low-Budget Traders
CS2 players are always on the lookout for the best skins, cases, and deals. With that in mind, we've put together this guide focused on the most profitable cases you can get on a budget. Ready to dive in? Let's get started! How to Analyze CS2 Cases There are tons of CS2 cases with different prices, drop rates, and items. If you're not sure how to tell them apart, here are some steps you can take: Check the Skin Lineup When analyzing the most profitable CS2 cases , the first thing to look at is the skin lineup inside the case. Not all cases have the same mix of skins, and some contain rare or highly valuable items that can be worth a lot more. Check which skins are included, their quality levels, and how popular they are among players. A case with a few highly valuable skins is usually more attractive, even if the chance to get them is low. Understanding what's inside helps you decide if it's worth opening or holding on to the cases for future value. Understand Drop Rates Next, consider the drop rates and odds that come with the case. Every case has specific chances to drop different rarity skins , from common to extremely rare items. Knowing these odds helps you manage your expectations realistically and prevents overspending. If a case has very low chances of dropping rare skins but you only care about those, it might not be the best option for you. On the other hand, some cases offer a balanced mix where you can get decent skins more often, which might suit players who want more frequent rewards. Consider Case and Key Prices Another important factor is the current price of the case and the key needed to open it. The total cost affects whether opening the case is a good investment or just a fun gamble. Sometimes, cases or keys become cheaper or more expensive due to supply and demand, updates , or special events . Paying attention to these price changes can help you decide the best time to buy or sell cases and keys. When the cost is low but the potential skins inside are valuable, it might be a good opportunity to take a chance. How to Get the Best CS2 Cases for Free You probably know that most players get CS2 cases by paying, but there are also some free alternatives. We've picked the best ones for you: Join Community Giveaways One of the best ways to get free CS2 cases is by joining active player communities. Discord servers , Reddit groups, and social media pages often hold giveaways where valuable cases are given away. To increase your chances, stay active in chats, follow the rules carefully, and build a good reputation. Being known and involved makes you more likely to get invited to special giveaways with rare cases. Use In-Game Events CS2 regularly has events and challenges that reward players with cases when they complete certain tasks. These cases can be better than what you find elsewhere for free. Watch for announcements about these events and try to play when they are live. Completing these tasks not only gives you free cases but also helps you improve your skills and enjoy the game more. Try Reward Programs Some platforms offer rewards for logging in daily, watching streams, or doing simple tasks. These reward programs give cases over time if you stay consistent. It may take a while but collecting these rewards adds up. Choose trustworthy programs to avoid wasting time or risking your account. With patience, you can grow your case collection without spending money. Top CS2 Cases to Add to Your Inventory Here are some specific cases you might want to open: Huntsman Weapon Case The Huntsman Weapon Case stands out for its collection of rare and often underrated skins. With 28 items inside, including 13 different Huntsman Knife finishes, it's considered a valuable case, reflected in its current price of about $6. Players especially appreciate it for offering hidden gems like: AK-47 | Vulcan Huntsman Knife | Blue Steel Huntsman Knife | Fade Horizon Case Next up is the Horizon Case, which is known for being one of the more affordable options out there. You can usually pick one up for around $0.50 to $0.60. To open it, you'll need a Horizon Case Key, typically priced at about $8. This case is considered a common drop, falling under the Base Grade rarity category. Wondering what kind of skins you can get from it? Here are a few notable ones: Stiletto Knife | Vanilla AK-47 | Neon Rider AK-47 | Asiimov Chroma 2 Case Released back in 2015, the Chroma 2 Case has stayed a fan favorite in the CS2 community. It's reasonably priced at around $2, though you'll need a Chroma 2 Case Key to open it, which usually costs between $7 and $11. The case features 45 skins in total, including 30 unique knife skins with eye-catching designs. Some of the most popular drops include: M9 Bayonet | Doppler M4A1-S | Hyper Beast MAC-10 | Neon Rider Conclusion In conclusion, this article focused on CS2 cases, especially those that are low-cost yet highly profitable. We explored three key aspects: how to analyze cases wisely, how to get them, and which CS2 cases are the best options to open. Now it's your turn. Why not put what you've learned into action and try opening one of the recommended cases? Good luck on your CS2 journey! 15 Co-Op Game Announcements From June 2025 RELATED: Wholesome Games Direct 2025: 9 Games Release Today
Business Standard
21-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Colab Platforms enters Esports Arena; Industry projected to grow to USD 6 billion by 2030
VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 21: In a move to shape the future of digital sports in India, Colab Platforms Limited (BSE: 542866), leading sportstech and gaming company has announced its foray into the billion dollar opportunity - Esports. With a vision to build India's most rewarding competitive gaming ecosystem, company is building a player-first competitive gaming platform for India's digital-first generation. This new venture will focus on building India's most transparent, skill based esports infrastructure, designed for both casual and pro gamers. Backed by Colab's robust digital and operational ecosystem, the platform will feature low-entry, high-frequency competitive formats, creator-led tournaments, and proprietary game servers--starting with Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) and expanding into AAA and mobile titles in phases. Highlights:- -Colab Platforms is building a player-first competitive gaming platform for India's digital-first generation. -India with over 594 million online gamers and young populations has potential to become a Global Esports hub -The platform will feature low-entry, high-frequency competitive formats, creator-led tournaments, and proprietary game servers--starting with Counter-Strike 2 and expanding into AAA and mobile titles -Esports is expected to contribute Rs.1100+ crore to India's economy by 2025 -Company has launched Rs. 250 million accelerator programme to drive sports-tech innovation in India Esports is expected to contribute Rs.1100+ crore to India's economy by 2025, with over 1.5 million esports athletes and growing. As India readies itself for the global gaming spotlight, Esports has rapidly evolved from niche subculture to a billion-dollar global industry. In 2024, the global Esports market surpassed $1.7 billion, with projections of reaching over $6 billion by 2030. With its inclusion in events like the Asian Games and discussions around Olympic recognition, esports is no longer just entertainment--it's a sport of the future. Venture into Esports aligns with Colab's broader vision of building a 360° sports ecosystem, which already includes ventures in sports commerce, athlete development, fan engagement tools, and sports-tech innovation. It will also synergize with Colab's existing initiatives: -Integration with Colab's Sports Innovation Accelerator for esports startups -Co-branded streamer partnerships and leagues for visibility and user acquisition -Expansion into mobile esports, VR arenas, and gamified fitness formats in future phases India, has a potential to become a global Esports hub with over 594 million online gamers and one of the world's youngest digital populations. Government initiatives like eSports recognition under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, and growing corporate and academic interest, are further fueling this momentum. Puneet Singh, Managing Director of Colab Platforms Ltd, said, "Esports isn't just the future of gaming--it's the future of entertainment, career building, and digital identity. At Colab, we're building an esports ecosystem where every match, every win, and every hour of gameplay creates real value for the player." Colab aims to become the platform of choice-- where skill matters, community thrives, and careers are built. Company also aim to scout and elevate India's top gaming talent--creating a pipeline that can compete in global leagues and represent Indian esports on the world stage. Colab Esports: What Makes It Different At the heart of Colab's esports vision is a commitment to accessibility, fairness, and next-gen competition. Built with India's Gen Z and Millennial gamers in mind, the platform is designed to break barriers and reimagine what competitive gaming can look like--rewarding, community-driven, and inclusive. From hyper-local engagement strategies to creator-led tournament formats and a player-centric progression system, Colab Esports is laying the groundwork for an ecosystem where every player--casual or competitive--finds their space to grow, compete, and win. Colab is aiming to build not just another esports platform, but a nextgeneration gaming infrastructure ready to scale with the country's digital sports revolution. For the financial year 2024-25, the company has reported consolidated Total Revenue Rs. 70.05 crores, up from Rs. 2.25 Crores in FY 2023-24 -- a massive 3006.18% increase. Net profit stood at Rs. 2.86 Crores from Rs.1.78 Crores last year, a growth of 60.4%. In Q4 FY2024-25, company recorded Total Revenue of Rs. 20.49 crores, Y-o-Y increase of 7638% growth. Net profit for the quarter was Rs. 95.29 lakhs, up 379.11% from Rs. 19.9 lakhs during the same period last year. Strategic Initiatives of Colab Platforms in FY 2024-25:- -Entered the Rs. 15,766 crore sports management and tech sector, to leverage its technological prowess across various segments including management and development of sports Intellectual Properties (IPs), Fan Engagement platforms. -Acquired the Northern Challengers team in the Big Cricket League, captained by former India opener Shikhar Dhawan, enhancing brand recognition and direct fan connection. -Launched a dedicated marketplace for sports and fitness products, catering to India's rapidly growing $58 billion sports and fitness industry. -The company also announced its entry into the predictive gaming market, targeting a Rs. 50,000 crore opportunity with a rapidly growing user base. -Introduced a Rs. 250 million Sports-Tech Growth Accelerator Program to empower early-stage startups, fast-track innovation, and transform India's sports technology ecosystem. About Colab Platforms Ltd. Colab Platforms Limited is listed on the Bombay Stock Exchange. The company has been delivering innovative technological solutions across various sectors, leveraging its expertise in advanced technologies to drive growth and enhance user experiences. Colab Platforms Limited is dedicated to providing customized, technology-based processing solutions that help clients achieve their objectives and exceed expectations. Recognizing India's rapid emergence as a global technology hub, Colab Platforms harnesses the nation's diverse and talented professionals to contribute significantly to the development of the professional community. For more information please
Geek Girl Authority
14-06-2025
- Geek Girl Authority
Why You Should Always Check Float Value Before You Trade CS2 Skins
There are many features and characteristics that CS2 players consider when choosing which skins to buy. The most common ones include design, rarity, popularity, and extras like StatTrak . But there is much more to it than that. Factors like wear levels also play a big role. In this article, we're going to take a deep dive into these details and explore why they matter so much for CS2 skin traders. Let's go! What Are CS2 Skin Wear Levels and Float Values Let's start with the basics and understand what CS2 wear levels and float values are, and how they affect your gameplay and trades: Understanding Skin Wear Levels in CS2 Skin wear levels in CS2 represent the general condition of a skin, showing how much it has been 'used' or worn in the game. These levels range from pristine looks to heavily damaged appearances. The wear level affects not only the visual appeal but also the market value . Players often prefer skins with less wear because they look cleaner and more attractive, so knowing the wear level is important when buying or selling skins. What Float Values Really Mean CS2 float values are precise decimal numbers that measure the exact amount of wear on a skin, ranging from zero to one. Unlike wear levels that categorize skins broadly, float values give a detailed score for every skin's condition. This makes it possible to tell the difference between two skins that share the same wear level but look slightly different. Float values add accuracy to pricing and trading decisions by showing exactly how worn a skin is. Why Float Values Matter More Than You Think While wear levels give a quick idea of skin condition, float values can reveal hidden differences that affect value. For example, two skins both marked as Minimal Wear might have very different float values, meaning one looks almost new and the other more scratched. Serious traders use float values to find the best skins within a category or avoid paying too much for skins that appear better than they are. This level of detail helps make smarter investments in the skin market. What You Need to Know About CS2 Skin Wear Levels Okay, now that we've covered the basics, it's time to explore some important details. Let's look at why wear levels matter so much in CS2 skin trading, what skin upgrading involves, and the common mistakes to avoid when dealing with wear levels: Why Wear Levels Matter for Trading Wear levels are important because they influence demand and price fluctuations in the market. Even small differences in wear can change how much buyers are willing to pay. For example, a skin labeled as Minimal Wear will generally be more expensive than the same skin in Field-Tested condition. Knowing the wear level helps sellers set fair prices and buyers find skins that meet their quality expectations. Understanding Skin Upgrading Skin upgrading in CS2 allows players to enhance the quality or rarity of their existing skins by combining or trading them through special platforms. This process gives users a chance to improve their collection without buying new skins outright. However, upgrading often involves some risk and cost, as there is no guarantee of getting a better skin in return. Still, for those willing to take the chance, it can be a rewarding way to increase the value and appeal of their inventory over time. Common Mistakes to Avoid Many people only look at the wear level name without checking the actual skin closely, which can lead to overpaying. Skins within the same wear category can look quite different, so it's essential to inspect the skin visually or check its float value for more precision. Being aware of these details helps avoid surprises and ensures you get the quality you expect when trading or investing in CS2 skins. How to Check CS2 Skin Wear Levels and Float Values Not sure how to check CS2 skin wear levels and float values? No worries! We'll walk you through it now. Inspection Tools One of the easiest ways to check a CS2 skin's wear level is by using the in-game inspection feature. This tool lets you closely examine the skin's appearance from different angles to spot scratches, fading, or other wear marks. While this gives a general idea of the skin's condition, visual inspection alone may not reveal subtle differences in wear, especially between skins in the same category. Still, it is a practical first step for most players. External Platforms For a more precise measurement, float values are essential. These can be found on various third-party websites and platforms that specialize in CS2 skin data. By entering a skin's unique ID or inspecting it through linked inventory tools, you can see its exact float value, which tells you the exact degree of wear on a scale from 0 to 1. This number helps differentiate skins that look similar but have different quality levels, making it a crucial detail for serious buyers and sellers. Consulting with Experts Relying only on numbers or personal inspection can sometimes be misleading. Consulting with skin experts or professional players adds valuable insight because they have experience spotting subtle quality differences that others might miss. These experts can help interpret float values alongside visual cues and even provide advice on which wear levels are truly worth investing in. Getting their opinion ensures a more confident decision when trading or buying CS2 skins. Conclusion In conclusion, this article covered everything you need to know about CS2 wear levels and explained why they matter, along with how you can check wear levels and float values. We hope you found it helpful. See you in our future guides! Switch 2 Doesn't Fix POKÉMON's Biggest Problem RELATED: Video Games Are Becoming a Luxury Few Can Afford
