shox gives an honest overview of the state of CS2 in 2026. He highlights the strong player numbers, with over one million average players and consistent growth since late 2025, even without a Major spike. He credits Valve’s recent activity — Premier Season 4, map pool changes, weapon buffs, and adjustments to Anubis — as positive signs that the game is moving in the right direction.
On the esports side, he points out that the competitive scene is thriving but overloaded. With multiple Tier 1 events, Majors, and new national competitions announced, the calendar feels too heavy for players and even viewers. He also notes Vitality’s continued dominance, praising their mentality and consistency, while admitting that a lack of true rivalry could make the scene feel repetitive if no team steps up.
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However, shox stresses that cheating remains a major issue in 2026. Despite the game’s growth and strong ecosystem, the Premier experience is still heavily affected by cheaters, which discourages new players from staying. His conclusion: CS2 is in a good place overall and has huge potential, but improvements in anti-cheat and long-term structure are essential for it to reach the next level.
