This viewing guide acts as an introduction to individuals new to the Counter-Strike franchise. With a specific focus for the 2017 ELEAGUE Major, this guide breaks down the history of the franchise, provides a general overview of CS:GO gameplay, and introduces readers to the 8 remaining teams.

1. Viewing Guide
Prepared by: Luc Ryu

2. Guide Mandate
The purpose of this guide is to familiarize new viewers to the game of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (“CSGO”), specifically in time for the
playoff rounds of the ELEAGUE major which start on January 27, 2017.
This guide will aim to introduce readers to the development of Counter-Strike as a franchise, as well as the evolution of the Counter-Strike
competitive scene. This guide will then delve into the basic knowledge needed for the viewing experience, such as:
- Key technical skills required from the players;
- Objectives of the game, and an introduction to high-level strategy; and
- Overview of the spectator’s heads-up-display.
The guide will then conclude with a brief introduction to the remaining teams, such that readers can have a chance to find a team to cheer
for.
Please note, that this viewing guide is meant to be catered to first-time viewers that are new to the Counter-Strike franchise. As such, there
are many advanced concepts about the gameplay that have been omitted. I have done my best to filter
and select the information that I believe to be the most integral to first-time viewers, but differences in
opinion are sure to exist.
I hope you enjoy the presentation, learn something new about the Counter-Strike franchise and its
competitive environment, and ultimately tune in to watch the playoffs of the ELEAGUE major.
Should you have any questions or feedback, please do not hesitate in reaching out – always more
than happy to have a chat about eSports.
- Luc “rofldogs” Ryu

3. 1. Background of the Game

4. History of Counter-Strike
The original game that spawned the Counter-Strike franchise actually
began as a fan-modified version of an existing game, Half-Life. The
developers behind the mod, and the intellectual property behind it,
were purchased, and the first official game, Half-Life: Counter-Strike
(colloquially known as Counter-Strike 1.6)*, was released in 2000.
Since the original version, a trio of sequels have been created, with
varying degrees of reception and commercial success.
(2000)
Counter-Strike 1.6
Metacritic: 88/100
GameSpot: 8.4/10
IGN: 8.9/10
*The “1.6” refers to the final version update given to the game by the developers.
(2004)
Metacritic: 65/100
GameSpot: 6.8/10
IGN: 7.0/10
Overall a poorly received game,
the game suffered from multiple
changes in developers. The
competitive scene did not migrate
from the original game.
Condition Zero
(2004)
Metacritic: 88/100
GameSpot: 8.9/10
IGN: 8.7/10
Source featured a return to the
familiar game modes, and a new
3D video game engine. Although
adoption rates were high
amongst players, the competitive
scene never fully took off.
Source
(2012)
Metacritic: 83/100
GameSpot: 8.5/10
IGN: 8.0/10
Despite relatively lower ratings,
CSGO returned legacy players to
a feel much more similar to the
original CS1.6, and provided a
much needed update after 8
years.
Global Offensive

5. What is Counter-Strike
Counter-Strike is an online multiplayer game, in the first-person shooter (“FPS”) category of video
games. The quickest explanation of the game category lies within the name – refer to the screenshot
of the game below:
First-person perspective Shooting a weapon
If this is your first time hearing about the
FPS category, you may actually recognize
these popular FPS titles, if:
If you have young
children prone to
mood swings.
If you were once a
gamer but then had to
deal with real life.

6. History of CS:GO Majors
A Major is a tournament sponsored by game developer, Valve. Majors typically have higher prize pools
compared to other tournaments, and also include special in-game features for casual players.
MLG Columbus
03/29/16 – 04/03/16
- $1M total prize pool
- 1.6M peak concurrent viewers
- 45 million hours watched
1st 2nd
Location: Nationwide Arena
ESL One: Cologne
07/05/16 – 07/10/16
- $1M total prize pool
- 14,000 in-person viewers
- 31 million hours watched
1st 2nd
Location: Lanxess Arena
DH: Cluj – Napoca
10/28/15 – 11/01/15
- $250K total prize pool
- 1.0M peak concurrent viewers
- 31 million hours watched
1st 2nd
Location: Sala Polivalenta
-
250,000
500,000
750,000
1,000,000
1,250,000
1,500,000
1,750,000
Peak Concurrent Viewers
Noinfoprovided

7. 2. Basics of Gameplay

8. Basic Controls to Gameplay
Although there are many different types of FPS games, CSGO falls under a more “realistic” category. All weapons
are based on real-life models, and the basic laws of physics apply*. There are three general components to CSGO
gameplay, and a mastery of these three helps to identify a technically-skilled player:
1 Movement Control 2 Perspective Control 3 Weapon Control
Movement is based around the “WASD”
keys on the keyboard, where “W” and “S”
move the character forward and backward,
respectively, and where “A” and “D” strafe
the character left, and right, respectively.
Holding the “Shift” key will make the
character walk, and holding the “CTRL” key
will make them crouch.
The perspective of the character is
controlled with the mouse. The weapons
are always aimed down the middle of the
character’s perspective.
This can be considered the equivalent to
real-life “aiming”. Quick and accurate
mouse movements equate to good aim in
CSGO.
Similarly to real-life, there is kick-back
(“recoil”) on weapons. As such, prowess in
aiming is not always enough, as recoil
begins to affect the trajectory / accuracy of
bullets after the third bullet for most guns.
Players must compensate for the recoil by
aiming in the opposite direction, or by
shooting controlled bursts.
A Game of Senses
In addition to putting all three movement components together to out-maneuver and out-
aim their opponents, players must also rely on their other senses.
“Game-sense”, refers to the
ability to analyze a situation
given certain information. It
is a by-product of years of
practice.
“Soundplay”, refers to the usage
of aural cues for additional
information. Sounds are
omnidirectional, and can be
used to locate enemies.
Teammates must also
communicate effectively to
relay information and develop
strategies real-time.
*Relative to most other FPS games. The game isn’t scientifically in-depth enough to consider hardcore science like the Coriolis effect or anything.

9. Objectives of the Game
CS:GO matches (“maps”) are played by two teams of five players. Maps are comprised of multiple rounds, where one team wins
based on the completion of their objectives (see below). Teams take turns playing as either Counter-Terrorists (“CTs”) or Terrorists
(“Ts”). Teams switch sides after 15 rounds, and the first team to win 16 rounds wins the map*.
During the ELEAGUE playoff rounds, games will be in a best-of-three-maps format. The first team to win two maps will win the
matchup.
CT Win Conditions
- Eliminate all of the Ts;
- If the bomb is
planted, defuse it; or
- Have time expire.
T Win Conditions
- Eliminate all of the CTs; or
- Plant the bomb, and have
it detonate.
* If the map is tied 15 – 15 by the end of the 30th round, the map goes into overtime where teams switch sides after 3 rounds, and the first team to win 4 rounds wins. If teams split
the overtime 3 – 3, the map will go into double-overtime with the same setup. This will continue until one team wins 4 rounds.
One of the win conditions is related to the status of the bomb. There are a number of details about the bomb that must be noted:
- One Terrorist player randomly begins the round with the bomb;
- The bomb can be dropped intentionally, or upon death, and can only be picked up / moved by Terrorists;
- Bombs can only be planted on specific areas of the map (“bomb sites”); and
- All maps have two bomb sites (“A” and “B”).

10. Map Layout x Objectives
A simplified way of seeing CS:GO is as a game of Attack and Defense, where the Terrorists are attacking to gain entry into a bomb
site, while the Counter-Terrorists are defending to protect against the bomb being planted.
Apart from their objectives, there are other key differences between the CTs and Ts that will be discussed later in the guide. The
graphic below shows a blueprint-view of de_dust2, one of the seven maps that can be played. The image on the left half has English
callouts that label certain areas of the map. Callouts are integral to in-game communication between teammates.
Teams must rely on a combination of
individual skill, and team co-ordination in
order to win rounds.
Note the proximity of CT Spawn to the two
bomb sites, A and B, compared to T Spawn.
By being closer, CTs gain the
advantage of being able to set-up first,
– patient in the bomb site, or pushed
up and ready to engage.
The Ts, however, have a numbers
advantage: the CTs are spread
between the two bomb sites. Well
coordinated attacks are imperative.

11. Economic Maintenance
In order to attack and defend effectively, players must inevitably make upgrades to their weapons and purchase tools such as
grenades. At the beginning of the game, all players start with a basic pistol, a knife, and $800. Players earn money in two main
ways: passively, or actively (see below). Whenever a player dies, they will lose all of their equipment, respawn with the same basic
pistol and knife, and have to re-buy whatever firearms and tools they need with the money that they have saved up.
1 Passive Income
All players passively earn income at the end of a round. The
amount earned depends on whether their team won or lost the
round, and how they won or lost the round.
2 Active Income
Players can earn income individually by completing certain
objectives. The amount is agnostic to whether or not the round is
won or lost.
Condition Income per Player
Win by bomb detonation / defusal $3,500
Win by elimination of enemies $3,250
Lose a round* $1,400 - $3,400
*”Loss bonuses” ramp up based on the number of consecutive rounds lost (max 5).
Action Income to Player
Plant / defuse the bomb $300
Eliminate an enemy $100 - $1,500
* The income earned for an elimination is dependent on the weapon used based
on a risk / reward system (e.g. kills with a knife reward $1,500)
Purchasing Decisions
There are many factors that impact a team’s purchasing decision (the score, the opponents’ economies, etc.). The following represent the most
common purchasing decisions:
- “Eco-round” / “Save round”: Players limit their purchases with the intention of saving money for the next round (upgraded pistol, grenades)
- “Anti-eco”: Players anticipate the opponents will run an eco-round, and purchase weapons that generate more income (SMGs, shotguns)
- “Full-buy”: Players purchase everything they need (rifle, armor, grenades). Usually requires at least $5,000.

12. Weapons Overview (Guns)
Guns are what drive the FPS genre, and CSGO is no exception. Although many guns are shared by the CTs and Ts, each have
weapons that are unique to their team. The following are the most common guns:
Secondary Weapons (Pistols)
USP-S (Free)
A basic pistol for the
CTs. It features high
accuracy with low
recoil, but is hampered
by a small magazine.
Glock-18 (Free)
The basic pistol for
the Ts. It has a higher
rate of fire than the
USP-S, but suffers
from low damage.
Desert Eagle ($700)
An iconic pistol. A
headshot guarantees a
one-hit-kill, but the high
recoil makes it a difficult
gun to use.
CT ONLY T ONLY
Primary Weapons (Rifles)
M4A1 ($3,100)
The staple CT assault
rifle, the M4A1 offers
accuracy, low-recoil,
and respectable
damage. Optional
silencer.
AK47 ($2,700)
The T counterpart to
the M4A1, the AK47
offers higher damage
per bullet, but has
greater recoil.
AWP ($4,750)
The sniper’s weapon of
choice. This bolt-action
sniper rifle deals fatal
damage when it hits above
the pelvic area. Very
expensive.
CT ONLY T ONLY

13. Weapons Overview (Other)
Where guns are the key to eliminations, grenades and other tools are what are necessary to support the high-level strategies. The
following are the most commonly used grenades and tools:
Grenades
HE Grenade
($300)
The high-explosive
grenade – a cheap way
to soften up enemies
moving in groups or to
clear zones.
Smoke Grenade
($300)
Smoke grenades help to
provide cover, but must
be thrown accurately to
fully cover sightlines.
Flashbang
($200 x 2)
Flashbangs temporarily
white-out the vision of
any player that sees it
detonate, and deafen
those in the area.
Molotovs
($400 T; $600 CT)
Molotovs spread fire
when they detonante.
They are highly effective
in halting advances, or
flushing out hiding spots.
Other Tools
Kevlar ($650) and Helmet ($350)
Kevlar and helmets help to lessen
damage received. They lose durability
every shot that they take.
Helmets can save players from one-hit-
kill headshots from certain guns.
Defusal Kit ($400)
Defusal Kits are arguably the most
important investment in the game.
They reduce the time it takes for a CT to
defuse a planted bomb from 10
seconds to 5 seconds.
CT ONLY

14. 3. Spectating Experience

15. Spectator HUD Overview
The viewing experience takes place through
the spectator heads-up display (“HUD”). The
HUD helps keep track of different aspects
of the game for third parties, in order to
keep the viewing experience simple and
easy to follow. The following pages will
highlight the key components of the HUD.

16. Spectator HUD Overview Cont’d
This top component provides the most basic information:
- The time remaining in the round;
- The number of rounds won for each team; and
- The total value of equipment owned by each
team.
With the exception of the round timer, there is no other
information in this section of the HUD that has to be kept
track of during a round.
At the beginning of each round, this summary will appear
for each player, showing the following:
- The amount of money each player has;
- The amount of money each player spent this
round; and
- Each players’ score (kills / assists / deaths).
Glancing at each player’s economic condition can help
viewers anticipate what type of playstyle to expect (eco
round, vs. full buy, etc.).
Considerations at the beginning of a round:

17. Spectator HUD Overview Cont’d
This component in the top-left is the mini-map. It provides
a blueprint-like layout of the entire map, and the location
of all 10 players.
As the round develops, it is important to keep track of the
position of the players relative to one another, as it can
provide information on the strategies that are being set-
up (e.g. set executes into a bomb site, flanks, etc.)
These summaries of the player show the following:
- The health of the players;
- Their current equipment (guns, grenades,
armor); and
- The bomb, or defusal kits.
Keeping track of grenades as the round progresses can
help identify the efficacy of re-take scenarios for CTs.
Considerations throughout the round:
This information specifies the player that is being
spectated, and their current health / armor.
Note: The spectator will almost always have
“X-ray vision” on, which shows outlines of all
players through walls and objects.
The players do not play with this on. It is only
for the viewing experience.

18. 4. Introduction to the Teams

19. Natus Vincere (3 – 0)
Group Play Scores
W | 16 – 3 | vs. mousesports
W | 16 – 6 | vs. EnVyUs @ de_cbble
W | 16 – 3 | vs. SK Gaming @ de_dust2
Na ‘ Vi
Group Play MVP
Egor ‘flamie’ Vasilyev
- HLTV Rating1: 1.70
- ADR2: 122.3
- K/D Ratio3: 2.20
Currently ranked 1st across all major stats.
Built on the foundations of one of the most
successful Counter-Strike lineups of all time, Natus
Vincere lives up to the meaning of their name – “born
to win.” Masters of the methodical approach, their
star-filled roster can carry games single-handedly,
making them one of the most exciting teams to
watch.
@ de_cbble
BYE
BYE
1 http://www.hltv.org/?pageid=242&eventid=0 | 2 Average Damage per Round | 3 Kill / Death Ratio

20. Virtus Pro (3 – 0)
Group Play Scores
W | 16 – 13 | vs. OpTic
W | 16 – 14 | vs. G2 Esports @ de_nuke
W | 16 – 10 | vs. Gambit @ de_train
Virtus Pro
Group Play MVP
Janusz ‘Snax’ Pogorzelski
- HLTV Rating1: 1.44
- ADR2: 89.6
- K/D Ratio3: 1.85
Ranked 1st in clutch situations (1 vs X) won
The Polish powerhouse includes some of the most
storied players in Counter-Strike’s rich history. A
momentum-based team that has the potential to roll
over anyone in their way has earned the fan-driven
nickname “Virtus Plow.” Capable of beating anyone,
this team is hungry to dominate the competition in
the ELEAGUE Major.
@ de_cbble
BYE
BYE
1 http://www.hltv.org/?pageid=242&eventid=0 | 2 Average Damage per Round | 3 Kill / Death Ratio

21. Group Play Scores Group Play MVP
W | 16 – 7 | vs. Hellraisers
W | 19 – 17 | vs. FaZe Clan @ de_mirage
L | 3 – 16 | vs. Na’Vi @ de_dust2
W | 19 – 17 | vs. Astralis @ de_dust2
- HLTV Rating1: 1.70
- ADR2: 122.3
- K/D Ratio3: 2.20
Ranked 2nd in Kill – Death differential at +39.
SK Gaming
SK Gaming (3 – 1)
Flying the flag for Brazilian Counter-Strike, SK Gaming
has risen from obscurity to become one of the best
teams in the world. These back-to-back major
holders blend a tactical approach with explosive aim,
and have grown to become one of the most
complete competitors in the ELEAGUE Major.
Marcelo ‘coldzera’ David@ de_mirage
BYE
1 http://www.hltv.org/?pageid=242&eventid=0 | 2 Average Damage per Round | 3 Kill / Death Ratio

22. Group Play Scores Group Play MVP
L | 10 – 16 | vs. G2 Esports
W | 16 – 13 | vs. North @ de_cbble
W | 16 – 11 | vs. mousesports @ de_dust2
W | 16 – 11 | vs. EnVyUs @ de_cbble
- HLTV Rating1: 1.10
- ADR2: 78.4
- K/D Ratio3: 1.17
Ranked 4th in success in opening duels at 70.4%.
Fnatic
Fnatic (3 – 1)
The kings of Counter-Strike, the Fnatic name is
synonymous with achievement. After lower than
expected performances recently, along with recent
roster changes that shook the community, Fnatic
looks to regain their place as the best team in the
world. With the ELEAGUE Major as their only focus,
this team is destined to prove their worth.
Olof ‘olofmeister’ Kajbjer@ de_cache
BYE
1 http://www.hltv.org/?pageid=242&eventid=0 | 2 Average Damage per Round | 3 Kill / Death Ratio

23. Group Play MVPGroup Play Scores
W | 16 – 8 | vs. North
W | 16 – 9 | vs. GODSENT @ de_overpass
L | 10 – 16 | vs. Virtus Pro @ de_train
W | 16 – 14 | vs. FaZe Clan @ de_overpass
- HLTV Rating1: 1.42
- ADR2: 103.0
- K/D Ratio3: 1.54
Ranked 2nd in damage per round at 103.0.
Gambit
Gambit Gaming (3 – 1)
A squad assembled from Russia and Kazakhstan
sees a return for some of the game's oldest veterans.
A pundit’s nightmare, the team's recent pick-up of ex-
Na'Vi fame Zeus has revitalized their will to win. After
two recent first-place finished at local tournaments,
Gambit looks to replicate this successful run in the
ELEAGUE Major.
Dauren ‘AdreN’ Kystaubayev@ de_cbble
BYE
1 http://www.hltv.org/?pageid=242&eventid=0 | 2 Average Damage per Round | 3 Kill / Death Ratio

24. Group Play MVPGroup Play Scores
L | 6 – 16 | vs. GODSENT
W | 16 – 12 | vs. OpTic @ de_train
W | 16 – 5 | vs. G2 Esports @ de_train
L | 17 – 19 | vs. SK Gaming @ de_dust2
- HLTV Rating1: 1.40
- ADR2: 93.5
- K/D Ratio3: 1.71
Ranked 1st in Kill – Death differential at +50.
Astralis
Astralis (3 – 2)
One of the most consistent teams in the world, the
Danish squad always performs well, but seems to
falter often at the final hurdle. Fresh off their best
performances yet, they return to the ELEAGUE Major
looking to silence their critics and show they have
the caliber to be champions.
Nicolai ‘device’ Reedtz@ de_train
W | 16 – 3 | vs. Team Liquid @ de_mirage
1 http://www.hltv.org/?pageid=242&eventid=0 | 2 Average Damage per Round | 3 Kill / Death Ratio

25. Group Play MVPGroup Play Scores
W | 16 – 9 | vs. Flipsid3
L | 17 – 19 | vs. SK Gaming @ de_mirage
W | 22 – 18 | vs. Team Liquid @ de_nuke
L | 14 – 16 | vs. Gambit @ de_overpass
- HLTV Rating1: 1.17
- ADR2: 78.4
- K/D Ratio3: 1.34
Ranked 1st among remaining players in AWP kills.
FaZe Clan
FaZe Clan (3 – 2)
Originally assembled as a group of fan favorites, FaZe
has evolved, looking to reward their loyal fan base
with trophies in the cabinet. The team has always
maintained a blend of players from all over Europe.
but have recently added the veteran player and in-
game leader Karrigan. Since he joined the team has
been improving as he uses his tactical acumen to get
the best out of his talented roster.
Aleksi ‘allu’ Jalli@ de_nuke
W | 16 – 11 | vs. EnVyUs @ de_nuke
1 http://www.hltv.org/?pageid=242&eventid=0 | 2 Average Damage per Round | 3 Kill / Death Ratio

26. Group Play MVPGroup Play Scores
L | 8 – 16 | vs. Gambit
L | 13 – 16 | vs. Fnatic @ de_cbble
W | 19 – 15 | vs. Hellraisers @ de_mirage
W | 16 – 9 | vs. G2 Esports @ de_overpass
- HLTV Rating1: 1.16
- ADR2: 90.7
- K/D Ratio3: 1.15
Ranked 1st in headshots at 63.
North
North (3 – 2)
The Danish team emerged from a period of turmoil
to start climbing the ladder with results that made
the Counter-Strike world pay close attention. On the
heels of breakout tournament wins over the best
teams in the world and recent creation of a new
organization known as NORTH, the Danes aim to
keep the momentum going to the ELEAGUE Major.
Emil ‘Magisk’ Reif@ de_cbble
W | 19 – 17 | vs. GODSENT @ de_overpass
1 http://www.hltv.org/?pageid=242&eventid=0 | 2 Average Damage per Round | 3 Kill / Death Ratio

27. 4. Conclusion / Final Remarks

28. Conclusion
Thank you for reading my viewing guide for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Even if you don’t plan on
tuning into the playoffs this weekend (January 27 – 29), I hope that, at the very least, you were able to
learn something new about the Counter-Strike franchise, and its place in the eSports environment.
For those of you who do plan on watching, I genuinely hope you enjoy what
may be your first Counter-Strike viewing experience. With growing amounts
of investment pouring into the industry, it may only be a matter of time
before eSports spectacles, such as the ELEAGUE major, become a
staple of modern entertainment.
View the ELEAGUE major at:

29. http://www.metacritic.com/
http://www.gamespot.com/
http://ca.ign.com/
http://www.pngall.com/counter-strike-png
https://dotesports.com/counter-strike/mlg-columbus-csgo-viewership-record-3177
http://www.thescoreesports.com/csgo/news/9090-esl-one-cologne-2016-sees-record-attendance-but-no-growth-in-online-viewership
http://i.imgur.com/Wqpjlgz.jpg
https://dotesports.com/counter-strike/iem-world-championship-records-esports-153
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2014-08-20-esl-one-cologne-2014-breaks-viewer-records
http://open.dreamhack.se/news/309-25-million-viewers-watched-dreamhack-clujnapoca.html
https://www.eslgaming.com/news/record-breaking-numbers-esl-one-katowice-infographic-1060
https://www.eslgaming.com/news/esl-one-cologne-2015-worlds-biggest-and-most-watched-counter-strike-global-offensive-event-date-2256
https://bashny.net/t/en/340547
http://www.eleague.com/major/teams
http://www.hltv.org/?pageid=183&eventid=2471
Sources