Since its competitive inception, the Counter-Strike professional scene has produced some of esports’ most enduring rivalries. From the 1.6 era through Global Offensive and into CS2, certain team matchups have consistently delivered memorable moments, tactical masterclasses, and nail-biting finishes that have captivated millions of viewers worldwide.
Viewership data for the next cs2 tournament is always influenced by which legendary rivalries might play out on stage. These historic matchups have shaped Counter-Strike’s competitive landscape and created the foundation for the game’s esports legacy. Let’s examine the most iconic rivalries that have defined Counter-Strike’s competitive history.
1. Astralis vs. Team Liquid
This rivalry defined the late 2018-2019 era and represented the peak of tactical Counter-Strike. Astralis’ era of dominance with their core of device, dupreeh, Xyp9x, gla1ve, and Magisk was briefly interrupted by Team Liquid’s summer run in 2019, when the North Americans won the Intel Grand Slam in a record 63 days. Their IEM Chicago 2019 matchup demonstrated the rivalry at its peak, with Liquid asserting North American prowess in Counter-Strike. Overall, Astralis maintained superiority with a decisive head-to-head record, but this rivalry represented the highest level of CS ever played during that period.
2. Fnatic vs. NiP
The original Swedish derby remains one of Counter-Strike’s most storied rivalries. During the early CS era (2013-2015), these teams traded major championships and defined the meta. NiP’s 87-0 map streak and Fnatic’s subsequent dominance created a perfect narrative arc. Their matchup at ESL One Katowice 2015 Grand Final still stands as a classic, with Fnatic’s comeback on the third map, inferno, showcasing one of the most clutch performances in CS history. This rivalry featured legendary players like GeT_RiGhT, f0rest, JW, flusha, and olofmeister at their peaks.
3. Natus Vincere vs. Astralis
This rivalry represented the clash between tactical perfection (Astralis) and explosive skill (Na’Vi). Between 2018-2021, these teams met in numerous playoff matches at the highest tier events, with their PGL Stockholm Major 2021 semifinal being particularly memorable. The individual battle between s1mple and device added another layer to this team rivalry, with both players contending for the title of world’s best during this period. Astralis generally had Na’Vi’s number until 2021, when s1mple’s squad finally overcame their rivals at several key events.
4. FaZe Clan vs. G2 Esports
The international roster era brought forth this compelling rivalry between two organizations that abandoned regional rosters in favor of European superteams. Their most iconic meeting came at the IEM Katowice 2022 Grand Final, where FaZe (with karrigan, broky, ropz, Twistzz, and rain) defeated G2 in a nail-biting series that went down to the wire. This rivalry featured exceptional individual talents and contrasting styles, with FaZe’s aggressive approach often clashing with G2’s more structured play.
5. MIBR/SK Gaming/Luminosity vs. Team Liquid
The Brazil versus North America rivalry defined a key period in CS history. The Brazilian core led by FalleN, which competed under multiple organizations, dominated this matchup for years before Team Liquid eventually turned the tables. Their clash at ESL One Cologne 2016, where coldzera’s iconic jumping AWP play occurred on Mirage, remains one of CS’s most memorable moments. This rivalry represented not just team competition but regional pride across the Americas.
6. Fnatic vs. EnVyUs
The Swedish-French rivalry of 2015 produced some of the most competitive and high-skilled matches in CS history. With players like olofmeister and kennyS at their absolute peaks, these matches showcased the highest level of individual skill the game had seen at that time. Their ESL One Cologne 2015 matchup stands out, with Fnatic’s comeback victory showcasing their mental fortitude. The rivalry was defined by aggressive playstyles and innovative tactics from both sides.
7. Natus Vincere vs. Gambit
This CIS regional rivalry intensified during the online era of 2020-2021, when Gambit emerged from relative obscurity to challenge Na’Vi’s dominance. Led by Hobbit and sh1ro, Gambit’s tactical approach contrasted with Na’Vi’s more explosive style centered around s1mple and electronic. Their matchups consistently delivered high-level Counter-Strike, with their IEM Katowice 2021 semi-final being particularly memorable. This rivalry represented the golden age of CIS Counter-Strike.
8. Virtus.pro vs. Fnatic
The “Plow” versus the Swedes created numerous classic matches between 2014-2017. Virtus.pro’s legendary Polish lineup (TaZ, NEO, pashaBiceps, Snax, and byali) had a reputation for remarkable resilience and was one of the few teams that could consistently challenge Fnatic at their peak. Their ESL One Cologne 2015 semifinal remains one of the most exciting matches in Major history, with Snax’s sneaky plays creating iconic moments. This rivalry was characterized by mutual respect and intense competition.
9. NiP vs. Virtus.pro
The battle between the Swedish tactical masters and the Polish powerhouse created numerous memorable matches. Their faceoff at EMS One Katowice 2014 Grand Final, where Virtus.pro dominated in front of their home Polish crowd, stands as one of the most emotionally charged matches in CS history. This rivalry spanned many years and tournaments, with both teams trading victories in dramatic fashion.
10. Team Liquid vs. Evil Geniuses
The battle for North American supremacy intensified when the core of Cloud9’s Major-winning roster joined Evil Geniuses to challenge Team Liquid’s regional dominance. Their ESL Pro League Season 10 Finals matchup showcased the highest level of North American Counter-Strike. This rivalry was particularly significant as it represented two different approaches to team building within the same region.
These rivalries have created the rich tapestry of Counter-Strike’s competitive history, delivering iconic moments that will be remembered by fans for generations and establishing the game as one of esports’ most compelling spectator experiences.
