Introduction
The Counter-Strike 2 competitive scene in the United States is thriving, with tournaments ranging from major professional events to grassroots competitions happening across the country. Whether you're looking to compete or spectate, staying informed about upcoming tournaments is essential for any CS2 enthusiast.
In this comprehensive guide, we've compiled a list of the most noteworthy CS2 tournaments taking place across the United States in the coming months. From qualification details to prize pools and venue information, we've got you covered with everything you need to know.
Major Professional Tournaments
ESL Pro League Season 21 - North American Division
The North American division of ESL Pro League returns for its 21st season, featuring the top CS2 teams from the USA, Canada, and Brazil. The group stage will be played online, with playoffs taking place at the ESL Studio in Los Angeles. The top teams will qualify for the Global Finals later in the year.
Teams already confirmed include Evil Geniuses, Complexity Gaming, and Team Liquid, with more to be announced through various qualification paths. Tickets for the playoff stage will be available starting July 1st on the ESL website.
BLAST Premier: American Showdown
BLAST Premier brings its high-energy production to Miami for a special American Showdown event. This tournament will feature eight teams from North and South America competing for two spots at the BLAST Premier Fall Finals and a share of the prize pool.
The event will be held at the James L. Knight Center with live audience attendance. Tickets are currently available through Ticketmaster, with various packages including meet-and-greet opportunities with players.
Regional Mid-Tier Events
Fragadelphia 19
Fragadelphia returns for its 19th iteration, continuing its tradition as one of North America's premier open LAN events. This tournament is known for discovering new talent and providing a platform for semi-professional players to showcase their skills against established teams.
Registration is open to all teams and will close on July 10th or when all slots are filled. The event will be held at the 2300 Arena with spectator passes available at the door or through the Fragadelphia website.
DreamHack Dallas Open
As part of the larger DreamHack Dallas festival, the CS2 Open tournament will bring together 16 teams competing over three days. Eight teams will receive direct invitations, while the remaining eight spots will be filled through online qualifiers taking place in July and August.
The tournament will be held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center as part of the larger DreamHack festival, which includes a BYOC LAN party, expo area, and other esports competitions.
A packed arena during last year's DreamHack Dallas event
Collegiate Competitions
CSL (Collegiate StarLeague) Fall 2024 Season
The Collegiate StarLeague returns for its Fall 2024 season, offering college students across the United States and Canada the opportunity to represent their schools in competitive CS2. The regular season will be played online, with divisional playoffs leading to a LAN final event.
Registration opens August 1st and requires verification of student status. Teams must have at least five currently enrolled students from the same institution. Visit the CSL website for complete eligibility requirements and registration details.
Online Tournaments with NA Divisions
ESEA Advanced Season 49
ESEA's Advanced division represents the second tier of North American CS2 competition, with teams competing for prize money and promotion to ESEA Premier. The season features a regular league format followed by playoffs, with matches played several times per week.
Teams can register through the ESEA platform, with qualification possible through the ESEA Main division or through the Advanced Relegation tournament held in June.
FaceIt Pro League North America
FaceIt Pro League (FPL) is an invite-only competitive hub where top players and professionals compete in a ladder system. The North American division features monthly seasons with cash prizes for top performers. Players earn points based on match wins and individual performance.
While participation is invite-only, players can qualify through the FPL Challenger division, which is accessible through strong performance in FaceIt's Master League.
Local LAN Events
Lan Slide Chicago
Lan Slide returns to Chicago for its summer event, featuring a 32-team CS2 tournament along with a BYOC LAN party. This grassroots event has become a staple of the Midwest CS scene and offers a great opportunity for local teams to compete in a LAN environment.
The event will be held at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare, with team registration available through the Lan Slide website. Spectator passes will be available at the door.
West Coast Clash
West Coast Clash brings together teams from the Pacific Northwest and beyond for a weekend of competitive CS2. This tournament features both an open bracket and an invited pro bracket, with crossover matches between the two divisions.
The event will take place at the Seattle Convention Center, with team registration available through the tournament's website until August 10th or until all slots are filled.
How to Prepare for Tournament Participation
Registration and Team Requirements
If you're looking to compete in any of these tournaments, keep the following in mind:
- Register well before deadlines – popular tournaments fill up quickly
- Ensure all team members meet the age requirements (typically 16+ or 18+ for most events)
- Check technical requirements such as anti-cheat software and necessary peripherals
- For LAN events, confirm accommodation arrangements near the venue
- Review and understand the tournament rules and format beforehand
Spectator Information
For those looking to attend as spectators:
- Purchase tickets early, especially for major events that often sell out
- Check if the venue allows outside food/drinks or has specific prohibited items
- Look for spectator packages that might include merchandise or meet-and-greet opportunities
- For multi-day events, consider accommodation close to the venue
Pro Tip: Finding Local Events
Don't overlook smaller local events that may not make national listings. Check these resources to find more local tournaments:
- Local gaming centers and internet cafes often host weekly or monthly tournaments
- University esports clubs frequently organize open events
- Join regional CS2 Discord servers and Facebook groups where local events are advertised
- Check platforms like Meetup.com for gaming gatherings in your area
Conclusion
The CS2 tournament scene in the United States is vibrant and diverse, offering opportunities for players of all skill levels to compete and for fans to experience the excitement of live Counter-Strike events. From professional showcases to grassroots competitions, there's something for everyone in the coming months.
We'll continue to update our tournament calendar as more events are announced. For the most current information, including qualification details and last-minute changes, always check the official websites and social media channels of the tournament organizers.
Are you planning to compete in or attend any of these events? Let us know in the comments below, or join our Discord server to find teammates and connect with other CS2 enthusiasts attending these tournaments!
