In a groundbreaking moment for the world of Counter-Strike 2 (CS2), the first-ever CS2 world champions will be crowned this weekend at the Copenhagen Major. The top eight teams in the world will battle it out for the prestigious title, but the highlight of the event is set to be a best-of-three match, meaning it could be over in under 90 minutes. Fans have been calling for a best-of-five format for Major finals for some time now, as it would allow for a more epic battle between the top two teams.
One of the main arguments for switching to a best-of-five format is that CS2 matches are considerably shorter than the old CS:GO matches. With matches now being 24 rounds instead of 30, even close matches rarely exceed 55 minutes. Adding just two more maps for a best-of-five final would only extend the show by an hour, while delivering an intense and back-and-forth competition that fans would surely appreciate.
Looking back at previous Major finals, it becomes clear that a best-of-five format may have produced a more exciting outcome for fans. Out of the last seven Major finals, none have gone to a third map, with many of them resulting in 2-0 victories. By giving the losing team more opportunities to win a map, a best-of-five final could potentially lead to more competitive and thrilling matches, rather than one-sided dominations that have become all too common.
While some may argue that many of the past Major finals would still have resulted in 3-0 victories, the addition of more maps would have provided a chance for the matches to evolve into classics, rather than forgettable blowouts. Looking at other esports titles, such as Rainbow Six and Valorant, where best-of-five finals have produced memorable and thrilling matches, it’s clear that CS2 could benefit from adopting a similar format for its Major finals.
As the Copenhagen Major gets underway, fans are eager for some great CS2 action. However, many are concerned that the best-of-three format for the final may lead to a quick and underwhelming conclusion. If the final ends in a one-sided 2-0 match, there may be pressure to switch to a best-of-five format for future Major events, in order to avoid a continuation of lackluster and unexciting finals. Ultimately, the decision to switch to a best-of-five format may be the key to elevating the CS2 competitive scene to new heights of excitement and intrigue.
