Skyesports Masters 2024: Top CS2 Teams to Battle in India

Skyesports, a leading esports organizer in India, has announced an exciting event for Counter-Strike 2 enthusiasts: the Skyesports Masters 2024. This tournament promises to bring together some of the top international CS2 teams, including Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP), Team Liquid, ENCE, and BIG, to compete on Indian soil. With a substantial prize pool of $350,000 USD, the event is slated to run from 8th to 14th April, although the exact location within India is yet to be disclosed.

This announcement is particularly noteworthy as it marks the inclusion of international teams in the Skyesports Masters, which was previously a national event featuring Indian teams only. Last year’s tournament culminated in a LAN final at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium in Bengaluru, with Gods Reign emerging as champions. They are expected to attempt to qualify for this year’s main event to defend their title.

The inclusion of these international teams not only enhances the competition’s prestige but also provides a unique opportunity for the South Asian community to witness some of the best in esports within their region. Team Liquid, known for its global popularity and impressive performance in CS2, is among the invited teams. Despite a challenging start to 2024, NIP, with its significantly reduced active lineup, will be looking to make a strong comeback during this tournament.

BIG, hailing from Germany, brings a rich history in competitive Counter-Strike to the event. Although the team has faced difficulties early in 2024, the Skyesports Masters presents a chance to revitalize its performance. ENCE, on the other hand, enters the tournament with confidence, buoyed by their qualification for the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024.

The scheduling overlap between Skyesports Masters 2024 and IEM Chengdu 2024 is an interesting feature. Although it is a regrettable circumstance, it has enabled Skyesports to invite elite teams that were unable to compete in the Chengdu competition. As a result, there is now a win-win scenario that guarantees fierce competition for the Skyesports Masters.

The tournament will eventually feature eight teams, with four slots currently filled by international invites and the remaining four to be determined through two more direct invites and qualifiers from Europe and India. The excitement among the South Asian esports community is palpable, with anticipation building to see which Indian team will have the opportunity to compete against these renowned international squads.

The positive response from the invited teams underscores the global appeal of CS2 and the significance of the Skyesports Masters 2024 as a platform for showcasing international talent in India. As the event draws closer, all eyes will be on this tournament to see how it unfolds and which team will emerge victorious.