The shift to CS2 and the implementation of the MR12 match system has resulted in shorter match durations in the professional scene, as opposed to CS:GO's use of the MR15 system. Teams now have to secure 13 rounds instead of the previous requirement of 16. However, we are still able to observe thrilling and extended battles. Today, we will discuss the most epic battles ever witnessed in the world of Counter-Strike.
The CS:GO Era
GUNRUNNERS versus Izako Boars (a total of 118 rounds)
First up on our list is the exciting match-up between the Slovak team GUNRUNNERS and the Polish team Izako Boars. The game occurred in the lower bracket playoffs of the ESEA MDL Season 29 Europe Climber Cup. The teams delivered an exciting match consisting of three maps, resulting in a total of 118 rounds played. The Mirage map lasted the longest, ending with a score of 29:31 in favor of Izako Boars. Thanks to their triumph, the Polish squad secured a place in the highly competitive ESEA Season 29: Premier Relegation and progressed to the esteemed Premier division.
Team Envy vs Ninjas in Pyjamas (total of 122 rounds)
At the CCS Kick-off Season Finals, a remarkable match unfolded in the realm of CS:GO, stretching out to become one of the lengthiest encounters in the game's history. This extraordinary event boasted a staggering prize pool of $75,000. The tournament felt brief, with just four contenders taking part. Nevertheless, Team Envy and Ninjas in Pyjamas left a lasting impression in the annals of history.
The initial map progressed without any unexpected occurrences. The most captivating aspect was on the second map — Dust2. Envy took the lead with a score of 8:7 at the end of the first half. The match was incredibly tight, resulting in an inevitable overtime period. It wasn't until the seventh set of extra rounds that the teams were able to establish the victor. NiP, teetering on the edge of defeat, miraculously turned the tables and seized triumph in the 69th round. In the end, NiP emerged victorious in the match.
Team XENEX vs exceL eSports (total of 127 rounds)
The most extensive map in CS:GO history was contested during the group stage of the ESL UK Premiership Spring 2015. The team's Team XENEX and exceL eSports set a new record on the Inferno map. Although XENEX showed great control on the CT side, their performance took a significant downturn on the T side. The victor of the map had to be determined over time, which stretched out to an astonishing 58 rounds. On that particular day, XENEX demonstrated its superior strength.
The second map also experienced additional rounds, although not to the same extent as on Inferno. XENEX effortlessly demonstrated their superiority on Cache, needing only nine rounds to establish their dominance. The game concluded with a final score of 2:0. Altogether, the teams completed 127 rounds.
Se7en eSports vs PACT (total of 129 rounds)
Once again, it was a thrilling match, with two out of three maps decided in overtime. Se7en eSports and PACT were the main players in the event, which unfolded during LOOT.BET/CS Season 4. Nothing out of the ordinary occurred during the initial mapping process. The most captivating aspect occurred on Nuke. After an intense battle that lasted 66 rounds, the teams finally determined the ultimate champion. Se7en brought the match to the third map.
Inferno also provided viewers with a balanced and engaging battle, although it was shorter in duration. The teams eventually grew weary. PACT emerged victorious in the match after a series of ten extra rounds, securing their spot in the playoffs. Following the tournament, the Polish team secured a respectable 5-6th place position.
GUNRUNNERS versus eSuba (a total of 137 rounds)
At the pinnacle of CS:GO action, the clash between GUNRUNNERS and eSuba at the Sazka eLEAGUE Spring 2020 stole the spotlight. The teams competed fiercely for a place in the tournament final, demonstrating a highly intense and heated battle. Additional rounds were observed on two out of three maps.
The initial map, Mirage, concluded with a score of 16:13 in favor of GUNRUNNERS. In the second match, eSuba came out as the winner with a score of 19:17 on Train. The intensity heightened with every successive round. Nevertheless, the teams' performance on Overpass completely outshined the two previous maps.
The confrontation was evenly balanced and smoothly transitioned into extra time. After six series of additional rounds, the teams were unable to determine which one was stronger. Everything boiled down to the seventh inning. eSuba demonstrated their superior skills in that match and progressed to the championship final, only to be defeated by SINNERS.
New Story
Following the official launch of CS2, competitive matches shifted to MR12 systems, resulting in shorter durations and fewer rounds played. We have already begun to lose sight of the true essence of lengthy games, so we have gathered the three most extensive maps ever played on the professional scene in CS2.
FaZe Clan vs Ninjas In Pyjamas (53 rounds)
During the group stage of the CS Asia Championships 2023, an exciting match unfolded between FaZe Clan and Ninjas in Pyjamas. The altercation proved to be fierce and endured a complete 53 rounds. Even with k0nfig's impressive 47 frags, NiP was unable to overcome the seemingly invincible FaZe Clan, who dominated the CS2 era from the beginning. This game was competed in a single-game format and stood out as one of the standout moments of the tournament. Consequently, FaZe Clan emerged as the victor, while NiP settled for a 5-6th place finish.
Gucci Academy vs Permitta (total of 71 rounds)
Yet another momentous clash unfolded during the group stage of A1 Gaming League Season 7, featuring Gucci Academy and Permitta. Right from the start, the teams displayed an astonishing performance on the initial map. Gucci Academy emerged as the victor after an impressive 54 rounds on the Ancient map. Following a grueling loss, Permitta was unable to bounce back and ultimately suffered a defeat on Overpass with a score of 4:13.
PARIVISION vs Aurora Gaming (total of 78 rounds)
Although the CS2 era is still in its early stages, a considerably lengthy map has already made its appearance in the professional scene. This map is so vast that it can be likened to numerous arenas in CS:GO. The momentous occasion occurred during ESL Challenger League Season 46 when PARIVISION and Aurora Gaming faced off in a thrilling match.
Following a swift defeat on the initial map, Aurora was left with no room for error, knowing that the team that lost would be eliminated from the tournament. The teams battled intensely. One team was on the brink of triumph on Ancient, and then the other. Finally, PARIVISION emerged as the winner, and Aurora was eliminated from the championship.
Numerous extensive matches were played in just the first half-year following the official launch of CS2. These records are bound to be shattered in the future, providing viewers with the chance to experience fresh, gripping battles.