Top USA CS2 Tournaments of 2024

The Renaissance of North American CS2 Events

The Counter-Strike competitive scene in North America is experiencing a remarkable resurgence in 2024. With the release of CS2, tournament organizers across the United States have seized the opportunity to reinvigorate the domestic competitive ecosystem. From major arena events to grassroots competitions, the American CS2 tournament calendar is packed with opportunities for players of all skill levels.

This comprehensive guide covers the most important CS2 tournaments taking place in the USA throughout 2024, including qualification details, prize pools, and insights into which American teams might make a significant impact.

Major International Events on US Soil

BLAST Premier: Las Vegas Major

Dates: May 17-26, 2024
Venue: MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas
Prize Pool: $1,250,000
Format: 16 teams, GSL group stage into single-elimination playoffs

The BLAST Premier Las Vegas Major represents one of the most prestigious Counter-Strike events to be held on American soil in years. With qualification spots available through the BLAST Premier Spring Groups and regional qualifiers, this tournament will feature the world's elite CS2 teams competing in the entertainment capital of the world.

For North American teams, this event presents a crucial opportunity to perform in front of a home crowd. Teams like Team Liquid and Complexity Gaming are expected to receive direct invitations, while other NA squads will battle through the North American qualifier for their chance to compete.

ESL Pro League Season 19 Finals

Dates: September 10-22, 2024
Venue: Barclays Center, New York
Prize Pool: $850,000
Format: 24 teams, group stage into single-elimination playoffs

The ESL Pro League continues to be one of the most prestigious league competitions in Counter-Strike, and in 2024, its Season 19 Finals will be held at the iconic Barclays Center in New York. The tournament will feature 24 teams that have qualified through the regular season of EPL, including several partner teams and regional qualifiers.

North American fans will have their eyes on the EPL Conference stage, where emerging NA teams can qualify for the main event. With the playoffs being held in a 19,000-capacity arena, this promises to be one of the most electrifying CS2 events of the year.

IEM Dallas 2024

Dates: June 3-9, 2024
Venue: Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, Dallas
Prize Pool: $250,000
Format: 16 teams, double-elimination group stage into single-elimination playoffs

Intel Extreme Masters returns to Dallas for another exciting CS2 tournament featuring top international and North American talent. As part of the ESL Pro Tour, IEM Dallas offers qualification points for the prestigious IEM Cologne and potentially the next Major.

Historically, IEM Dallas has been a fan-favorite event with passionate crowds. The 2024 edition will feature direct invitations to top-ranked teams, with additional spots allocated through regional qualifiers across North America, Europe, and other regions.

"American CS events have a unique atmosphere that energizes players. The passion of NA fans creates an electric environment that you don't experience anywhere else in the world."

— Jonathan "EliGE" Jablonowski, Professional CS Player

Regional CS2 Circuits and Leagues

ESEA Premier Season 46 & 47 North America

Dates: Season 46: February - May 2024; Season 47: August - November 2024
Format: Online league with LAN playoffs
Prize Pool: $50,000 per season
Qualification: Through ESEA Advanced or direct invitation

ESEA Premier continues to be the most consistent pathway for aspiring North American CS2 teams to prove themselves. With two seasons in 2024, teams will compete in a regular-season format followed by playoffs. The top-performing teams earn qualification opportunities for higher-tier tournaments and a chance to compete for promotion to ESL Pro League.

For developing players and semi-professional teams, ESEA Premier represents the most structured competitive environment in North America. Teams like ChocoCheck, Nouns Esports, and M80 are expected to be strong contenders throughout both seasons.

ESL Challenger League North America 2024

Dates: Three seasons throughout 2024 (January-March, May-July, September-November)
Format: Online league with potential LAN finals
Prize Pool: $25,000 per season
Qualification: Open qualifiers and invited teams

ESL Challenger League provides another valuable competitive structure for North American CS2 teams. Operating with three seasons throughout 2024, this league offers consistent competition and development opportunities for teams just below the top tier.

The league features qualification paths to ESL Challenger events, which are international LAN tournaments where teams can earn ESL Pro Tour points and showcase their skills on a bigger stage. For many up-and-coming North American rosters, ESL Challenger League represents a critical stepping stone in their development.

BLAST American Showdown 2024

Dates: Spring Showdown: April 4-7; Fall Showdown: October 3-6
Format: Online tournament
Prize Pool: $50,000 per showdown
Qualification: Direct invitations and open qualifiers

The BLAST American Showdown serves as the regional qualification path to the prestigious BLAST Premier events. Held twice in 2024, these tournaments will feature the best teams from North and South America competing for spots at the BLAST Premier Spring and Fall Finals.

With only a limited number of qualification spots available, these showdowns often produce some of the most intense regional matchups of the year. For North American organizations without BLAST partner status, these tournaments represent the primary path to competing in top-tier international events.

Collegiate and Amateur Tournaments

NACE StarLeague 2024 (Collegiate)

Dates: Spring Season: January-May; Fall Season: September-December
Format: Online league with LAN finals
Eligibility: College and university students
Prize Pool: Scholarships and gaming equipment

The National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) StarLeague continues to be the premier collegiate CS2 competition in the United States. With participation from hundreds of colleges and universities, this league provides structured competition for student players across multiple skill divisions.

The 2024 seasons will feature expanded coverage and production values, showcasing the growth of collegiate esports. Schools like Northwood University, University of California-Berkeley, and University of Utah are expected to field strong rosters and compete for the championship.

FACEIT North American CS2 Circuit

Dates: Monthly tournaments throughout 2024
Format: Online qualifier into finals
Prize Pool: $10,000 per monthly tournament
Qualification: Open registration with FACEIT level requirements

FACEIT's North American Circuit provides regular tournament opportunities for amateur and semi-professional players. With monthly competitions throughout 2024, this circuit offers consistent competitive experience and prize money for developing talent.

The top performers in these monthly tournaments will be invited to quarterly finals with increased prize pools and exposure. This system creates a sustainable competitive ecosystem for players working their way up the North American CS2 ladder.

Red Bull Flick 2v2 USA Tour

Dates: Regional qualifiers from March to August, National Finals in September
Venues: Multiple cities across the USA
Format: 2v2 aim map tournaments
Prize Pool: $20,000 for National Finals, plus all-expenses-paid trip to the World Finals

Red Bull Flick offers a unique 2v2 format that focuses on raw aiming skill and coordination. In 2024, the USA tour will visit cities including Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and Boston for regional qualifiers, culminating in a National Finals event.

This grassroots tournament series is open to players of all skill levels and provides a different competitive experience from traditional 5v5 Counter-Strike. The winners of the National Finals will represent the USA at the Red Bull Flick World Finals, competing against qualifiers from other countries.

LAN Events and Regional Showcases

Fragadelphia 18 & 19

Dates: Fragadelphia 18: July 12-14; Fragadelphia 19: December 6-8
Venue: Localhost Arena, Philadelphia
Prize Pool: $75,000 per event
Format: Open bracket LAN tournament

Fragadelphia has established itself as the premier open LAN series in North America, and its tradition continues in 2024 with two major events. Known for its grassroots atmosphere and open bracket format, Fragadelphia provides a platform for unknown talents to make a name for themselves by competing against established teams.

The 2024 editions will feature expanded prize pools and improved production, reflecting the growth of the series over the years. Fragadelphia remains a vital part of the North American CS2 ecosystem, connecting the amateur and professional scenes.

DreamHack San Diego 2024

Dates: November 15-17, 2024
Venue: San Diego Convention Center
Prize Pool: $100,000
Format: 8 teams, double-elimination bracket

DreamHack returns to California with a dedicated CS2 tournament as part of its gaming festival. The event will feature a mix of invited professional teams and qualifiers from North America and beyond, competing over three days of action.

Beyond the professional tournament, DreamHack San Diego will also host a BYOC (Bring Your Own Computer) amateur competition, giving local teams and players the opportunity to compete in a LAN environment. This combination of professional and amateur competitions makes DreamHack an important event for the grassroots development of the scene.

CS Summit North America

Dates: August 5-11, 2024
Venue: Summit House, Los Angeles
Prize Pool: $150,000
Format: 8 teams, double-elimination bracket

The CS Summit series returns in 2024 with its unique approach to Counter-Strike competition. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, intimate setting, and content-focused production, CS Summit provides a different viewing experience compared to arena tournaments.

The 2024 North American edition will feature six invited teams and two qualifier spots, with a focus on showcasing North American talent alongside select international guests. The tournament's laid-back environment often results in entertaining content and memorable moments that fans can't experience elsewhere.

North American Teams to Watch in 2024

Team Liquid: The Established Force

Team Liquid enters 2024 as North America's most consistent CS2 organization. With their roster featuring veteran talents like EliGE and NAF alongside newer additions, Liquid remains the region's best hope for international success. Their performance at domestic events will be closely watched, as they're expected to be the team to beat on home soil.

Complexity Gaming: The Hybrid Hopeful

Complexity's mixed NA/EU roster represents an interesting approach to building a competitive team. Based in North America but featuring European talents, Complexity will be a regular fixture at American events throughout 2024. Their hybrid nature gives them unique perspectives and strategies that could surprise opponents.

M80: The Rising Contender

M80 has quickly established themselves as one of the most promising all-North American rosters. Built around young talents with high potential, this team is positioned to be a regular contender at regional events and possibly break through to international competition. Their development throughout 2024 will be a key storyline for NA CS2.

Evil Geniuses Academy: The Future Prospect

After restructuring their CS2 division, Evil Geniuses has focused on developing young talent through their Academy program. This roster of up-and-coming players will be competing in various North American tournaments throughout 2024, with the goal of nurturing the next generation of NA stars.

How to Attend CS2 Events as a Spectator

For fans looking to experience CS2 tournaments in person, 2024 offers numerous opportunities across the United States. Here are some tips for attending these events:

• Purchase tickets early - Major events like BLAST Premier Las Vegas and ESL Pro League New York are likely to sell out quickly. Early bird tickets typically offer the best value.
• Consider premium experiences - Many tournaments offer premium ticket packages that include merchandise, better seating, and sometimes player meet-and-greet opportunities.
• Plan for multiple days - The most exciting matches typically happen in the later stages of tournaments. If possible, attend playoff days for the best experience.
• Check local events - Beyond the major tournaments, keep an eye out for smaller LAN events in your area, which often provide a more intimate experience and opportunities to meet players.
• Follow tournament organizers on social media - This is the best way to stay updated on ticket sales, schedule changes, and special announcements.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Year for North American CS2

2024 promises to be a transformative year for the North American CS2 scene. With major international tournaments returning to US soil, a robust regional ecosystem, and new talents emerging from collegiate and amateur competitions, there are more opportunities than ever for players, teams, and fans to engage with competitive Counter-Strike.

The success of these tournaments will play a crucial role in determining the future of North American Counter-Strike. Strong attendance, viewership, and competitive performances from regional teams could inspire further investment and growth in the scene.

Whether you're a competitive player looking for your next tournament, a fan planning to attend events, or simply someone who enjoys watching high-level CS2, the American tournament scene in 2024 has something to offer. Mark these dates on your calendar and prepare for an exciting year of Counter-Strike competition across the United States.