According to his data, Inferno is the most popular map, having been chosen 15 times in such matches.
This map has gained the love of players and fans due to its balanced structure that allows both aggressive attacks and effective defense. For many, Inferno is a true “GOAT” choice for final confrontations.
A classic for the ages: Mirage and Dust 2
Mirage and Dust 2, two other iconic maps, also have a stable popularity in grand finals, with 7 games each. Despite occasional criticism from players, these maps remain an integral part of Counter-Strike, adding a familiar strategic depth to the game. Some players have expressed fatigue with their presence in the map pool, but for many, these locations are the backbone of CS, providing stability and tradition.
Anubis and Vertigo: why don't new maps reach the finals?
Anubis and Vertigo, relatively new maps in the CS2 world, have not yet been played in the finals of any major. This raises a lot of questions among players and analysts. One of the users, TexBoo, wonders why Anubis is so rarely seen in tournaments, and another commentator explains that it is due to the caution of teams - they do not want to take risks in decisive matches on unfamiliar maps.
Vertigo, on the other hand, is criticized for its specific design. Player n4th4nV0k noted that this map is “too random and unpredictable,” making it an unprofitable choice for the most important moments of the tournament.
Upcoming changes to the CS2 map pool: what awaits players?
Many fans of the game hope that Valve will make adjustments to the map pool in future updates to give new, well-balanced maps a chance to compete with the classic ones. The addition of innovative maps that could take a place alongside Inferno, Mirage, and Dust 2 could give the game an extra boost and provide variety in matches.
Final thoughts: a balance between tradition and innovation
The choice of maps for grand finals is not only about tactics, but also about historical significance. Inferno, Mirage, and Dust 2 remain the symbols of Counter-Strike, representing the golden era of the game, while new maps like Anubis and Vertigo have yet to prove their worth. The player community hopes that in the future, new maps will be able to take an important place on the stage and diversify tournament matches.
