Why CS2’s Fragadelphia sold out in under three minutes

Fragadelphia has revealed that its Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) LAN occasion has bought out in three minutes.

Happening from October third to fifth in Philadelphia, Fragadelphia x The Block 2 will characteristic 32 groups competing for a share of a $10,000 (~£7,371) prize pool.

On account of its place inside the CS2 event calendar, Fragadelphia’s newest event falls as the ultimate occasion earlier than the cut-off for the StarLadder Budapest Main going down in November. Because of this, it’s the ultimate alternative for groups to earn Valve Regional Standings (VRS) factors to safe a spot inside the prime 32.

Due to the VRS system, all CS2 LAN occasions obtain a modifier generally known as the “LAN issue”, which will increase the worth of victories scored for offline matches. Due to the LAN issue, smaller tournaments akin to EPIC.LAN 45 noticed the likes of FUT Esports attend in a bid to climb the rankings.

With esports organisations seeking to earn a spot on Counter-Strike’s largest stage, the North American occasion has attracted a number of European sides that can make the journey stateside in a bid to seize the final remaining VRS Factors earlier than the Main invitations are distributed.

Whereas a number of notable organisations have earned a spot at Fragadelphia, many North American sides did not get a ticket, which have been bought on a first-come, first-served foundation.

“Sadly, we failed to enroll immediately, leaving us out of the event. Very glad all these groups determined to make the journey throughout the ocean and ‘assist’ make NA CS develop stronger,” mentioned Life’s A Sport (LAG) rifler Kyle ‘Wolffe’ Greenfield on social media.

“No person goes to be taught something from this event. They are going to all go away immediately. They solely see free VRS. What a joke.”

Others say that the 32-team capability can also be negatively impacting North American CS, because it prevents the chance for groups inside the area to compete in opposition to Europeans.

“Fragadelphia figuring out the significance of this occasion and never making it 64 groups, does a large disservice to NA,” added former Nouns participant Bobby ‘stamina’ Eitrem.

Out of the 32 groups attending the occasion, simply 12 are from North America. Three groups are based mostly in South America, whereas the rest are based mostly in Europe.

Under is the complete listing of groups competing:

Former Main winners Fnatic and Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP) headline the European contingent because the groups look to cement locations among the many prime 32. In the meantime, the likes of Metizport and OG Esports are additionally no strangers to Tier 1 competitors.

From North America, Complexity and Wildcard might be aiming to signify the area in Budapest, and a strong exhibiting at Fragadelphia might make all of the distinction.