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In the dynamic world of esports, Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) stands out as a brutal competitive arena where skill, strategy, and precision define the champions. As we progress through 2024, the stakes are higher than ever, and the rewards for top-tier performance are remarkable. This year has seen extraordinary exploits from players who have not only showcased their unmatched prowess in the game but have also amassed impressive earnings through their success in competitions.

Top CS2 players who earned the most in 2024

1 - broky (FaZe Clan): $263,500

2 - karrigan (FaZe Clan): $263,500

3 - rain (FaZe Clan): $263,500

4 - ropz (FaZe Clan): $263,500

5 - mezii (Team Vitality): $163,500

6 - apEX (Team Vitality): $163,300

7 - flameZ (Team Vitality): $163,300

8 - Spinx (Team Vitality): $163,300

9 - ZywOo (Team Vitality): $163,300

10 - frozen (FaZe Clan): $153,00

11 - Twistzz (Team Liquid): $142,100

12 - Donk (Team Spirit): $136,825

13 - Chopper (Team Spirit): $136,250

15 - zont1x (Team Spirit): $136,250

14 - magixx (Team Spirit): $136,125

16 - Aleksib (NAVI): $131,300

17 - B1t (NAVI): $131,300

18 - iM (NAVI): $131,300

19 - jL (NAVI): $131,300

20 - w0nderful (NAVI): $130,716

Teams that performed the best in 2024

FaZe Clan

FaZe Clan has cemented its position in the CS2 competitive arena. The roster, featuring top-tier talents such as Rain, Ropz, Karrigan, and Broky, has consistently achieved high-level performances, securing major titles and substantial prize money in various tournaments.

Team Vitality

Team Vitality boasts a lineup of leading CS2 players, including mezii, apEX, flameZ, Spinx, and ZywOo. Their impressive victories in significant competitions have not only elevated their status but also resulted in substantial earnings, marking them as one of the premier teams in the game.

Team Spirit

Known for their strong showings in CS2 tournaments, Team Spirit has built a solid reputation. Key players like Donk, magixx, Chopper, and zont1x have played pivotal roles in the team's success, earning significant prize money and establishing themselves as top contenders in the scene.

Natus Vincere (NAVI)

Natus Vincere, often abbreviated as NAVI, is a dominant force in the CS2 competitive landscape. With a lineup that includes Aleksib, B1t, iM, jL, and w0nderful, NAVI has consistently produced outstanding results in major tournaments, accumulating considerable winnings and affirming their status as a leading team.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our exploration of the top-earning CS2 players and teams in 2024, it is evident that the competitive landscape of Counter-Strike 2 is not just about the thrill of the game but also the substantial financial rewards that come with it. These players and teams have demonstrated exceptional skill, dedication, and strategic prowess, earning their place at the pinnacle of the esports world. Their impressive earnings are a testament to their hard work and the growing recognition of esports as a lucrative and legitimate career path.

Have you ever been in a tough CS2 game and wished your weapon was in the other hand for a better aim? You're in luck! Changing hands in Counter-Strike 2 is really simple, and this guide will show you how to do it effortlessly.

How to?

Follow these steps to master hand switching during gameplay, enhancing your performance instantly:

1. Using the Default Key: H

CS2 simplifies hand switching with a default key. Here’s the method:

• During Gameplay: Press the default hand switch key (H). Your weapon will instantly switch hands, providing a different perspective. It's that easy!

2. Customizing Your Keybinds

If you prefer a different key for this function, customizing it is straightforward. Here’s how to do it:

• Access Settings: Open CS2 and go to the settings menu.
• Keyboard/Mouse Tab: Navigate to the Keyboard/Mouse section to view keybinds.
• Locate the Option: Find “Switch Viewmodel Left/Right” in the list.
• Set a New Key: Click on it and press the key you want to use for hand switching. Your new keybind is now set!

Benefits of Hand Switching in CS2

Switching hands is more than a cool trick; it can greatly improve your gameplay. Here’s why:

• Enhanced Visibility: Sometimes, the weapon model can block critical views. Switching hands can provide a clearer sightline.
• Optimal Angles: Depending on your position relative to walls or corners, switching hands can give you better angles.
• Comfort and Preference: Many players have a preferred side for better aim and comfort.

Pro Tips for Hand Switching

• Practice Regularly: Get comfortable with hand switching by practicing in different scenarios and maps.

• Map Awareness: Learn which areas of each map benefit most from switching hands.

• Combine with Other Techniques: Use hand switching in combination with peeking techniques and movement strategies for maximum effectiveness.

Conclusion

Hand switching in CS2 is a valuable skill that can give you a tactical advantage and enhance your comfort during gameplay. Whether you use the default H key or set a custom key, the process is simple and quick to master.

Next time you’re in an intense match, remember these steps and switch hands like a pro. Happy gaming, and may your aim always be true!

Karambit Case Hardened Blue Gem

• Estimated Auction Price: $1.5 million

Speculated to be the most expensive skin in Counter-Strike 2, this ridiculous rare Case Hardened Karambit Factory New has never been sold to date. Only one has ever been discovered in the history of the game, and its current value remains unknown. Given the fact that another has yet to be found, it’s safe to say its worth has only increased over time.

Stattrak Factor New #661 Scar Pattern AK-47

• Estimated Auction Price: $800K to $1 million

One of the most recently unboxed skins in Counter-Strike 2, it’s speculated that this particular variant could fetch anywhere between $800K and $1 million if it were to go up for auction. What makes this particular skin so special is the #661 Scar Pattern, which has reportedly not appeared in the game for over a decade, making this one hideously rare rifle. Yet somehow, it’s still not the most expensive skin in Counter-Strike 2.

Souvenir AWP Dragon Lore

• Price: $477,055

The AWP Dragon Lore Souvenir skin stands as the ultimate prize for any AWP enthusiast. It ranks among the priciest items in Counter-Strike 2, commanding values upwards of $150,000 on the marketplace. Even its less pristine Battle-Scarred and Well-Worn versions fetch tens of thousands of dollars. Currently, there’s a single unit available for purchase, challenging even the most dedicated collectors with its staggering price tag.

Sports Gloves Pandora’s Box

• Price: $50,000 to $60,000 per pair

Given the fact that there are only 29 Factory New Sports Gloves with the Pandora’s Box skin, it stands to reason that they’d fetch a high price on the marketplace. As pointed out by Dexerto, there’s a similar pattern of Sports Gloves known as the Vice skin, which also prices out at around $20,000 a piece, but given the fact that there are 117 of them available, the price is never going to realistically compete with the Pandora’s Box version.

AWP Gungnir

• Price: $12,500

The AWP is the grand-daddy of sniper rifles in Counter-Strike 2, so it makes sense that players who want to look good while popping heads would need to pay a decent amount. Even the less coveted Battle-Scarred variant costs around $7,000. We’re firmly in the territory of outlandish skin prices now, people.

Butterfly Knife Lore

• Price:
  • Factory New: $9,000 to $10,000
  • Well-Worn and Battle-Scarred variants: a few hundred dollars each

The first knife on our list – and one that kind of reminds me of a rather unappetizing banana – is the Lore skin for the Butterfly Knife. You can pick up less expensive Well-Worn and Battle-Scarred variants for a few hundred each, but those are significantly more common.

Taking a look at the recent sales stats, the price of the Factory New is also steadily rising, meaning players who may have one of these in their possession may want to sit on it for a while if they have plans to sell it off.

M4A4 Howl

• Price: $15,000.

Taking a break from the AK-47s for a while, the next item on our bidding list is the M4A4 Howl, a positively badass skin that fetches a staggering price of over $15,000. However, that’s only with certain stickers applied to it. Without those, you’re looking to pay around $8,000 for a Factory New variant. Toss on a StatTrak, and you’re looking at roughly $13,000. There was some controversy surrounding the artwork for this skin, though, resulting in it earning the Contraband grading, further ramping the price.

AK-47 Wild Lotus

• Price Range:
  • Minimal Damage: around $12,000.
  • Battle-Scarred or Well-Worn versions: between $3,500 and $4,700.

What a shock! Yet another AK-47 on this list of the most expensive skins in Counter-Strike 2. The Wild Lotus skin, one of the more visually appealing aesthetics in the game, if you ask me, is likely to fetch around $12,000 for a Minimal Damage Covert Rifle variant. You can pick them up cheaper if you’re okay settling for a Battle-Scarred or Well-Worn version, but even those will cost between $3,500 and $4,700. It’s significantly cheaper, but if you’re spending that kind of money on in-game weapon skins, you might as well go whole hog, right? If you’re going to town, you may as well go in an Aston.

AK-47 Gold Arabesque

• Price: $9,400.

Another flashy AK-47, the Gold Arabesque skin covers the weapon in a layer of gold so that players can really stand out from the rest of their team. If you’re trying to maintain a low profile while defusing the bomb, then you might want to try something a little more subtle. In any case, if you want to purchase the Factory New Covert version (Covert is generally considered the rarest tier in Counter-Strike 2) of the AK-47 Gold Arabesque, then you’re looking to fork over approximately $9,400.

However, there is an even more expensive version: The Gold Arabesque Souvenir AK-47, which costs just over $11,000. What’s a Souvenir? Basically, it’s any weapon that’s obtained by watching a major Counter-Strike 2 tournament. They’re incredibly rare, so obviously, they’re worth a decent chunk of change.

Stattrak AK-47 Fire Serpent

• Price: $4,200.

The AK-47 crops up multiple times on this list due to its popularity in Counter-Strike 2. Coupled with its status as one of the most sought-after skins, it's no surprise that players are willing to invest in these glamorous variants. According to Skinport, an online trading hub for Counter-Strike 2 skins, the value of these skins has been steadily climbing in the early weeks of 2024, suggesting further inflation if the current trajectory continues.