ESL to Immediately Switch All Matches to Latest CS2 Patch Starting with IEM Rio Qualifiers

ESL to Immediately Switch All Matches to Latest CS2 Patch Starting with IEM Rio Qualifiers

ESL (Electronic Sports League) has announced that effective immediately, all ESL-run Counter-Strike 2 matches will be contested on the latest competitive patch released alongside Season 4. This decision affects ongoing ESL events — with the IEM Rio 2026 closed qualifiers already switching to the updated version of the game.

What the New Patch Includes

The patch in question was introduced with Season 4 and features:

• A revamped version of Anubis — the competitive map receiving significant layout and gameplay changes.

• Adjustments to weapons including the MP7 and MP5.

• Additional tweaks impacting jumping, sound systems, and other gameplay mechanics.

This update reflects Valve’s latest official CS2 patch that modifies the competitive landscape — including a major map pool shift where Anubis replaced Train on January 19.

Immediate Implementation

In a departure from more cautious rollout practices seen in earlier competitive seasons, ESL has chosen to adopt this patch mid-event, rather than waiting until a later calendar milestone. The first matches to be played under this regime were part of the IEM Rio 2026 closed qualifier cycle currently underway in Brazil.

LAN Events & Upcoming Schedule

While ESL has committed to the updated patch for its events, not all tournament organizers have followed suit immediately:

• BLAST confirmed that the BLAST Bounty Season 1 Finals in Malta will remain on the older pre-patch version for this event, running on the same build as the online qualifiers.

• The next major global LAN event expected to use the new patch is IEM Kraków 2026, scheduled to begin on January 28 — making it likely the first top-tier LAN to feature the latest competitive build.

Organizational Policy Context

A recent ESL update prior to this announcement also clarified the general timeline for adopting Valve’s latest map pool and patch changes across ESL Pro Tour events. ESL previously stated that CS2 competitive events would transition over to Valve’s updated ruleset mid-January, beginning with the IEM Rio qualifiers and subsequent events like Kraków.

Player & Community Reaction

The patch rollout and ESL’s decision to implement it immediately have drawn mixed reactions within the community. Early commentary from players and fans ranges from enthusiasm for competitive evolution to concern over preparation time given the significant nature of changes — particularly to Anubis and weapon behavior.

---

Key Points at a Glance