The worst Counter-Strike 2 map was removed from the competitive pool - how the teams reacted

Valve has finally delivered on the long-standing wish of casual gamers and esports players alike: Vertigo has been removed from the competitive map pool in Counter-Strike 2 (CS2). The announcement has sparked reactions across the community, marking the end of an era for a map that many considered the weakest link in the lineup.

For years, Vertigo held the title of the least popular map in Counter-Strike's competitive scene. Its complex verticality, unpredictable sightlines, and divisive gameplay mechanics made it a source of frustration for players and teams. The removal of Vertigo has been a consistent demand, and now, that demand has been met. The map’s departure is bittersweet for some but overwhelmingly celebrated by the majority.

The official CS2 account on the social media platform X announced the change, stating that Vertigo would leave the competitive map pool and be replaced by Train. The legendary map Train, an updated version of which was introduced into CS2 a few months ago, has reclaimed its spot and is already stirring excitement among players.

The announcement set off a wave of memes and celebratory posts, with esports teams leading the charge on X. NAVI (Natus Vincere), one of the most prominent organizations in the Counter-Strike scene, wasted no time expressing their relief.

They also shared the community’s enthusiasm for Train’s return, highlighting its iconic status and engaging gameplay.

The Falcons organization celebrated the news with visible excitement, sharing posts filled with joy and humor.

Meanwhile, Team Vitality’s reaction carried a competitive edge. The team’s star player, Mathieu Herbeau, has long been a fan of Train, and the organization is confident the map’s reintroduction will play to their strengths.

HEROIC’s response was both celebratory and introspective. They cheered Vertigo’s removal but also poked fun at their own challenges with team composition.

Monte, a Ukrainian organization, took the opportunity to gently nudge Valve, suggesting that another map might be overdue for removal from the competitive pool.

MOUZ’s reaction was as straightforward as it gets:

“Vertigo is gone, it's a good day to be alive,” they posted.

Across the board, no team expressed regret or disappointment over the changes. The collective sigh of relief from the community speaks volumes about Vertigo’s controversial place in Counter-Strike history.

So, farewell Vertigo. While you brought unique challenges and inspired moments, your departure is being hailed as a positive step for the game’s competitive scene. Welcome back, Train – a map that many hope will reinvigorate the Counter-Strike landscape and bring new excitement to upcoming tournaments.