ESL and PGL, two prominent tournament operators in the esports industry, have made a significant move by introducing Train to the professional map pool. This update comes as a replacement for Vertigo, marking a shift in the competitive landscape.
Prior to this decision, BLAST, another key player in the esports space, had also opted for the inclusion of Train in their map pool. The official announcements regarding these changes were made available on the respective tournament operators' websites, creating ripples of excitement and anticipation among the gaming community.
Despite initial confusion caused by ESL's reference to Valve's 'update,' it was clarified that the unveiling of Train was actually teased by the CS2 developers through a tweet. This revelation hinted at a forthcoming map rotation for the highly-anticipated BLAST Austin Major, setting the stage for a thrilling gameplay experience.
However, the transition of Train to Premier mode, in alignment with the professional map pool, is yet to materialize in the game. The latest patch on January 7 did not incorporate this pivotal change, leaving players curious about the upcoming modifications.
The competitive scene witnessed a buzz of activity as top teams and players swiftly adapted to the new map dynamics. Insights from interviews with renowned players such as donk and m0NESY shed light on Valve's notification to participants of the upcoming PW Shanghai Major 2024. Eager to stay ahead of the curve, some players have already begun honing their skills through scrims on the Train map, gearing up for the challenges ahead.
The excitement peaks with the announcement of BLAST Bounty Spring 2025, slated as the first top-tier event to feature the new map. With online qualifiers kicking off on January 14, the stage is set for a showdown of skill and strategy, encompassing all participants in a thrilling competition.
