Crypto Absence Looms Large at $1 Million Counter-Strike 2 Tournament

The XSE Pro League Guangzhou 2026, a major Counter-Strike 2 tournament, has taken place in China. The event featured a $1 million prize pool, split evenly between players and clubs. South American squad 9z secured their spot among the final contenders by defeating regional rival MIBR.

The XSE Pro League Guangzhou 2026 was organized by Xinsai Esports and took place from July 1 to July 12 in Guangzhou, China. The tournament featured a Swiss stage format, where teams started with two wins and two losses. Each game was a do-or-die elimination match.

9z emerged victorious in the series against MIBR, earning their spot among heavyweights like FaZe and NIP in the playoff bracket. However, reports of malware found on player PCs and delays caused by blackouts marred the event.