Effect of Pistol Round and First Kill on Match Outcome in the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Major Esports Championships

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the importance of winning the pistol round and getting the first kill in the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO) Major Championship competitions. In this study, 334 competitions in six CS: GO Major Championships held in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022, were included. This paper examines these championships and the effects of the pistol round and the first kill factors on the first half and the match outcome, since it is the first round of the match and the first score at the beginning of each round. The results show that players who win pistol rounds and achieve the first kills in the CS: GO Major Championship matches are significantly more likely to ultimately win the match. In line with the results of the study, it is thought that winning the pistol round and getting the first kill is a factor to be considered in CS: GO Major Championship competitions. These findings will be beneficial for coaches and players, develop strategies for pistol rounds and first kills to gain an advantage in competition.