The Brazilian Counter-Strike scene, once considered one of the most passionate and active in the world, is now clearly experiencing a decline in public interest. This trend is evident in the sharp drop in viewership statistics for Gaules, one of the central figures in the Brazilian CS community, as well as in the falling numbers for matches featuring local teams.
Gaules Is Losing His Audience
For a long time, Gaules remained the main voice of the Brazilian CS scene, consistently attracting tens of thousands of viewers to his streams. In 2021 and 2022, his average viewership exceeded 25,000. However, those numbers have been steadily dropping: in 2023 — 17,885, in 2024 — 14,618, and now in 2025 — just 7,863 average viewers. That’s nearly a fourfold decrease in three years.
These numbers are particularly striking given the global growth in interest toward CS2. While other regions are seeing increased activity and viewership, Brazil seems to be losing its once-dedicated audience.
Peak Viewership Also Declining
Not long ago, matches involving FURIA, Imperial, or MIBR could easily draw over 100,000 live viewers, especially during regional derbies. But in 2025, things have changed dramatically. Even the PGL Astana 2025 semifinal — FURIA’s first LAN semifinal in a long time — barely surpassed 69,715 peak viewers.
For comparison, the numbers were much higher in previous months: 207,635 during the Major in March 2024, 147,644 in June 2024, and 120,607 in October. Yet in the first half of 2025, no month has exceeded even 70,000 peak viewers.
What Happened to Brazilian CS?
There may be several reasons for this trend: inconsistent performance from top teams, roster instability, audience fatigue, and a weakening influence from Gaules, who once helped unify the community. Still, there are signs of hope. FURIA’s recent breakthrough with a new roster — reaching the semifinals of a major event — is a promising development. With the Austin Major on the horizon, there’s a chance for Brazilian CS to regain momentum.
For now, however, the reality is clear: Brazilian CS is losing its mass appeal, and to win back the fans’ trust, local teams and influencers will need more than just nostalgia for the days of FalleN and coldzera.
