fps_max "0" gl_vsync "0" r_decals "300" // Allows bullet holes (doesn't boost FPS, just quality) gl_ztrick "1" // Older ATI card fix, irrelevant now.

Major competitive platforms (e.g., ESL, ESEA) have historically banned excessively high FPS values not for performance reasons, but for fairness. Most rule sets cap FPS at 100 or 144 to ensure a deterministic physics environment. While unlocking FPS offers a latency advantage, it simultaneously changes core game mechanics. Therefore, it cannot be considered a pure “optimization”; rather, it is a modification of the game’s intended ruleset. The esports community has largely rejected unlocked FPS in official tournaments, preferring consistency over marginal latency gains.

If your FPS is stuck at 60 or 144 after applying all fixes, your monitor's VSync is still active via the driver or windowed mode.