The 10 Best Counter Strike 2 Players of All Time

Counter-Strike 2 gave us some of the most memorable clutch moments in history of esports. These players are among the best we've ever seen on the professional scene.
Esports team celebrating championship win on stage.
(Image via cs_zywoo on Instagram)

As one of the biggest esports titles, Counter-Strike is home to some of the most renowned stars and personalities in gaming. From the early days of Valve’s iconic FPS to the release of Counter-Strike 2, the game’s esports scene has delivered unforgettable clutch moments and impressive headshots.

Just like in any sport, it takes a lot to be considered one of the best Counter-Strike players in the world. Over the years, only a handful of players have consistently stood out. They have led their teams to victory in major tournaments and earned the admiration of millions of fans worldwide.

What makes someone a good Counter-Strike 2 player?

To climb the ranks in Counter-Strike 2, you need a mix of good aim, smart positioning, and the ability to perform under pressure—especially when the enemy team plants the bomb, and you’re the last one standing. However, to become one of the greatest Counter-Strike players of all time, much more is required.

Here are the key factors we considered when ranking the 10 best Counter-Strike 2 players of all time:

  1. Major Wins: Competitive Counter-Strike 2 features several premier tournaments, such as IEM, BLAST, and PGL.Winning these events—or reaching the playoffs—significantly impacts our rankings.
  2. Clutch Moments: A player’s clutching ability is crucial, as it allows them to single-handedly turn the tide of a match by eliminating all remaining opponents against the odds.
  3. • Consistency and Longevity: Players who have managed to stay at the highest level over the years—despite ever-increasing competition—earned additional points in our rankings.
  4. HLTV MVP Awards: Each year, HLTV ranks the best Counter-Strike players. While this list is open to debate, it consistently highlights those who have performed exceptionally during the season.

1. Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut (Team Vitality)

Person in esports jersey with glasses and beard.
(Image via cs_zywoo on Instagram)
  • Active since: 2018
  • Role: AWPer
  • Career earnings: $1,150,000

Ever since he joined Team Vitality in 2018, Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut has been a real menace to all his opponents. Although Vitality’s performance wasn’t as good in Counter Strike 2 as it was in CS:GO, ZywOo’s game sense and mechanical skill make him keep his place as one of the best Counter-Strike players.

The poor transition from CS:GO to Counter Strike 2 didn’t hinder the Frenchman’s abilities, who was named best player of 2019, 2020, and 2023, and a runner-up for the best player of 2021 and 2022 by HLTV. On top of being the second most-awarded player in the game’s history, ZywOo holds the impressive record for most kills in a single series, securing 143 kills during ESL Pro League Season 16.

2. Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov (G2 Esports)

Gamer holding Intel Extreme Masters trophy
(Image via m0nesy13 on Instagram)
  1. Active since: 2019
  2. Role: AWPer
  3. Career earnings: $685,000

At just 19 years old, m0NESY is a real Counter-Strike prodigy. The Russian began his career with Natus Vincere Junior on CS:GO, quickly making a name for himself thanks to his AWP gameplay. His move to G2 Esports gave him room to grow even more, as he regularly carries his team with impressive flicks and his clutching abilities.

The transition to Counter Strike 2 further solidified his place as one of the best players, with incredible clutch moments even during high-pressure matches. With performances like his 1v3 Clutch against Natus Vincere during IEM Katowice 2022, expectations are high for this young prodigy.

3. Danil “donk” Kryshkovets (Team Spirit)

  • Active since: 2021
  • Role: Rifler (Entry Fragger)
  • Career earnings: $475,000

How to mention young Counter-Strike prodigies without bringing up Danil “donk” Kryshkovets? This 17-year-old Russian is already among the best pro players, scoring no less than four aces during PW Shanghai Major 2024.

With Team Spirit’s victory in this tournament, donk is the youngest Counter Strike 2 player to ever win a Major, claiming the title of MVP of this event along the way. While donk’s career is just beginning, his performances make him a player to watch carefully in the years to come.

4. David “frozen” Čerňanský (FaZe Clan)

Esports player holding trophy on stage.
(Image via callmefrozen on Instagram)
  • Active since: 2015
  • Role: Rifler
  • Career earnings: $685,000

David “frozen” Čerňanský is one of the most consistent players in the history of Counter-Strike 2. Able to clutch even under pressure and secure key kills when needed, the Slovak is a force reckoned with and helped FaZe Clan reach the Finals of major tournaments.

Ever since the release of CS2, frozen has shown impressive game sense and quickly adapted to this revamped version of Valve’s FPS. 2025 might be his breakout year, 10 years after his debut on CS:GO.

5. Robin “ropz” Kool

Esports player greeting fans at event
(Image via ropzicle on Instagram)
  • Active since: 2015
  • Role: Lurker
  • Career earnings: $1,550,000

Robin “ropz” Kool has always been a versatile player, able to adapt to most situations faster than others. From his early days on Call of Duty to his peak performance on CS:GO, ropz’s mechanical skill and game sense make him a real threat on the battlefield.

The transition to Counter-Strike 2 was no challenge for the Estonian, who quickly adapted to the game’s new features. Ropz left FaZe at the beginning of 2025, but with his steady performance as a lurker it’s only a matter of time before we see him shine elsewhere.

6. Nikola “NiKo” Kovač (Team Falcons)

Smiling man holding tournament trophy at BLAST Premier.
(Image via csgoniko on Instagram)
  • Active since: 2009
  • Role: Rifler (Entry Fragger)
  • Career earnings: $1,630,000

Known as one of the best riflers in Counter-Strike history, NiKo is somewhat struggling to adapt to Counter-Strike 2. While his mechanical skill is still among the best in the entire pro scene, the Bosnian still needs to get used to the games new version to climb a few spots on our tier list.

While he never managed to secure the title of best Counter-Strike player in HLTV’s awards, NiKo has been consistently in the top five since 2016. He ended up as the second-best player in 2023, right behind ZywOo. With impressive consistency and longevity in one of the most competitive esports scene, NiKo is among the best Counter-Strike players of all time.

7. Jonathan “EliGE” Jablonowski (Complexity Gaming)

Gamer focused during esports competition
(Image via eligejj on Instagram)
  • Active since: 2014
  • Role: Rifler
  • Career earnings: $1,250,000

Jonathan “EliGE” Jablonowski has an aggressive playstyle, which is a perfect match for Counter-Strike 2’s fast-paced gameplay. Ever since the transition from CS:GO, EliGE has been in incredible shape, performing even better than he used to during previous years.

Currently part of Complexity Gaming, EliGE has yet to win a Major. However, his steady climb to the top of the rankings and consistent performance, especially on Vertigo, shows the untapped potential of EliGE.

8. Justinas “jL” Lekavičius (Natus Vincere)

Esports team celebrates victory with trophy.
(Image via jlekavicius on Instagram)
  • Active since: 2018
  • Role: Lurker
  • Career earnings: $450,000

Justinas “jL” Lekavičius has been a key player for Natus Vincere, playing as a Lurker to secure kills on isolated enemies. While the Lithuanian has always been among the best players, the transition to Counter-Strike 2 wasn’t an easy one for jL. NaVi’s Lurker made comments about the state of Counter Strike 2 for professional players, blaming Valve for some of the bugs plaguing his experience during major tournaments.

Despite these events, jL quickly bounced back to prove to everyone he was a real cornerstone for NaVi, helping his team secure a win in PGL Major Copenhagen 2024, Esports World Cup 2024, and Intel Extreme Masters Rio 2024.

9. Helvijs “broky” Saukants (FaZe Clan)

Gamer holding trophy at esports event.
(Image via brokycs on Instagram)
  • Active since: 2017
  • Role: AWPer
  • Career earnings: $1,200,000

FaZe Clan’s AWPer, Helvijs “broky” Saukants, has been among the best snipers in Counter-Strike for the past few years. His success continues in CS2, with broky giving us clutch moments like his impressive 1v4 against Team Falcons on Ancient at BLAST Premier Fall Final 2024. You can look forward to seeing more incredible performances by the Latvian in the coming years.

10. Lotan “Spinx” Giladi (Team Vitality)

Two men in sports jerseys walking hallway.
(Image via spinxcs on Instagram)
  • Active since: 2019
  • Role: Lurker
  • Career earnings: $750,000

Lotan “Spinx” Giladi is one of the most consistent lurkers the professional Counter-Strike scene has ever seen. The Israeli’s ability to keep his calm even during high-pressure moments led him to secure key kills when it mattered the most, helping Team Vitality take the lead in major tournaments like BLAST Premier: World Final 2023 and Intel Extreme Masters Cologne 2024.

While rumors are growing regarding Spinx’s departure from Team Vitality, the lurker continues to give breakout performances. No matter where he goes next, Spinx has the potential to turn the tides of any round.

What sets the best CS2 players apart

All of these players have one thing in common: dedication. Whether they are seasoned CS:GO veterans who have invested countless hours to adapt to CS2’s gameplay or rising stars striving to make their mark, each player on this list has demonstrated the drive and commitment required to excel in one of esports’ most demanding scenes.

Each of them continues to deliver iconic moments for CS2 viewers, with breathtaking clutches when it matters most. While new games may continue to emerge in the esports scene, Counter-Strike remains a cornerstone of competitive gaming, consistently unveiling new talents eager to prove their worth in major events.

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