Top 20 CS2 Players 2024

Who are currently the best Counter-Strike players in the World? That’s a question I get asked a lot and that’s a question that I see circulating on social media 24/7. At the moment, the Counter-Strike scene is stronger than ever. The level of play is rising across the board and the players are getting better in the game. The query arises as to who are the best CS2 players.

Witnessing top players’ dedication, exceptional skills, and passion is enough to inspire us in our gaming quests. Let’s find out the profiles of the twenty best CS2 players worldwide, including that greatly praised gamer everyone knows about!

Before we start, you can read our tips to improve your rank in CS2.

Important Insights

·       Players like Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev, Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz, and Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut stand out as exceptional talents.

·       Deciding the best players involve­s considering a combination of factors, including team success, individual skill, as well as adaptability and consistency.

TOP 20 CS2 Players

1)    Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut

Metric	Value
Team	Vitality
Maps	1311
Rounds	34116
K-D Diff	+7985
K/D	1.39
Rating 1.0	1.27

Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut is the outstanding French CS2 player known for his exceptional game instincts and precision and has proven to be an invaluable asset to Team Vitality. His outstanding abilities have garnered him a four-year contract extension in 2020 and numerous MVP awards. He also pushed himself in the quest for the title of the world’s best player. CS2 fans are amazed by his unwavering accuracy, regardless of which weapon he selects.

ZywOo’s Inventory

·       AWP

·       Sport Gloves (Pandora’s Box)

·       Ak-47

·       Glock-18

·       Specialist Gloves (Crimson Kimono)

·       Desert Eagle

·       Skeleton Knife

Team members

·       Spinx

·       Dupreeh

·       apex

·       Magisk

2)Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev

Metric	Value
Team	Natus Vincere
Maps	1727
Rounds	45750
K-D Diff	+9669
K/D	1.33
Rating 1.0	1.24

Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev has had an outstanding career in CS2, establishing himself as one of the game’s most skilled players and earning numerous awards. S1mple’s exceptional abilities have allowed him to excel at various levels, from his early days as a young player to becoming a respected leader.

His weapon versatility, renowned precision aiming, and fearlessness are just some of the factors contributing to his recognition as HLTV Player Of The Year 2018. s1mple remains dedicated and determined to achieve his gaming aspirations, despite facing challenges such as roster changes and conflicts like the Ukraine war.

s1mple’s Inventory

·       AWP (Dragon Lore)

·       Sport Gloves (Pandora’s Box)

·       AWP (Desert Hydra)

·       Glock-18 (Fade)

·       Skeleton Knife (Fade)

·       AWP (Fade)

·       Karambit

·       Desert Eagle (Blaze)

·       Sport Gloves (Vice)

Team Members

·       b1t

·       Boombl4

·       Perfecto

·       Electronic

·       Sdy

3) Dmitry “sh1ro” Sokolov

Metric	Value
Team	Gambit Youngsters, Gambit, Cloud9
Maps	1157
Rounds	30375
K-D Diff	+7176
K/D	1.44
Rating 1.0	1.22

Dmitry “sh1ro” Sokolov from Russia is the kind of player who has been making waves in the competitive CS2 scene. He has caught our attention with impressive statistics and consistent top 5 placements. His dedication and hard work as one of our honorable worth mentions this year.

His last achievements are impressive and everyone becomes amazed. He was critical in leading Gambit to victory and won the MVP title at Funspark ULTI. He also gets 1st place at IEM XVII Dallas with Cloud9. His explosive gameplay and exceptional AWP skills make him a formidable opponent on any map​.

sh1ro’s Inventory

·       Karambit (Blue Steel)

·       Glove Case

·       M4A4

·       Galil AR

·       Tec-9

Team Members

·       Xeppaa

·       Inters

·       Nafany

·       Ax1Le

·       Hobbit

·       Vanity

4) Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz

Metric	Value
Team	Astralis
Maps	2051
Rounds	53136
K-D Diff	+8251
K/D	1.25
Rating 1.0	1.16

Nicolai Reedtz has made a name for himself in the highly competitive CS2 community and he’s well known as dev1ce. His impressive resume includes an astonishing 19 MVP awards and 30 titles from international events. He has consistently been recognized as one of HLTV’s top-20 players for the past eight years and he maintains his exceptional performance even in high-pressure situations.

When playing, Dev1ce demonstrates both assertiveness and excellent communication skills and this set him apart from other AWPers in the game. While considering his consistent performance thus far, it’s no surprise that he has a good chance of competing for a spot in the major final in the seasons to come.

Dev1ce’s Inventory

·       AWP (Dragon Lore)

·       Butterfly Knife (Fade)

·       Sport Gloves (Slingshot)

·       Sport Gloves (Pandora’s Box)

·       AK-47 (Gold Arabesque)

·       AWP (Desert Hydra)

·       M9 Bayonet (Tiger Tooth)

·       Nomad Knife (Knife)

Team Members

·       Brollan

·       Plopski

·       Hampus

·       REZ

·       Aleksib

·       es3tag

5) Nikola “NiKo” Kovač

Metric	Value
Team	G2
Maps	1928
Rounds	50674
K-D Diff	+6385
K/D	1.19
Rating 1.0	1.15

Nikola “NiKo” Kovač, hailing from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is a highly skilled player known for his exceptional AWP and rifling abilities. NiKo’s tactical prowess and leadership have been instrumental in the successes of teams like G2 Esports and FaZe Clan.

He gained an impressive kill record of 52 frags against FlipSid3 Tactics at MLG Columbus 2016. NiKo continues to demonstrate exceptional skill even after 13 years of playing professionally and G2 Esports achieved the top spot in the rankings during the BLAST Premier: World Final 2022.

Niko’s Inventory

·       Butterfly knife (Tiger Tooth)

·       Glock-18 (Fade)

·       Specialist Gloves (Crimson Kimono)

·       Sport Gloves (Amphibious)

·       Desert Eagle (Blaze)

·       AWP (Lightning Strike)

·       Sport Gloves (Vice)

·       AK-47 (Hrdroponic)

·       M4A1-S (Printsteam)

Team Members

·       Degster

·       F1KU

·       NEOFRAG

·       Nexa

·       flameZ

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6) Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov

Metric	Value
Team	G2, NAVI Junior
Maps	563
Rounds	14251
K-D Diff	+2607
K/D	1.31
Rating 1.0	1.19

Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov is a rising star in the CS2 and he’s well known for his stunning skills and young age. His journey began with NAVI Junior, where his potential was given light. M0NESY has continued to showcase his talent, earning a K/D ratio of 1.31 and a rating of 1.19, reflecting his dominance in the game. His consistent performance and rapid rise have made him a player to watch in the competitive scene. Despite his young age, m0NESY’s gameplay is marked by precision and maturity. To be an indispensable part of the team, his ability to deliver in high-stakes situations has been crucial for G2’s success.

m0NESY’s Inventory

·       AWP (Dragon Lore)

·       Butterfly Knife (Fade)

·       Karambit (Fade)

·       Specialist Gloves (Crimson Kimono)

·       AWP (Fade)

·       Skeleton Knife (Slaughter)

·       Sport Gloves (Amphibious)

·       Karambit (Crimson Web)

·       Desert Eagle (Blaze)

Team Members

·       NiKo

·       kennyS

·       hunter

·       mixwell

·       jks

·       HooXi

7) Can “XANTARES” Dörtkardeş

Metric	Value
Team	Eternal Fire, Space Soldiers, BIG
Maps	2131
Rounds	55845
K-D Diff	+7528
K/D	1.20
Rating 1.0	1.17

Can “XANTARES” Dörtkardeş is well recognised for his impressive mechanical skills and aggressive playstyle is a madlad. Representing teams like Space Soldiers, Eternal Fire, and BIG, XANTARES has consistently been a top performer, with a rating of 1.17 and a K/D ratio of 1.20. His ability to make impactful plays and secure critical kills has earned him recognition as one of the best players from Turkey. XANTARES’s influence on his teams cannot be ignored, often leading by example with his magnificent performances.

XANTARES’s Inventory

·       M4A4 (Howl)

·       Glock-18 (Fade)

·       Specialist Gloves (Crimson Kimono)

·       Desert Eagle (Blaze)

·       AK-47 (Fire Serpant)

·       M9 Bayonet (Freehand)

·       M4A1-S (printstream)

·       AWP (Wildfire)

·       USP-S (Kill Confirmed)

Team Members

·       xfl0ud

·       woxic

·       imoRR

·       paz

·       MAJ3R

8) Marcelo “coldzera” David

Metric	Value
Team	SK, FaZe, Luminosity, 00NATION, MIBR
Maps	1773
Rounds	45766
K-D Diff	+5978
K/D	1.21
Rating 1.0	1.13

Marcelo “coldzera” David, well known for his versatility and exceptional gameplay, is a legendary figure in the CS2 competitive scene. His career, spanning teams like FaZe, SK, and Luminosity, has been decorated with numerous MVP and accolades titles. Coldzera’s dominance during his peak years set a high standard for competitive play in CS2. His ability to deliver consistent results and perform under pressure has made him a revered player in the CS2 community.

Coldzera’s Inventory

·       Butterfly Knife (Fade)

·       Karambit (Fade)

·       Sport Gloves (Hedge Maze)

·       Specialist Gloves (Crimson Kimono)

·       AWP (Fade)

·       M4A1-S (Hot Rod)

·       Skeleton Knife (Slaughter)

·       Desert Eagle (Blaze)

·       AWP (Asiimov)

Team Members

·       Latto

·       Try

·       Dumau

·       TACO

9) Robin “ropz” Kool

Metric	Value
Team	MOUZ, FaZe
Maps	1511
Rounds	38940
K-D Diff	+4569
K/D	1.18
Rating 1.0	1.12

Robin “ropz” Kool is an Estonian pro player who has made a magnificent impact in the CS2 competitive scene due to his stunning performances with FaZe and MOUZ. Renowned for his clutch performances and lurking abilities, ropz has consistently delivered high-level gameplay. He became the first Estonian to win a CS:GO major and he secured the MVP title at ESL Pro League Season 15.

ropz’s Inventory

·       Glock-18 (Fade)

·       Specialist Gloves (Crimson Kimono)

·       M4A1-S (Hot Rod)

·       AWP (Graphite)

·       Driver Gloves (Crimson Weave)

·       AK-47 (Bloodsport)

·       MAX-10 (Hot Snakes)

·       Galil AR (Sugar Rush)

·       MP9 (Starlight Protector)

Team Members

·       Twistzz

·       Rain

·       Karrigan

·       Olofmeister

·       Broky

10) Kenny “kennyS” Schrub

Metric	Value
Team	MG2, EnVyUs
Maps	2001
Rounds	51896
K-D Diff	+6358
K/D	1.19
Rating 1.0	1.12

Kenny “kennyS” Schrub, well known for his innovative AWP playstyle and aggressive strategies, is an egendary sniper in the CS2 community. His tenure with teams like EnVyUs and G2 has been marked by numerous accolades and spectacular performances. His remarkable flick shots and quick-scoping techniques have made him one of the most feared snipers in the competitive scene. kennyS has consistently demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure, securing major titles and multiple MVP awards. His unique approach to the game has inspired a generation of players as his influence extends beyond individual gameplay.

kennyS’s Inventory

·       Sport Gloves (Slingshot)

·       AWP (The Prince)

·       AK-47 (Gold Arabesque)

·       Butterfly Knife (Slaughter)

·       Butterfly Knife (Autoronic)

·       Glock-18 (Fade)

·       Sport Gloves (Hedge Maze)

·       Karambit (Marble Fade)

·       M9 Bayonet (Marble Fade)

Team Members

·       m0NESY

·       NiKo

·       hunter

·       mixwell

·       jks

·       HooXi

11) Dmitry “deko” Sinnikov

Metric	Value
Team	Aurora, 1WIN
Maps	898
Rounds	23043
K-D Diff	+4654
K/D	1.34
Rating 1.0	1.19

Deko has been a pivotal player for teams like Aurora and 1WIN and he’s well known for his sharp AWP skills and aggressive playstyle. His impressive stats, including a rating of 1.19 and a K/D ratio of 1.34, highlight his dominance in the game. His ability to deliver high-impact plays in crucial moments has made him a big asset for his teams. Due to his consistent top-tier performances, Deko’s journey in the CS2 scene is well marked. Despite turning the tide of any match, his strategic gameplay and precision make him a formidable opponent.

12) Olof “olofmeister” Kajbjer Gustafsson

Metric	Value
Team	Fnatic, FaZe
Maps	2256
Rounds	59860
K-D Diff	+7324
K/D	1.22
Rating 1.0	1.14

A titan of the CS2 world, Olof “Olofmeister” Kajbjer Gustafsson is a name synonymous with dominance and brilliance. His legendary career with FaZe and Fnatic is adorned with multiple MVP awards and Major titles that justify his status as one of the greatest ever to grace the server. Olofmeister’s versatility is unmatched in CS2. He can effortlessly adapt to any role, always finding a way to impact the match and turn the tide of victory on his team’s side. He has the ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure moments.

Olofmeister’s Inventory

·       Butterfly Knife (Autotronic)

·       Specialist Gloves (Crimson Kimono)

·       Butterfly Knife (Freehand)

·       Butterfly Knife (Bright Water)

·       Sport Gloves (Amphibious)

·       Sticker (olofmeister)

·       Bayonet (Autoronic)

·       Falchion Knife (Tiger Tooth)

Team Members

·       Twistzz

·       Rain

·       Ropz

·       Karrigan

·       Broky

13) Mehmet Yağız “cNed” İpek

Metric	Value
Team	Natus Vincere, BBL Esports
Maps	735
Rounds	19638
K-D Diff	+3176
K/D	1.28
Rating 1.0	1.17

Mehmet Yağız “cNed” İpek is emerging as a top-tier player known for his sharpshooting and strategic gameplay and has made significant strides in the CS2 world. cNed’s transition to Natus Vincere showcased his ability to thrive and adapt in high-pressure environments. He initially gained fame with BBL Esports. His rating of 1.17 and K/D ratio of 1.28 reflect his consistent performance and ability to make impactful plays that make him a crucial asset to any team he joins.

14) William “mezii” Merriman

Metric	Value
Team	Fnatic, Vexed
Maps	1030
Rounds	27470
K-D Diff	+4857
K/D	1.27
Rating 1.0	1.15

William “mezii” Merriman, well known for his versatility and leadership, has become a prominent figure in the CS2 community. His CS2 career took a significant turn with his move from Fnatic to Vitality, where he shines like a diamond. To allow him to focus on specific aspects of his gameplay and integrate seamlessly with some of the best players in the world, Mezii’s role in Vitality has been transformative.

Mezii’s Inventory

·       Sport Gloves (Pandora’s Box)

·       Desert Eagle (Blaze)

·       Stiletto Knife (Tiger Tooth)

·       Specialist Gloves (Lt. Commander)

·       AK-47 (Fuel Injector)

·       Sir Bloody Miami Darryl (The professionals)

·       USP-S (Kill Confirmed)

·       MAC-10 (Propaganda)

Team Members

·       HEAP

·       KRIMZ

·       ALEX

·       roeJ

·       FASHR

·       Nicoodoz

15) Dan “apEX” Madesclaire

Metric	Value
Team	Vitality
Maps	2233
Rounds	58825
K-D Diff	+6841
K/D	1.20
Rating 1.0	1.14

Dan “apEX” Madesclaire, known for his leadership and tactical prowess, has long been a cornerstone of Team Vitality. His ability to maintain a high level of performance and extensive experience are reflected in his rating of 1.14 and K/D ratio of 1.20. ApEX’s in-game leadership and strategic mind have been instrumental in guiding Vitality to maintain its competitive edge and numerous victories.

apEX’s Inventory

·       Butterfly Knife (Marble Fade)

·       Glock-18 (Fade)

·       Nomad Knife (Fade)

·       Talon Knife (Marble Fade)

·       M4A1-S (Blue Phosphor)

·       Desert Eagle (Blaze)

·       Survival Knife (Fade)

·       Huntsman Knife (Marble Fade)

·       Hand Wraps (Cobalt Skulls)

Team Members

·       ZywOo

·       Spinx

·       Dupreeh

·       Magisk

16) Kaike “KSCERATO” Cerato

Metric	Value
Team	FURIA
Maps	1186
Rounds	30419
K-D Diff	+4680
K/D	1.26
Rating 1.0	1.14

Kaike “KSCERATO” Cerato is well known for his consistent fragging ability and high impact in matches, has solidified his place as one of the top CS2 players through his remarkable performances with FURIA. KSCERATO has been a main player in driving FURIA’s success in various tournaments. KSCERATO’s gameplay is characterized by his precise aim and smart decision-making that turn the tide of victory in his favor. His contributions go beyond just his individual performance; his strategic plays and synergy with his teammates are crucial to FURIA’s overall gameplay.

Kscerato’s Inventory

·       AWP (Gungnir)

·       M4A4 (Howl)

·       Stiletto Knife (Doppler)

·       MP9 (Wild Lily)

·       Glock-18 (Fade)

·       Sport Gloves (Hedge Maze)

·       M9 Bayonet (Marble Fade)

·       M4A4 (Poseidon)

·       Butterfly Knife (Freehand)

Team Members

·       Drop

·       Yuurih

·       arT

·       saffee

17) YuanZhang “Attacker” Sheng

Metric	Value
Team	TYLOO
Maps	1642
Rounds	42668
K-D Diff	+5234
K/D	1.23
Rating 1.0	1.13

YuanZhang “Attacker” Sheng, known for his clutch performances and aggressive playstyle has been a consistent performer in the CS2 competitive scene, primarily representing TYLOO. The attacker’s rating of 1.13 and K/D ratio of 1.23 highlight his ability to make significant impacts in matches. His contributions have been pivotal in regional successes and TYLOO’s several tournaments run makes him a standout player in the Asian CS2 circuit​.

Attacker’s Inventory

·       Specialist Gloves (Marble Fade)

·       USP-S (Target Acquired)

·       FAMAS (Meltdown)

·       StatTrak™ Swap Tool

Team Members

·       SLOWLY

·       Freeman

·       DANK1NG

·       Summer

18) Keith “NAF” Markovic

Metric	Value
Team	Liquid, Renegades
Maps	1560
Rounds	40732
K-D Diff	+5796
K/D	1.24
Rating 1.0	1.13

Keith “NAF” Markovic is a cornerstone of the CS2 elite and a Swiss Army knife of talent. His ability to seamlessly transition between Renegades and roles for teams like Liquid is a testament to his exceptional skill set. NAF’s impact extends far beyond his impressive 1.13 rating and 1.24 K/D. With a tactical mind and lightning-fast reflexes, he’s a maestro of clutch moments. NAF’s consistency and versatility make him an invaluable asset to any team.

NAF’s Inventory

·       AK-47 (Wild Lotus)

·       Sport Gloves (Hedge Maze)

·       Specialist Gloves (Crimson Kimono)

·       Butterfly Knife (Lore)

·       Karambit (Case Hardened)

·       Sport Gloves (Amphibious)

·       M4A1-S (Imminent Danger)

·       M4A1-S (Blue Phosphor)

·       Desert Eagle (Blaze)

Team Members

·       Jamppi

·       Nivera

·       EliGE

·       oSee

·       adreN

·       nitr0

·       ScreaM

·       Dimasick

·       Daps

·       YEKINDAR

19) Mario “malbsMd” Samayoa

Metric	Value
Team	M80
Maps	190
Rounds	4040
K-D Diff	+435
K/D	1.16
Rating 1.0	1.25

Mario “malbsMd” Samayoa, has been making significant strides in the CS2 scene. With a rating of 1.25 and a K/D ratio of 1.16, malbsMd demonstrates a high level of skill and consistency in his gameplay. His impact in the rounds he has played is notable, with a positive K-D difference of +435 Despite having a smaller sample size compared to other top players. MalbsMd’s gameplay is defined by the aggressive playstyle that allows him to create opportunities for his team and secure crucial kills. He’s a rising star in the competitive scene and his performance in various tournaments has garnered attention.

malbsMd’s Inventory

·       Butterfly Knife (Fade)

·       Specialist Gloves (Crimson Kimono)

·       M9 Bayonet (Slaughter)

·       AK-47 (Fire Serpant)

·       M4A1-S (Icarus Fell)

·       Specialist Gloves (Fade)

·       Ak-47 (Vulcan)

·       USP-S (Kill Confirmed)

·       M4A1 (Master Piece)

Team Members

·       Pesadelo

·       Keiz

·       Xns

·       Trk

·       Maluk3

20) Vincent “Happy” Schopenhauer

Metric	Value
Team	EnVyUs, Vitality
Maps	1302
Rounds	34936
K-D Diff	+4265
K/D	1.20
Rating 1.0	1.12

Vincent “Happy” Schopenhauer is a titan of the CS2 scene who is a tactical mastermind with an infectious grin. His legendary duration with teams like Vitality and EnVyUs has hardened his status as one of the sport’s greatest strategists. Happy’s ability to read the game and anticipate enemy moves is unparalleled and is known for his ice-cool demeanor under pressure. His consistent performance, highlighted by a career 1.12 rating and 1.20 K/D is a testament to his longevity at the top and skill.

What Factors Determine the Best Players

When determining the top players in CS2, several crucial factors come into play. During competitive matches and excel at critical moments, skill is undoubtedly one of the factors that signifies an individual’s ability to outperform opponents. Moreover, consistency, team success, and adaptability can also distinguish standout players from the rest of the crowd.

Players increase their chances of being recognized among the best in CS2 by significantly contributing to their teams’ victories over time and quickly adapting to evolving conditions (thus maintaining team vitality). This combination often sets them apart in performance level and rank across different game modes and platforms within the e­Sports industry overall.

The ranking is heavily based on the numbers but if you’re looking at year-long ratings only then it won’t work. The other thing that matters in ranking is whether they performed when the stakes were highest in big playoff matches and which event players stood out. If you followed the ranking in previous years, you’ll know MVPs and EVPs can make a difference.