Following the results of IEM Cologne 2023 for CS:GO, the trophy's owner was determined as G2 Esports, which also earned $400k in prize money. In this material, B03.gg presents the top 5 snipers of the past tournament.

The top list was formed considering the average statistics of players in the game with a sniper rifle. The primary factors were the average number of kills per round with the AWP and the average damage dealt.

SunPayus

Álvaro SunPayus García is a true star of the Spanish CS:GO scene. At IEM Cologne 2023, he showcased his best CS and rightfully made our top sniper list. SunPayus's average damage is 35.2 per round and 0.368 kills attest to his accuracy and ability to make crucial frags for his team. His sniping game contributed to ENCE's successful performance at the tournament.

Alongside García, ENCE reached the championship final where the team clashed with G2. ENCE lost with a score of 1:3 and settled for second place. SunPayus became the true backbone of his team and an example of how sniper gameplay can influence match outcomes and competition results.

cadiaN

Kasper cadiaN Møller is a genuine inspirer and professional in the CS:GO scene. At IEM Cologne 2023, he ranked fourth in the list of best snipers. His average damage is 35.22 per round and 0.369 kills speak of his ability to work accurately and efficiently with the AWP. Although his statistics might seem somewhat lower than some other players, cadiaN showcases consistent and confident gameplay capable of influencing a match's outcome.

What's especially impressive is that Møller successfully combines the role of an in-game leader while showcasing a high level of play with a sniper rifle. This challenging combination of duties requires not just exceptional technical skill but a deep understanding of the game situation. cadiaN proved he's exceptionally competent in both areas.

sh1ro

Dmitry "sh1ro" Sokolov continues to impress with his consistent in-game form, both throughout the last season and in the current one. At IEM Cologne 2023, Sokolov secured a deserved third place in the sniper rankings. His precise shots and ability to choose the perfect moments to attack make him an incredibly dangerous opponent on the server. An average damage of 37.33 per round from the AWP and 0.416 kills only confirm his outstanding performance.

sh1ro single-handedly carried Cloud9 into the playoffs of the tournament. His individual plays were key factors in his team's success. Although the team couldn't beat Team Vitality in the quarter-finals, sh1ro remains an inspiration and a source of pride for his teammates.

m0NESY

Ilya "m0NESY" Osipov is an incredibly talented esports player. At IEM Cologne 2023, he took second place in the best snipers' rankings. An average damage of 39.34 per round and 0.439 kills are just a small part of what m0NESY is capable of. He has long been a key player in the G2 lineup.

Together with Nikola "NiKo" Kovač, m0NESY was pivotal to G2's success at IEM Cologne 2023. These two esports players not only fulfilled their roles excellently but also made significant contributions to the team's overall success. NiKo even received the MVP award of the tournament. More about this can be read in the article. Meanwhile, Osipov continues to prove that he is the future of the professional CS:GO scene.

device

Nikolai "device" Reedtz is not just a player; he's a true esports phenomenon, and his performance at IEM Cologne 2023 clearly indicates that he is experiencing a renaissance. His outstanding skills and passion for victories once again impressed CS:GO fans worldwide.

Throughout the tournament, device showcased absolute mastery in the sniper position. The statistics speak for themselves — on average, he dealt 41.67 damage per round and made 0.451 kills. His precision and composure when playing with the AWP were immediately noticeable, making him the unparalleled sniper of the championship. However, despite his individual performance, Astralis couldn't get past G2 in the semi-finals.

Nevertheless, device significantly contributed to Astralis' success in the competition. His gameplay enabled the team to be among the top four at IEM Cologne 2023.

ALSO READ: Sniper device and entry-fragger ZywOo – who made it into the "dream team" of IEM Cologne 2023?

Snipers often play a central role in a team. This status gives players additional responsibility for results. Additionally, players wielding sniper rifles often create the most thrilling moments and enjoy immense popularity among fans. Their contributions to their teams' successes are undeniably crucial.