As the first competitive season of Counter-Strike 2 in 2024 nears its conclusion, the race for the title of the year's best player is heating up. While many talents have showcased their skills, five players have particularly distinguished themselves with their remarkable performances and crucial contributions to their teams. This article aims to spotlight these top contenders who have not only excelled individually but have also significantly impacted their team's success. Additionally, we'll briefly acknowledge other notable players who had the potential to be in the top five but fell short due to various factors.
Danil "donk" Kryshkovets
Emerging as a sensational talent, Danil "donk" Kryshkovets has quickly made a name for himself in the top tier of Counter-Strike 2. Joining Spirit, donk entered the competitive scene with vigour, bringing fresh energy and remarkable skill. In 2024, he played a pivotal role in his team's victory at IEM Katowice and BLAST Premier: Spring Final 2024, delivering one of the most memorable individual performances in the history of the game. His stats, with a rating of 7.3 and an impressive 94 ADR, reflect his ability to impact matches significantly. Although Spirit was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the PGL Major Copenhagen by FaZe, donk's performance remained a bright spot, solidifying his reputation as one of the world's most talented players.
Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut
Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut continues to uphold his status as one of the premier snipers in the CS2 scene. With a player rating of 7.2 and notable strategic play, ZywOo's prowess with the sniper rifle has been critical in navigating his team through challenging tournaments. Despite a disappointing last-place finish at IEM Katowice 2024, ZywOo and Vitality made a significant comeback by reaching the semifinals of the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024, where they were outmatched by FaZe. His resilience shone at the ESL Pro League Season 19 and IEM Dallas 2024, where he played phenomenally, earning his 19th career MVP despite a less stellar performance in the finals. ZywOo's ability to bounce back and maintain high performance under pressure highlights why he remains a top contender in the global rankings.
Ilya "m0NESY" Osipov
Ilya "m0NESY" Osipov is known for his aggressive and precise sniping, which has become a cornerstone of his team's strategy. In 2024, m0NESY has maintained a rating of 6.8, complemented by a kill-to-death ratio of 0.81 and an average damage per round (ADR) of 81. Despite his team's struggles to make significant progress, m0NESY's performances have been a silver lining, consistently leading his team to the playoffs in every tournament they participated in. Also despite the low odds G2 won IEM Dallas 2024, where the AWPer earned the MVP award. His ability to deliver in clutch situations has kept his team competitive, underscoring his indispensable role as the linchpin of their success.
Dorian "xertioN" Berman
Dorian "xertioN" Berman has emerged as a formidable force in the CS2 scene, renowned for his tactical acumen and entry-fragging prowess. With a rating of 6.3 and a K/D of 0.73, xertioN has led MOUZ to new heights in 2024, including a title win at ESL Pro League Season 19. His strategic gameplay was also instrumental in their runner-up finish at IEM Chengdu and reaching the playoffs at both IEM Katowice and the PGL Major Copenhagen. xertioN’s ability to perform under pressure has not only defined his career but has also propelled his team to the forefront of international competition.
Helvijs "broky" Saukants
Helvijs "broky" Saukants continues to excel as an all-around player, especially noted for his performance in high-pressure situations. In 2024, broky has been instrumental in FaZe's consistent top-tier performances, with a rating of 6.5 and a K/D of 0.75. FaZe secured second place at both IEM Katowice and the PGL Major Copenhagen and clinched the title at IEM Chengdu, where broky earned the MVP award. His resilience and ability to adapt have been critical in FaZe's journey, making them one of the most formidable teams in the CS2 landscape. Broky’s ongoing development and impact in crucial matches underscore his candidacy as one of the year’s best players.
Honourable mentions
While the spotlight shines on the top contenders, other players like İsmailcan "XANTARES" Dörtkardeş, Jonathan "EliGE" Jablonowski, Lotan "Spinx" Giladi, and Dmitriy "sh1ro" Sokolov also displayed potential that could have placed them among the elite. XANTARES's explosive playstyle and clutch ability were highlights, though his team's inconsistent performance at big events held him back. EliGE continued to be a strong force for his team, but a lack of significant tournament wins limited his impact.
Conclusion
The first season of Counter-Strike 2 in 2024 has already set a high bar for individual and team performances. As we approach the mid-year mark, the journey of these athletes not only highlights the evolving dynamics of professional CS2 but also sets the stage for what promises to be an enthralling continuation of the competitive season. Each player, with their unique contributions and spectacular moments, continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in esports. As we look forward, one question remains: Who will rise above the rest to claim the title of the best player of 2024 by year's end?
Comments