Top 10 Best CS2 Players in January 2026

The 2026 season started with several important events, including BLAST Bounty Winter and the first stages of IEM Rio and IEM Kraków. Some stars returned to form, new names broke through, and a few teams surprised everyone. January gave us a clear picture of who is ready to lead this year. Here are the top 10 CS2 players of January 2026, based on stats, impact, and tournament results.

How the best CS2 players of January 2026 were determined

To rank the best CS2 players of January, we analyzed their performances at BLAST Bounty Winter 2026, IEM Krakow 2026 Stage 1, and IEM Rio 2026: Global Qualifier.

We focused on:

• Player rating
• Kills per round (KPR)
• Deaths per round (DPR)
• Average damage per round (ADR)
• MVP and EVP awards
• Team results and placement

About Bo3.gg’s rating system

Although we reserve the right to keep the Bo3.gg CS2 player rating formula confidential, we are ready to reveal some key elements.

At the core of the rating system is an advanced player evaluation model consisting of eight sub-ratings that assess statistical data, including damage dealt, number of kills, and survival. These metrics are considered in the context of a specific map, side (T or CT), and team economy. To ensure objectivity, a player's stats are compared to the average values on the professional scene under the same conditions.

Each of the eight sub-ratings has a different level of importance. For example, the kill rating has a greater impact on the final score than the survival rating. Based on the individual sub-ratings, a player’s rating is calculated for each round played, then for the entire map and match.

The final player rating is expressed on a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 is the lowest value and 10 is the highest.

#10. NiKo

Nikola "NiKo" Kovač had a solid start to the year with Falcons. He was the best player on his team in the BLAST Bounty Winter 2026 final, where Falcons finished second. His stats were stable, with strong damage and good consistency. With a 6.5 rating and one EVP, NiKo showed he can still perform at a high level in big matches.

#9. s1mple

Oleksandr "s1mple" Kostyliev reminded everyone why his name still matters. He carried BC.Game through IEM Rio 2026: Global Qualifier and played a key role at IEM Kraków 2026. His 0.81 KPR and 85 ADR show strong firepower. Even without trophies, s1mple looked motivated and dangerous again.

#8. XANTARES

İsmailсan "XANTARES" Dörtkardeş remains Aurora’s main force, even after roster changes. He looked sharp and confident, especially on the returned Anubis map. With 92 ADR and a 7.0 rating, he was one of the most impactful riflers of the month. Aurora still relies heavily on him, and he keeps delivering.

#7. molodoy

Danil "molodoy" Golubenko was clearly the best player on FURIA in January. While the team struggled overall, he stayed consistent and reliable. His low DPR and solid rating earned him an EVP. Right now, he looks like the only FURIA player close to top form in 2026.

#6. Jame

Dzhami "Jame" Ali had a very effective month with PARIVISION. The team won BLAST Bounty Winter 2026, and Jame was calm and reliable in every match. His stats won’t impress at first glance, but his impact, clutch play, and smart decisions were key to their success.

#5. phzy

Love "phzy" Smidebrant fits perfectly into the new Astralis lineup. His aggressive but controlled style brought fresh energy to the team. With strong KPR and solid consistency, he already looks like a clear upgrade. January showed that Astralis made the right choice with him.

#4. jabbi

After roster changes, Jakob "jabbi" Nygaard finally looks free again. He plays with confidence and impact, similar to his best days in HEROIC. His high ADR and KPR show how active he was in fights. Jabbi was one of the most explosive riflers of the month.

#3. m0NESY

Ilya "m0NESY" Osipov impressed at BLAST Bounty Winter and earned an EVP, showing great form early in the event. However, his level dropped in the final against PARIVISION. Even so, his mechanical skill and consistency keep him among the world’s best AWPers.

#2. Lucky

Lucas "Lucky" Chastang had an insane start to 2026. He was the driving force behind 3DMAX’s dominant run at IEM Kraków 2026 Stage 1. With nearly 95 ADR and one of the lowest DPRs of the month, he crushed opponents and controlled games with ease.

#1. nota

January belonged to Emil "nota" Moskvitin. He won his first MVP at BLAST Bounty Winter 2026 and became the best player of the month. His impact was huge in key rounds, and his calm play helped his team secure the title. A perfect start to the year and a well-earned number one.

January summary

January 2026 gave us a mix of familiar stars and new leaders. Nota and Lucky exploded onto the scene, while legends like s1mple and NiKo proved they still have plenty to give. With bigger events ahead, this is only the beginning. February should be even more exciting.