The first half of 2025 delivered elite Counter-Strike action across several S-tier events, including PGL Bucharest, IEM Melbourne, and the BLAST.tv Austin Major. Vitality stood above the rest, winning seven titles in a row and reestablishing Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut as the game’s king. But many other players impressed too – some breakout stars, some veterans reinvented. Here's our list of the top 20 CS2 players of the first season, based on stats, impact, and consistency.
How the best CS2 players were ranked
To pick the top players, we looked at performances across top events in 2025. Factors include:
- Overall player rating
- Kills per round (KPR)
- Deaths per round (DPR)
- Average damage per round (ADR)
- MVP and EVP awards
- Team success and consistency
We used the Bo3.gg rating model. It includes eight advanced stats, covering kills, deaths, impact, and efficiency, weighted depending on map, role, and economy. Final ratings range from 0 to 10.
#20. nqz
Lucas "nqz" Soares had a breakthrough season with paiN. His team made the playoffs at multiple events, including the BLAST.tv Major, where he earned his first EVP. The Brazilian AWPer stepped up in big matches and delivered strong stats with a 6.3 rating, 0.69 KPR, and 72.65 ADR. He’s now a top-tier sniper.
#19. Jimpphat
Jimi "Jimpphat" Salo’s individual numbers were lower than last year, but MOUZ reached a new level as a team. They made multiple finals and won PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025. He remained one of the most stable anchors in CS2 with a 0.64 KPR and 71.35 ADR. Solid, even if not flashy.
#18. zont1x
#17. Wicadia
Ali "Wicadia" Haydar Yalçın had the best season of his career. Eternal Fire and Aurora reached several playoffs and made the final at BLAST Bounty Spring. Wicadia’s 6.3 rating and 80.61 ADR prove his ability to frag with the best while staying efficient. A well-earned EVP reflects his impact.
#16. Senzu
Azbayar "Senzu" Munkhbold became a true star in 2025. He led The MongolZ to a Major final and improved under pressure. Known for sharp aim and smart plays, he finished with a 6.3 rating and 78.67 ADR. He also picked up an EVP, showing he’s more than just raw talent.
#15. apEX
#14. 910
Usukhbayar "910" Banzragch grew into one of CS2’s most consistent AWPers. He earned two EVPs and was crucial in The MongolZ’s playoff runs. His 6.2 rating and 72.39 ADR prove he’s reliable on both sides of the server. With more experience, he could break into the top 10.
#13. frozen
#12. mezii
William "mezii" Merriman proved himself as the best support player in CS2. Vitality’s perfect season wouldn’t happen without his calm, smart play. He posted a 6.1 rating and played selfless CS all year. Under pressure, he delivered.
#11. XANTARES
İsmailсan "XANTARES" Dörtkardeş was Aurora’s brightest light. The veteran posted a 6.45 rating and 83 ADR while helping the team fight into top-tier events. He earned two EVPs and reminded everyone he’s still elite – even with limited team support.
#10. Spinx
After leaving Vitality, Lotan "Spinx" Giladi found comfort in MOUZ. He played more freely and emerged as their on-server leader. With a 6.3 rating and 78.31 ADR, he returned to top form. His game sense and rifle work made the difference in MOUZ’s finals run.
#9. xertioN
Dorian "xertioN" Berman improved his playoff performance, becoming MOUZ’s best man in elimination matches. He earned two EVPs and showed strong form with 80.48 ADR. His mental strength under pressure took him to a new level.
#8. torzsi
Ádám "torzsi" Torzsás dominated early in the year and remained one of the best CT-side AWPers. Though his Major form dropped, he still earned two EVPs. He posted a 6.3 rating and 70.91 ADR, proving his value in MOUZ’s rise.
#7. flameZ
Shahar "flameZ" Shushan shined in his aggressive entry role. His speed, utility usage, and entry kills unlocked Vitality’s full potential. With three EVPs, a 6.3 rating, and 75.73 ADR, he made huge impact in tight rounds.
#6. NiKo
#5. sh1ro
Dmitriy "sh1ro" Sokolov stayed elite as one of the best AWPers. He gave Spirit stability, won MVP at BLAST Bounty, and added three EVPs. With a 6.7 rating and just 0.54 DPR, he played smart, safe, and deadly.
#4. m0NESY
Despite switching teams, Ilya "m0NESY" Osipov stayed on fire. He helped Falcons break into the top 4 globally and picked up five EVPs. With a 6.85 rating, 0.81 KPR, and 82.05 ADR, he’s already one of the best in the world.
#3. ropz
Robin "ropz" Kool changed Vitality forever. His arrival balanced the roster and gave them a clutch machine. Seven trophies, two Majors, and five EVPs say it all. He finished with a 6.5 rating and 79.4 ADR, proving all doubters wrong.
#2. donk
Danil "donk" Kryshkovets had the best raw stats in CS2. His 7.4 rating, 0.95 KPR, and 97.09 ADR were off the charts. Spirit didn’t win it all, but he did everything he could. One MVP and five EVPs cap a monster first half.
#1. ZywOo
Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut is untouchable. Seven MVPs, seven titles, and an all-time great season. He led in rating (7.2), delivered every event, and helped his team dominate. This is peak CS. He’s the undisputed #1 of 2025 so far.
Season 1 Summary
The first half of 2025 belonged to Vitality. ZywOo was unstoppable, ropz brought balance, and flameZ thrived. Spirit stayed strong thanks to donk and sh1ro, but didn’t win enough. Falcons and MOUZ also impressed. The second half of the season is wide open – and the MVP race is just getting started.
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