As 2023 steadily progresses towards its inevitable end, a period of rest commences for players, and tier-1 tournaments take a brief hiatus from our screens. Amidst this lull, the team at bo3.gg is finalizing the year with their Annual Advent Awards. In today's feature, we're excited to showcase the top Counter-Strike “entry fraggers” of 2023.

Who is an Entry Fragger?

The role of "entry fraggers" is one of the most crucial in Counter-Strike. These players are responsible for creating space for their team at the very start of a round. They often possess incredible bravery and audacity, coupled with excellent gaming skills that enable them to secure the first kills on the map. Successful execution of the "entry fragger" role requires quick reflexes, precise aim positioning, and an unwavering readiness to confront the enemy at the start of the round. Even if their place in the rankings doesn't always reflect it, their contribution is vital for their team's victory.

Methodology for Ranking the Top Entry Fraggers

To identify the best "entry fraggers" in 2023, we meticulously and statistically analyzed the players. Our focus was on those who participated in the major S-tier tournaments, ensuring that we only considered the highest level of play. We set a criterion of a minimum of 80 maps played by each player in these events to ensure the accuracy of our assessments. You can find the list of all S-tier tournaments for 2023 here.

In cases where players had the same average number of kills in the initial stage of the round, we resorted to their annual ranking to break ties. This ranking included factors such as overall impact on the game, consistency of performances, and contribution to their teams' successes.

#10 — Alvaro SunPayus Garcia (Team Falcons) 0.126 entry kills per round

For Alvaro SunPayus Garcia, 2023 has been a breakthrough year. He claimed his first MVP award at Intel Extreme Masters Dallas 2023 and played in several finals, showcasing his exceptional skills as an entry fragger. His recent move to a new project under Danny zonic Sørensen's leadership is a testament to his rising prominence in the scene.

#9 — Oleksandr s1mple Kostyljev (Natus Vincere) 0.129 entry kills per round

Known for his impeccable sniping and unconventional plays, Oleksandr s1mple Kostyliev has remained a benchmark for excellence in CS. Though 2023 saw a slight dip in his usual dominance, his performance still surpasses the dreams of many players. His return to action in CS2 is eagerly awaited.

#8 — Andrei arT Piovezan (FURIA Esports) 0.131 entry kills per round

Andrei arT Piovezan is the epitome of aggressive gameplay, driving FURIA's unique style. This year, his unconventional yet effective entry fragging played a significant role in FURIA's success, including their triumph at Elisa Masters Espoo 2023.

#7 — Ludvig Brollan Brolin (Ninjas in Pyjamas) 0.132 entry kills per round

Ludvig Brollan Brolin's inclusion might come as a surprise to some, but despite the struggles of NIP and a promising start with MOUZ, he has diligently executed his role as an entry fragger. His aggressive yet thoughtful playstyle hints at a bright future and a potential spot in a top-tier team soon.

#6 — Ilya m0NESY Osipov (G2 Esports) 0.134 entry kills per round

Ilya m0NESY Osipov burst onto the scene with a bang, quickly establishing himself as a formidable entry fragger for G2. His sniper skills, combined with the ability to wield rifles effectively, have made him a consistent threat in opening duels.

#5 — Nikola NiKo Kovač (G2 Esports) 0.134 entry kills per round

Renowned as one of the best riflers in the game, Nikola NiKo Kovač has maintained his remarkable aim while growing into a more experienced and confident player. His role as an entry fragger has been vital in G2's victories at major events like IEM Katowice and Cologne.

#4 — Nicolai dev1ce Reedtz (Astralis) 0.137 entry kills per round

Nicolai dev1ce Reedtz returned spectacularly to professional play, adapting his traditionally passive sniping style to take on more aggressive entry roles. Despite Astralis' struggles, his individual performance, particularly in entry duels, has been a highlight.

#3 — Dorian xertioN Berman (MOUZ) 0.138 entry kills per round

Dorian xertioN Berman’s breakout year saw him win his first significant tournament at ESL Pro League Season 18. Under the guidance of an experienced captain, he has flourished, showcasing his talent in opening engagements.

#2 — Mathieu ZywOo Herbaut (Team Vitality) 0.139 entry kills per round

Mathieu ZywOo Herbaut has been nothing short of spectacular, leading his team to victories at big tournaments like IEM Rio, BLAST.tv Paris Major, Gamers8 2023, BLAST Premier: Fall Final, and BLAST Premier: World Final 2023. His ability to effectively engage in entry duels, despite not being a traditional entry fragger, has been instrumental in his team's success.

#1 — Mareks YEKINDAR Gaļinskis (Team Liquid) 0.144 entry kills per round

Despite a challenging year for Liquid and his role as captain, Mareks YEKINDAR Gaļinskis has continued to demonstrate his prowess as an entry fragger. His aggressive playstyle and ability to open sites have been crucial, even as the team struggled to find its footing.

These entry fraggers represent the best of what CS2 has to offer in 2023. Their ability to turn the tide of a match with a single kill or strategic play has been nothing short of extraordinary. Stay tuned for the rest of our top 10 list, where we reveal more masters of the entry-fragging art.