Here’s a look at the best CS2 players in 2025 who are making a big impact in the esports field.
The Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) competitive scene in 2025 has been super exciting. Players are showing off crazy skills, and the matches have been full of action and surprises. Some players have really made a name for themselves with how well they play and help their teams.
Now, let’s take a look at the best CS2 players in 2025 who have really stood out.
Best CS2 Players in 2025
As of May 2025, the CS2 competitive scene has been full of impressive performances from many players, helping them secure spots among the best in the world. Here’s a look at the best CS2 players in 2025 making a big impact.
1. Danil “donk” Kryshkovets
Danil “donk” Kryshkovets was born on January 25, 2007, in Tomsk, Russia. He’s only 18 but already a huge name in CS2 esports. Donk plays as a rifler for Team Spirit and is known for his super fast aim and bold moves.
He started in 2021 with Team Spirit Academy, and by 2023, he was part of the main squad. In 2024, he really blew up—helping Team Spirit win the Perfect World Shanghai Major. He even became the youngest MVP ever at a CS2 Major.
Now in 2025, he’s still crushing it with a 1.39 rating, right behind ZywOo, and helping his team win big matches.
2. Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut
Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut, a 24-year-old French AWPer for Team Vitality, is still crushing it in CS2 this year.
He’s known for always showing up in big moments and playing like a beast. At IEM Katowice 2025, he grabbed the MVP title with a crazy 1.42 rating over 12 maps—and totally popped off with a 2.38 rating on Nuke against Team Spirit.
Later, he did it again at IEM Melbourne 2025, helping Vitality win big over Falcons. ZywOo just keeps proving he’s one of the best out there.
3. Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov
At just 19, one of the best CS2 players in 2025 is m0NESY. He’s known for hitting crazy shots with the AWP and playing super aggressively.
This year, he’s been on fire—with a 1.24 rating, 84.3 average damage per round, and a 1.42 kill-to-death ratio. That means he’s not just fast but super deadly when it matters most. His quick thinking and sharp aim help his team win tight rounds again and again.
When it comes to clutch plays, he’s the guy you want on your side.
4. Nikola “NiKo” Kovač
Nikola “NiKo” Kovač, a skilled rifler from Bosnia, has firmly secured his place among the best CS2 players in 2025. His transition from G2 Esports to Team Falcons in January marked an important step in his professional journey.
Although the shift to CS2 presented early hurdles, NiKo’s remarkable aim and strategic mindset played a crucial role in Falcons’ recent rise. His outstanding performance at PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025 earned him the MVP award.
5. Dmitriy “sh1ro” Sokolov
Famous for his accurate AWP plays, sh1ro has been a strong force in the CS2 esports world. As an important part of Team Spirit, he helped lead the team to big wins, like the 2024 Shanghai Major.
His smart plays and fast reactions make him stand out. In 2025, he kept playing at a high level and stayed a key part of the team’s success.
6. Valerij “b1t” Vakhovsjkyj
Valerij "b1t" Vakhovskyi is a key player for Natus Vincere in CS2. His aim is top-notch, and his strategies are solid. In 2025, he had a 1.07 rating over 42 maps, showing he's always performing at a high level.
With a 62% headshot accuracy, b1t’s aim is precise, putting him among the best. His ability to adapt and clutch moments helped NAVI win big tournaments like the Esports World Cup and PGL Major Copenhagen.
Thanks to his smart play and calmness under pressure, b1t has earned his place as one of the best CS2 players in 2025.
7. Shahar “flameZ” Shushan
FlameZ has become a key player for Team Vitality, known for his aggressive and effective playstyle in CS2. With his high sensitivity settings—DPI 400, sensitivity 3.6, and eDPI 1440—he can react quickly and aim with precision.
In 2025, flameZ has been on fire, showing his skill in tournaments like IEM Melbourne, where he earned a 1.44 rating, 99.6 ADR, and 76.9% KAST.
His big plays have helped Vitality dominate, like their epic 13-0 win over MOUZ in the BLAST Spring Final. His entry fragging is a huge reason behind Vitality’s success this year.
8. David “frozen” Čerňanský
David “frozen” Čerňanský has quickly become a key player for FaZe Clan in Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) since joining them in December 2023.
He replaced Russell “Twistzz” Van Dulken and brought tons of experience with him from his time at MOUZ, where he worked alongside FaZe’s karrigan and ropz. His smooth transition into FaZe’s team has made a big difference in their success.
By April 2025, Čerňanský had earned about $687,731 in prize money, showing just how well he’s been performing. His strategic plays and ability to adapt have earned him a spot among the best CS2 players in 2025.
9. Justinas “jL” Lekavičius
In 2025, jL has made a huge name for himself in the CS2 world. After joining Natus Vincere (NAVI) in mid-2023, he quickly fit in with the team and became a big part of their success.
The moment that really put him on the map was at the PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen 2024, where NAVI won the championship, and jL earned the MVP award.
He made history as the first Lithuanian to get this honor. His consistent skill and ability to adapt have made him a crucial player for NAVI.
10. İsmailсan “XANTARES” Dörtkardeş
İsmailcan "XANTARES" Dörtkardeş is a top Turkish CS2 player known for his powerful rifling and amazing game skills. He was born on August 7, 1995, and started his career in 2012 with HWA Gaming.
XANTARES became famous around the world while playing for Space Soldiers and later joined BIG Clan, where the team hit the No. 1 spot in 2020. In 2021, he went back to Turkey to play for Eternal Fire. XANTARES took charge of the team with his bold plays and key clutch moments.
Thanks to his leadership, Eternal Fire reached new heights in 2025, even beating FaZe at IEM Katowice. He’s still showing his skills at the top level in CS2 today.