The 2025 season has rejuvenated the Counter-Strike scene. With CS2 fully settling in, we’ve seen legends fall off, allowing for new stars to explode onto the stage. Let’s take a look at some of the best CS2 players in the world in 2025, especially if you are into CS2 betting. This will give you an idea of who you should bet on.
List of the Top 10 Counter-Strike 2 Players
10. XANTARES
The man who invented the “XANTARES Peek” is still out here giving his enemies free haircuts. Known for his blister-fast aim and fearless duels, XANTARES has adapted beautifully to CS2, a game that often favors the aggressor. With Peeker’s advantage back in full force, it’s no surprise he’s thriving.
The XANTARES play style remains unchanged: no fear, no hesitation, just raw mechanical brilliance. However, while XANTARES is still putting up monstrous numbers and highlight reels, big wins still slip through his fingers as Aurora often stumbles in playoff matches.
- Team: Aurora
- Age: 29
- Rating in 2025: 1.12
9. torszi
After a shaky start to his tier-one career, torszi showed resilience and has leveled up in a big way. The Hungarian has found consistency and confidence in 2025, propelling MOUZ to the top of the scene.
His rating has steadily increased year after year, which is a testament to his growth and maturity as a player. torszi brings calm and calculated AWPing, and when he’s hitting shots, MOUZ becomes a serious threat to any team. He’s grown to be steady, reliable, and still improving.
- Team: MOUZ
- Age: 22
- Rating in 2025: 1.10
8. xertioN
From academy prospect to world-class rifler, xertioN has completed one of the most impressive glow-ups in recent memory. He’s always good for some explosive entries that set the tone for MOUZ’s play style.
To this day, xertioN still flies under the radar, being one of the most underrated stars in CS2. But when he’s in form, MOUZ can beat just about anyone – well, maybe not Vitality. When he’s not, the team often crumbles, putting heavy weight on his shoulders to perform.
- Team: MOUZ
- Age: 20
- Rating in 2025: 1.11
7. NiKo
NiKo’s move to Team Falcons, abandoning his family at G2, was one of the biggest headlines of the 2025 season, and he wasted no time showing why. Before m0NESY ed the roster, it was the Balkan Beast carrying the weight, putting up superstar numbers and keeping the team competitive almost single-handedly.
His mechanical skill is still second to none, and he continues to be one of the most consistent riflers in Counter-Strike history. Still, the one thing missing from NiKo’s career is a Major trophy that has eluded him for years. With a new team and a fresh start, 2025 might finally be the year he gets it done.
- Team: Team Falcons
- Age: 28
- Rating in 2025: 1.13
6. sh1ro
After closing 2024 with his long-awaited Major victory, sh1ro returned in 2025 with more to prove, and he’s doing it with ice in his veins. He’s known for his clutch factor and unshakable composure, displaying utmost efficiency and methodical play at the highest level.
Despite his prowess, sh1ro is being overshadowed in the spotlight by flashier competition, revealed later on this list. If he wants to cement his place back at the top, he’ll have to start taking over on the biggest stages.
- Team: Team Spirit
- Age: 23
- Rating in 2025: 1.21
5. flameZ
Team Vitality’s fiery entry fragger isn’t just a monster on the server – he’s also the kind of teammate every roster yearns for. He’s always smiling and bringing positive energy, acting as the mental boost behind Vitality’s dominant run.
But don’t let the good vibes fool you – when it’s game time, he’s a ruthless force at the front of the pack. His nuclear entries crack open rounds, giving room for his star players ZywOo and ropz to close them out. He doesn’t need the spotlight – he creates it.
- Team: Team Vitality
- Age: 21
- Rating in 2025: 1.14
4. ropz
Team Vitality pulled off one of the greatest roster moves in CS2 history by g ropz – and the results speak for themselves. Since the Estonian lurker ed the French organization, Vitality has lifted five trophies in a row to mount one of the longest win streaks in the game’s history.
ropz has been a perfect match under apEx’s leadership, forging a new era of dominance in Counter-Strike. His rating has surged from 1.08 in 2024 to a jaw-dropping 1.21 since ing Vitality, making it clear: ropz is in the form of his life.
- Team: Team Vitality
- Age: 25
- Rating in 2025: 1.21
3. m0NESY
A blockbuster move to Team Falcons allowed m0NESY to reunite with his close friend and teammate NiKo, lighting a fire inside of him. The 20-year-old sniper continues to hit lightning-fast flicks and flashy plays, even under a different jersey.
Since m0NESY ed the Saudi org, Team Falcons have witnessed immediate improvement with his AWPing prowess, and are on track to becoming the best in the world. His presence has completely changed the team’s ceiling.
- Team: Team Falcons
- Age: 20
- Rating in 2025: 1.26
2. donk
Named the best player in 2024, the Russian prodigy is looking to bring the momentum into the 2025 season. donk is hands-down the best rifler in the Counter-Strike scene with his explosive entries and crisp aim.
Unfortunately, Team Spirit decided to skip several tournaments, putting the beast on a leash. Despite the lack of events, donk is still averaging a mind-blowing 1.39 rating and is looking to make up for his lost time with further tournament wins. The sky’s the limit for this kid.
- Team: Team Spirit
- Age: 18
- Rating in 2025: 1.39
1. ZywOo
In 2024, ZywOo received his lowest Player of the Year ranking at number three, and he definitely wasn’t happy about it. The Frenchman has been on a tear in the 2025 season so far, and is looking to reclaim his title of being the game’s greatest.
ZywOo historically struggled to perform in big stage matches, but he’s overcome the hurdle, averaging a stunning 1.50 K/D in 2025. He’s added a handful of trophies to his cabinet, including an Intel Grand Slam, while also overtaking s1mple for the most tournament MVP awards.
- Team: Team Vitality
- Age: 24
- Rating in 2025: 1.40
