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Top 5 Best AWPers in Counter-Strike History (by Peacemaker)

Articles
Oct 25
3K views 11 mins read

The AWP (Arctic Warfare Police) is, in my opinion, the most iconic weapon in the entire Counter-Strike series. Known for its ability to eliminate opponents with a single shot, the AWP is a double-edged sword that offers immense power at the cost of movement speed and high economy. The role of an AWPer in a team is pivotal, as they often control the pace of the game and anchor critical positions.

Being an impactful AWPer in Counter-Strike requires a combination of precision, game sense, and positioning. As the primary sniper, your role is to control key areas of the map, shut down enemy advances, and create space for your team with quick, decisive kills. Success hinges on reading your opponents’ strategies, making timely rotations, and knowing when to reposition or hold an angle. The AWPer’s ability to get picks while minimizing risk is crucial, but adaptability and communication with your team are just as vital. Mastering this role turns you into a game-changer, shifting the momentum of rounds in your favor.

Over the years, several players have risen to become masters of this weapon, showcasing an otherworldly level of skill and precision. In this article, we will look at the top five AWPers of all time in the world of Counter-Strike, from both the CS/CS2 and CS 1.6 eras.

Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev

Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev

When discussing the greatest AWPers in the history of Counter-Strike, Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev is almost always at the top of the list. A Ukrainian phenomenon who has transformed the game through his unmatched versatility, s1mple is much more than just an AWPer.

One of the often-overlooked aspects of s1mple’s success is his mental toughness. Despite early career controversies and a history of near-miss Major attempts, s1mple never gave up. He worked tirelessly to refine his skills, improve his communication with teammates, and become a leader on and off the server. This adaptability allowed him to evolve into a team player, not just a solo star.

Achievements:

  • Numerous MVP medals, including several from S-tier events.
  • HLTV’s #1 Player of the Year in 2018 and 2021.
  • Winner of multiple tournaments, including the prestigious PGL Major Stockholm 2021

Why s1mple is One of the Best AWPers:

s1mple’s style is unique because of his unpredictability and aggressive approach. Unlike many other AWPers who rely on holding angles, s1mple actively seeks out duels. His flick shots are fast and lethal, his ability to reposition on the fly makes him a dynamic presence on the map, and he can hit impossible-looking shots consistently.

His high mechanical skill is complemented by his intelligence. s1mple’s ability to read the game and position himself is unmatched, allowing him to get multi-kills even in dire situations. This combination of skill and smarts makes him arguably the best AWPer of all time.

Memorable Moment:

In a match against Fnatic in ESL One Cologne 2016, when I was actually the coach of Team Liquid, s1mple pulled off an iconic double no-scope on Cache. Jumping off the platform at the B site, he no-scoped two opponents in quick succession, creating one of the most famous highlights in Counter-Strike history, which later became a popular graffiti in the game.

Future:

s1mple’s journey through Counter-Strike is one of unmatched skill, redemption, and enduring dominance. From his early days of controversy to becoming the face of CS, s1mple has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the game. His impact on the competitive scene is profound, and his legacy as one of the greatest players of all time is already secured.

As Counter-Strike evolves with the transition to Counter-Strike 2, fans worldwide eagerly await what s1mple will accomplish next. Whether it’s continuing his reign at the top or inspiring future players, s1mple’s influence on esports will be felt for years to come.

Kenny “kennyS” Schrub

Kenny “kennyS” Schrub

If there is any player synonymous with the AWP in the world of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, it is undoubtedly Kenny “kennyS” Schrub. The French superstar rose to prominence during the early years of CS and became known for his lightning-fast reflexes and unorthodox playstyle with the AWP. At his peak, many considered kennyS the most feared AWPer on the planet.

Achievements:

  • Numerous MVP titles, particularly from 2014 to 2017.
  • A CS Major title with Team EnVyUs at DreamHack Open Cluj-Napoca 2015.
  • Recognized by HLTV as one of the best players in the world, peaking at #6 in 2014 and #12 in 2015.

Why kennyS is One of the Best AWPers:

kennyS changed the way the AWP was played. His aggressive and flashy style set the standard for future AWPers. He could take over entire rounds with his AWP, not by holding long angles or playing passively, but by making insane flicks and dynamic plays during rounds. He often pushed the boundaries of what was considered “safe” for an AWPer, rushing into sites and taking risks that few others would even consider.

Memorable Moment:

There isn’t a specific memorable moment for kennyS because if you type “kennyS highlights” on YouTube, you will be amazed by the number of videos showcasing what this man was capable of—multikills, clutches, and impactful plays with the green sniper.

Future:

At some point, kennyS decided to retire from CS, switched to Valorant briefly, and nowadays he’s just streaming. He continues to be a living legend and someone highly respected in the Counter-Strike community.

Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz

Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz

Another player who has cemented his legacy as one of the best AWPers in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive history is Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz. As one of the core members of the legendary Astralis roster, dev1ce is often praised for his consistency and clutch ability in high-stakes matches. While not as flashy as some of the other names on this list, his cerebral and measured approach to AWPing has brought him numerous accolades and titles.

Achievements:

  • Four-time Major champion with Astralis, including MVP awards at two of these Majors.
  • Consistently ranked in HLTV’s top 20 players from 2014 to 2020, peaking at #2.
  • Holds the record for the most MVP titles in CS history.

Why dev1ce is One of the Best AWPers:

dev1ce’s success as an AWPer is rooted in his intelligence, discipline, and consistency. He doesn’t rely on flashy plays to make an impact; instead, he positions himself perfectly, rarely misses shots, and provides incredible value to his team. dev1ce’s playstyle is characterized by calm, controlled AWPing, where he excels in holding down crucial angles and delivering round-winning performances without putting himself or his team at unnecessary risk.

In 2021, dev1ce made a high-profile move from Astralis to Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP), marking a significant shift in his career. This move brought fresh challenges as he sought to replicate his success with a different lineup. However, dev1ce’s legacy is already cemented in CS history as one of the greatest and most consistent players of all time.

His influence on the game goes beyond his fragging power; he’s an exemplary figure of what it means to be a true professional in esports, with unmatched dedication and sportsmanship.

Memorable Moment:

One of dev1ce’s most famous moments came during the ELEAGUE Major: Atlanta 2017, where he led Astralis to their first Major victory. His rock-solid performances throughout the tournament, particularly in the Grand Final against Virtus.pro, earned him the MVP award.

Future: 

Ever since he came back to Astralis, it’s been a wild ride with a lot of ups and downs in the last year. dev1ce himself decided to take leadership and became the IGL of Astralis for a certain period of time, during which he certainly learned a lot. However, I personally don’t feel that role suited him best. Nowadays, Astralis has brought cadiaN back and made dev1ce the primary AWPer for the team once again, so only time will tell if he will continue to amaze as an AWPer. Regardless, I personally feel that if dev1ce decides to retire at some point, he would be an insanely good coach for any of the Danish top teams.

Yegor “markeloff” Markelov

Yegor “markeloff” Markelov

Before Counter-Strike: Global Offensive came into the limelight, Counter-Strike 1.6 was the dominant competitive scene. One name that stood out as the king of AWPing in 1.6 was Yegor “markeloff” Markelov. Representing Natus Vincere (Na’Vi), markeloff was the deadliest AWPer of his era and played a pivotal role in Na’Vi’s dominance in the late 2000s and early 2010s.

Achievements:

  • Multiple Major titles, including IEM IV World Championship and ESWC 2010.
  • Dominated the HLTV rankings during 1.6, often regarded as the best AWPer of his time.
  • Led Na’Vi to become the first team to win three Majors in a single year (2010).

Why markeloff is One of the Best AWPers:

markeloff was the definitive AWP player of Counter-Strike 1.6, and his impact on the game can’t be overstated. His precise and calm approach to AWPing set him apart from other players. He was famous for his controlled aggression, perfect timing, and game sense. markeloff made AWPing look effortless, often outsmarting his opponents rather than relying on pure reflexes.

I personally feel like markeloff was a combination of what kennyS and dev1ce did in CS:GO, mixing a calm and collected approach with sometimes flashy plays, making a huge difference for his team. The game was played very differently back in the day, but he always found ways to be a very impactful AWPer.

Memorable Moment:

During the IEM IV World Championship, markeloff produced one of the greatest individual AWPing performances of all time in the final against Fnatic. His impeccable accuracy and game sense helped Na’Vi secure victory, cementing his status as the best AWPer in the world at the time.

Future:

When the scene transitioned to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) in 2012, markeloff’s career saw a shift. Although he continued to compete at a high level, he didn’t achieve the same heights as in CS 1.6. Over time, he transitioned into more of a rifler role and played for teams like Astana Dragons and Flipsid3 Tactics. Despite not reaching the same legendary status in CS:GO, his legacy from the 1.6 era remains firmly intact.

markeloff’s influence on the game goes beyond his individual skill—he inspired a generation of snipers and players, and his name is still synonymous with the golden age of Counter-Strike 1.6. His tenure with Na’Vi, in particular, solidified him as one of the all-time greats in Counter-Strike history.

Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo

Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo

Brazilian legend Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo is one of the most influential players in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. Not only is he one of the best AWPers of all time, but he’s also a world-class IGL who revolutionized the Brazilian CS scene. As the tactical mastermind behind Luminosity Gaming and SK Gaming, FalleN helped his teams rise to the top of the CS world, securing numerous titles along the way.

Achievements:

  • Two-time Major champion with Luminosity and SK Gaming.
  • Several MVP titles, including at the ESL Pro League Season 3 Finals and DreamHack Open Austin 2016.
  • Ranked #2 in HLTV’s top 20 players in 2016.

Why FalleN is One of the Best AWPers:

FalleN’s greatness lies in his unique ability to balance AWPing and in-game leadership. As an AWPer, he combined a methodical and smart approach with explosive plays. His versatility allowed him to adapt to different scenarios, often switching between aggressive and passive AWPing depending on the circumstances.

FalleN is not only known for his skills with the AWP but also for his incredible leadership as an in-game leader (IGL). His tactical insight, ability to read opponents, and calm demeanor under pressure allowed him to guide his teams to remarkable victories and stay competitive at the highest levels. As both an IGL and AWPer, FalleN’s dual roles were critical to his team’s success, making him one of the few players capable of excelling in both positions simultaneously.

Memorable Moment:

FalleN’s ace against Natus Vincere at IEM Katowice 2016 is one of the most iconic moments in his career and in the history of CS. This incredible play occurred during the semifinals of the tournament on the map Overpass, where he killed all five Na’Vi players and helped his team make a comeback in overtime, securing a grand final spot in one of the most iconic tournaments in Counter-Strike history. Machine was casting that game and immediately shouted, “Oh FalleN, stop blowing my mind!” which later became one of the most iconic moments in CS.

Future:

Beyond his impact in-game, FalleN has contributed enormously to the growth of CS in Brazil. Through his streaming, fan engagement, and support for up-and-coming Brazilian talent, he has fostered a passionate CS community. FalleN’s organization, Games Academy, has helped cultivate a new generation of Brazilian Counter-Strike players and teams.

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