The first half of 2025 in Counter-Strike was defined by one word: dominance. Team Vitality’s unprecedented streak of victories — including the Major — reshaped the competitive hierarchy, but it wasn’t just about the team. Individually, some players reached new peaks, others solidified their legacy, and a few rose from obscurity to shine on the biggest stages. Here are the top 20 players of first half of 2025 season, ranked from 20 to 1.
20. Valerij “b1t” Vakhovsjkyj
b1t has remained a pillar of NAVI through a period of internal rebuild and fluctuating form. While the team didn’t lift any trophies in 2025, they made notable runs — finishing in the top 8 at both the BLAST.tv Austin Major and PGL Astana, and claiming second place at ESL Grand Slam Season 5. Amid these challenges, b1t stood out with his consistency, winning key duels and anchoring tough sites against elite opposition.
His numbers reflect solid performance: Rating 2.1 — 1.07, Impact — 1.06, ADR — 74.4, KAST — 74.2%, KPR — 0.69, DPR — 0.66. As a rifle anchor, he is often left to solo hold sites or clutch late rounds. His positioning and utility usage have become sharper with experience, and his mechanical fundamentals remain top-tier.
19. Kaike “KSCERATO” Cerato
KSCERATO bounced back after a rough start to 2025. Following roster changes, FURIA climbed back into playoff contention — most notably reaching the quarterfinals at the BLAST.tv Austin Major and placing 4th at PGL Astana. While FURIA missed the mark at several other events, KSCERATO consistently delivered high-impact rounds when his team needed them most.
Statistically, he’s having a solid year: Rating 2.1 — 1.13, Impact — 1.09, ADR — 78.7, KAST — 76.4%, KPR — 0.69, DPR — 0.61. He plays as a defensive rifle anchor and excels in late-round scenarios. His discipline, spray control, and experience remain a major reason FURIA stays dangerous.
18. Jimi “Jimpphat” Salo
Jimpphat continued to prove himself as one of the best young riflers in CS2. His impact on MOUZ’s success was immense — helping the team reach three grand finals (IEM Dallas, ESL Pro League S21, BLAST Open Spring) and semifinals at the BLAST.tv Austin Major. He often flies under the radar but delivers in clutch situations and high-pressure rounds.
His stat line supports his value: Rating 2.1 — 1.04, Impact — 0.94, ADR — 72.6, KAST — 74.9%, KPR — 0.63, DPR — 0.59. Playing support and post-plant roles, Jimpphat shines in clutch moments, with 29 clutch wins this season. His composure in 1vX situations is a defining trait.
17. Dan “apEX” Madesclaire
The best in-game leader in CS2 right now, apEX reinvented himself in 2025. Under his leadership, Vitality secured an incredible streak of titles — including seven S-tier trophies, among them the BLAST.tv Austin Major, IEM Katowice, and ESL Pro League Season 21. His individual form peaked in the Major Grand Final, where he posted the best rating on the server.
His stats: Rating 2.1 — 0.99, Impact — 1.01, ADR — 69.8, KAST — 70.6%, KPR — 0.60, DPR — 0.67. While not star numbers, they’re strong for an IGL. His real strength lies in mid-round calling, structure, and unmatched on-server energy. apEX is the driving force behind Vitality’s current era.
16. William “mezii” Merriman
After joining Vitality, mezii took on crucial support duties and seamlessly adapted to one of the most stacked rosters in CS2. In 2025, he helped the team win seven championships, including the BLAST.tv Austin Major, IEM Dallas, and IEM Melbourne, proving instrumental in securing round wins through clean, efficient play.
His performance is reflected here: Rating 2.1 — 1.03, Impact — 0.91, ADR — 67.5, KAST — 74.3%, KPR — 0.64, DPR — 0.63. He mostly plays as a supportive rifler and site anchor. While his stats aren’t flashy, his calm decision-making and high consistency make him one of Vitality’s most reliable assets.
15. David “frozen” Čerňanský
frozen has quietly become one of FaZe’s most reliable stars in the CS2 era. While FaZe didn’t have a trophy-winning season, they reached the playoffs at several tier-1 events — placing top 8 at the BLAST.tv Austin Major, top 4 at the ESL Grand Slam, and earning a bronze medal at PGL Bucharest. Through constant roster adjustments, frozen was a stabilizing presence, consistently putting up high-impact performances.
Across the last three months, he posted: Rating 2.1 — 1.00, Impact — 0.97, ADR — 75.8, KAST — 71.4%, KPR — 0.64, DPR — 0.65. He plays a hybrid rifler role — often late in the rotation or mid-pack in executions. His numbers don’t leap off the page, but his stability and ability to deliver in pressure rounds remain critical for FaZe.
14. Mario “malbsMd” Samayoa
malbsMd stepped into NiKo’s shoes at G2 and proved he could handle the pressure. While G2 had a rocky year, malbsMd played a pivotal role in their runner-up finish at PGL Bucharest, and contributed to playoff appearances at IEM Dallas, BLAST Open Spring, and ESL Pro League S21. His aggressive play brought firepower and unpredictability to a lineup in flux.
His stats underline his strengths: Rating 2.1 — 1.05, Impact — 1.22, ADR — 77.3, KAST — 68.8%, KPR — 0.69, DPR — 0.73. With an excellent impact rating and strong opening duels, he plays as an aggressive rifler. While his survival stats are low, his goal is to break open rounds — and he often succeeds.
13. Azbayar “Senzu” Munkhbold
The MongolZ became a global force in 2025, and Senzu was their most important piece. He helped lead the team to a Grand Final appearance at the BLAST.tv Austin Major, and secured podium finishes at IEM Dallas, IEM Melbourne, and ESL Pro League S21. Senzu consistently stood out as a difference-maker, even against the world’s best.
His metrics: Rating 2.1 — 1.11, Impact — 1.17, ADR — 77.8, KAST — 71.6%, KPR — 0.71, DPR — 0.65. A versatile rifler, Senzu flexes between entry and mid-round roles. His impact score highlights how involved he is in kills, and his 30 clutch rounds confirm his composure when it matters most.
12. Lotan “Spinx” Giladi
After leaving Vitality, Spinx joined MOUZ and adapted remarkably quickly. He helped the team achieve top 4 at the BLAST.tv Austin Major, runner-up finishes at IEM Dallas, ESL Pro League S21, and BLAST Open Spring, and a title win at PGL Cluj-Napoca. Despite the team shift, Spinx continued to deliver top-tier performances in every role he took on.
His numbers this season: Rating 2.1 — 1.12, Impact — 1.08, ADR — 82.1, KAST — 73.3%, KPR — 0.76, DPR — 0.64. Playing as a CT anchor and mid-round lurker, Spinx excels at locking down key zones. He doesn’t rely on flashy plays — he wins through game sense, discipline, and consistency.
11. Ádám “torzsi” Torzsás
torzsi remained the AWP backbone of MOUZ throughout a strong 2025 campaign. The team achieved top 4 at the BLAST.tv Austin Major, multiple grand final appearances, and won PGL Cluj-Napoca, with torzsi playing a central role in their consistency. His sharp positioning and smart rotations helped define MOUZ’s defense.
His stats over the last quarter: Rating 2.1 — 1.07, Impact — 1.02, ADR — 69.5, KAST — 72.5%, KPR — 0.70, DPR — 0.57. As the main AWPer, torzsi excels in early-round picks and clutch holds. Despite a low ADR, his K/D efficiency and survival rate confirm how impactful he is without overpeeking.
10. Dorian “xertioN” Berman
xerioN has been one of the most consistent performers for MOUZ in 2025. His calm, disciplined play helped MOUZ achieve semifinal runs at the BLAST.tv Austin Major, IEM Dallas, and IEM Melbourne, as well as runner-up finishes at multiple S-tier events. Even when not topping the scoreboard, his impact was felt in crucial rounds and smart mid-round decisions.
Statistically, he’s had a well-rounded season: Rating 2.1 — 1.11, Impact — 1.10+, ADR — ~78+, KAST — ~72%, KPR — ~0.70. He operates mostly as a supportive rifler and late-round closer. His timing on flanks and multi-kill potential in mid-rounds make him a huge value asset, even when he’s not leading the scoreboard.
9. Usukhbayar “910” Banzragch
910 played a pivotal role in The MongolZ’s remarkable run to the Grand Final of the BLAST.tv Austin Major, helping the team defeat several elite rosters along the way. With additional top 4 finishes at IEM Dallas, IEM Melbourne, and ESL Pro League S21, 910 proved himself on the biggest stages, bringing stability and structure to their wild style.
His numbers show reliability: Rating 2.1 — 1.04, Impact — 1.09, ADR — 71.4, KAST — 69.3%, KPR — 0.70, DPR — 0.65. He fills a utility-focused role, frequently second in or support rifler. While his stats aren’t standout, his map control and solid trades helped the team secure momentum in high-stakes matches.
8. İsmailсan “XANTARES” Dörtkardeş
A veteran with elite aim, XANTARES led Aurora through a competitive 2025 with impressive consistency. The team reached the semifinals at PGL Astana, quarterfinals at PGL Bucharest and IEM Dallas, and took second place at BLAST Bounty Spring 2025. Despite an early Major exit, he was a top performer throughout the season.
His metrics back up his firepower: Rating 2.1 — 1.09, Impact — 1.20, ADR — 80.3, KAST — 71.9%, KPR — 0.69, DPR — 0.66. As an aggressive rifler, he’s known for his first-bullet precision and spray control. His impact rating shows how often he initiates duels and carries round momentum, especially on CT-side anchors or short entries.
7. Shahar “flameZ” Shushan
flameZ continued his development into one of the game’s best entry fraggers, contributing heavily to Vitality’s historic 2025 run. He played a major role in seven title wins, including the BLAST.tv Austin Major, IEM Dallas, and ESL Pro League S21. His synergy with apEX and ZywOo helped Vitality maintain their dominant pace.
Statistically, he delivered: Rating 2.1 — 1.07, Impact — 1.04, ADR — 73.1, KAST — 74.9%, KPR — 0.67, DPR — 0.67. As a pure entry, his job is to break open rounds, and he does it with discipline. Despite his low survival rate, his consistent impact rating proves how often he creates room for his teammates.
6. Nikola “NiKo” Kovač
NiKo kicked off 2025 with a strong individual stretch, helping the newly formed Falcons roster win PGL Bucharest, where he earned MVP honors. He also reached second place at IEM Melbourne and BLAST Rivals, and added another top 4 at IEM Dallas. While his performance at the Major fell short with a shocking group-stage exit, his mechanical excellence was evident in every other tier-1 showing.
His statline remains strong: Rating 2.1 — 1.11, Impact — 1.19, ADR — 79.4, KAST — 73.3%, KPR — 0.72, DPR — 0.68. He plays as a star rifler, often leading the pack into duels and clearing space. His mix of explosive flicks and clutch rifle control make him one of the most mechanically sound players on the server.
5. Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov
m0NESY took on a leadership-by-fragging role in Falcons’ updated roster, and despite the team’s inconsistency, he remained a shining star. He helped Falcons finish 2nd at IEM Melbourne and BLAST Rivals, and placed top 4 at IEM Dallas, before an unfortunate early exit at the Major. His AWPing form, however, remained elite, and he ranked among the top fraggers in nearly every event he played.
His stats are dominant: Rating 2.1 — 1.24, Impact — 1.28, ADR — 81.6, KAST — 75.8%, KPR — 0.82, DPR — 0.60. He plays as the primary AWPer and thrives in fast-paced rounds. His precision in holding lines, winning entry duels with the AWP, and his reaction speed all make him one of the scariest snipers in CS2 right now.
4. Dmitriy “sh1ro” Sokolov
sh1ro remained a consistent anchor for Team Spirit in 2025, contributing to deep runs even when the team failed to secure titles. He helped Spirit win PGL Astana, place 2nd at IEM Katowice, and finish top 4 at multiple S-tier events, including ESL Pro League and BLAST Rivals. His Major form wasn’t the highlight, but across the first half of the year, he was a calm, calculating force.
Statistically, he kept solid numbers: Rating 2.1 — 1.07, Impact — 0.96, ADR — 73.4, KAST — 75.4%, KPR — 0.69, DPR — 0.58. As a passive AWPer, sh1ro excels in holding angles, saving economy, and delivering under pressure. His low death rate and solid round survival metrics show just how valuable his positioning and discipline are to Spirit’s system.
3. Robin “ropz” Kool
ropz became a critical piece of the Vitality machine in 2025. He was instrumental in the team’s seven-title streak, including BLAST.tv Austin Major, IEM Dallas, and ESL Pro League S21. While rarely the flashiest player on the server, he was often the one closing key playoff maps with smart lurking and perfect timing. His methodical style balanced out flameZ’s aggression and ZywOo’s firepower.
His metrics reflect consistency: Rating 2.1 — 1.16, Impact — 1.10, ADR — 78.7, KAST — 77.5%, KPR — 0.73, DPR — 0.60. He plays the lurk and passive rifler roles, often anchoring bombsites and controlling the map. With excellent awareness and clutch timing, ropz turns low-impact positions into win conditions almost every match.
2. Danil “donk” Kryshkovets
After dominating CS2 headlines in 2024, donk entered 2025 with even more firepower — and didn’t disappoint. He led Team Spirit to win PGL Astana, reach multiple semifinals (ESL Pro League, BLAST Open Spring), and secure a grand final appearance at IEM Katowice. Even in Spirit’s more modest showings, donk was often the best player on the server. His individual form was simply outrageous.
His current stats are monstrous: Rating 2.1 — 1.33, Impact — 1.47, ADR — 94.0, KAST — 77.2%, KPR — 0.90, DPR — 0.68. As an aggressive rifler and space creator, he dominates early duels and forces rotations. His damage output and entry potential are unmatched, and even in losses, donk routinely tops the scoreboard. Pure firepower.
1. Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut
ZywOo delivered what might be the most dominant half-year in CS history. He led Vitality to seven tier-1 titles, including the BLAST.tv Austin Major, IEM Dallas, and ESL Grand Slam Season 5 — collecting seven MVPs along the way. Whether as a hybrid AWPer, clutch rifler, or space maker, ZywOo was flawless in every aspect of the game. His form in 2025 is defining an era.
His stats speak for themselves: Rating 2.1 — 1.33, Impact — 1.39, ADR — 87.4, KAST — 78.1%, KPR — 0.83, DPR — 0.61. He plays as a hybrid AWPer and second rifler, switching roles mid-round, creating openings, and converting clutches with ease. There’s no one more impactful, efficient, or trusted in big games — and 2025 might become the year he officially takes the GOAT title.
That’s our Top 20 players of the first half of 2025 — but of course, everyone’s list will look a little different. Some fans value pure stats, others focus on impact or leadership. What’s undeniable is that the first half of the CS2 season was stacked with incredible performances, unforgettable matches, and the rise of new storylines. And if this was just the beginning? Buckle up — the second half of 2025 might be even more explosive.
