The CS2 community is getting more and more excited as the 2024 HLTV Awards finalists are announced. With so many standout performances in 2024, narrowing it down to just three finalists in each category was no easy task for HLTV. The HLTV Awards, set to take place on January 11 in Belgrade, Serbia, will honor the top players, coaches, and moments of the year. The awards span six role-based categories and one for Highlight of the Year. The aim is to assemble an all-star team that could theoretically take to the server and work together harmoniously, blending roles like the perfect CS2 team. In this article, we’ll list all the finalists for each category, their achievements and what sets them apart in the competitive stage. Who will take home the desired trophies? Let’s see!
Anchor of the Year Finalists
The Anchor of the Year award is given to the player who excels in defensive roles, often holding key bombsite positions and contributing significantly to their team’s defensive structure.
Valeriy “b1t” Vakhovskiy
Known for his precision and consistency, b1t has been a key figure in Natus Vincere’s defensive setups. His performance in the Major finals showed that he could maintain site control under extreme stress, particularly in a remarkable 17-5 CT half versus FaZe.
Jimi “Jimpphat” Salo
Jimpphat has adapted seamlessly to anchor roles after his shift from MOUZ NXT to the main roster. His versatility and cool-headed approach in clutch situations make him a vital piece of MOUZ’s puzzle.
Myroslav “zont1x” Plakhotia
Zont1x had a fantastic debut season, leading Spirit’s defense and winning both IEM Katowice and the Major. He was instrumental in Spirit’s triumph, particularly in the BLAST Spring Finals, where his effort earned him the title of EVP.
AWPer of the Year Finalists
The AWPer category celebrates the players who dominate with the AWP, delivering precision shots and shaping the tempo of the game.
Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov
At just 19 years old, m0NESY has already cemented his status as one of the most lethal AWPers in the world. This year, m0NESY has won three MVP honors, including one at IEM Katowice. His rise has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Dmitry “sh1ro” Sokolov
After moving to Spirit from Cloud9, sh1ro has proven that his talents weren’t tied to any one roster. His partnership with donk created a perfect synergy, allowing Spirit to take down top teams, including a victory at IEM Katowice.
Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut
Even though Vitality faced some struggles in 2024, ZywOo continued to perform at an elite level. ZywOo posted better stats this year than in 2023, with an impressive 0.86 KPR. Despite his team’s challenges, ZywOo remained a standout performer and a crucial asset to Vitality’s efforts.
Opener of the Year Finalists
The Opener of the Year recognizes the player who excels at leading the charge and setting the tone for the round, often finding early picks and creating space for the team.
Danil “donk” Kryshkovets
For donk, this year was just amazing. donk has become one of the biggest stars in CS2, having won a Major MVP award and put on several outstanding performances. He is one of the most dangerous players in the game because of his ability to start rounds with explosive plays and his consistency.
Jonathan “EliGE” Jablonowski
EliGE had a massive individual resurgence in 2024. His ability to open rounds with smart, aggressive plays and secure crucial frags when the team needed them most has made him one of the standout performers of the year.
Nikola “NiKo” Kovač
Despite early challenges in CS2, NiKo has continued to adapt and maintain his status as one of the best players in the world. Now in his ninth year at the highest level, NiKo is still the gold standard for riflers, constantly delivering impact with his precise peeks and intelligent play.
Closer of the Year Finalists
The Closer of the Year award goes to the player who shines in clutch moments, often finishing off rounds with impressive lurks or retakes.
Valeriy “b1t” Vakhovskiy
As mentioned in the Anchor category, b1t is an incredibly versatile player. His role as a closer highlights his ability to deliver when it matters most, often turning around difficult rounds with clean AK-47 shots.
Jimi “Jimpphat” Salo
Jimpphat excels when his team needs him most because of his ability to keep his cool and make exceptional decisions. Jimpphat has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to end rounds in a fashionable manner.
Justinas “jL” Lekavicius
jL’s move to Natus Vincere has been one of the most exciting stories of 2024. As a Major MVP, jL’s impact has been huge, especially in clutch situations.
IGL of the Year Finalists
The IGL or In-Game Leader of the Year category celebrates the masterminds who lead their teams to victory with sharp strategies and leadership.
Aleksi “Aleksib” Virolainen
After a career filled with ups and downs, Aleksib finally found success in 2024 with Natus Vincere. Aleksib’s ability to lead from the front, while allowing his players to shine, made him one of the most effective IGLs this year.
Leonid “chopper” Vishnyakov
chopper’s leadership helped guide Spirit to a Major victory, and his tactical prowess has been a key factor in their success. He has managed to harness the raw potential of his young roster, including donk and zont1x, and turn them into a championship-winning team.
Finn “karrigan” Andersen
Even though FaZe didn’t quite achieve the dominance they hoped for in 2024, karrigan’s leadership has been exceptional. His ability to bring his team to multiple grand finals, including at both Majors, speaks volumes about his in-game management. karrigan’s tactical approach and experience continue to make him one of the most respected IGLs in the game.
Coach of the Year Finalists
The Coach of the Year award recognizes the unseen thinkers who mold their teams into elite challengers.
Andrey “B1ad3” Gorodenskiy
B1ad3 has already earned recognition as one of the best coaches in the game, and in 2024, his work with Natus Vincere has been exceptional. His ability to manage an international roster, combined with his tactical brilliance, led the team to victory at multiple big events.
Sergey “hally” Shavaev
hally’s work with Spirit has been crucial to the team’s rise in 2024. As a coach, hally focuses on meticulous preparation and understanding of his players’ strengths. Spirit is successful on the largest stages thanks to his emphasis on team harmony and his versatility.
Dennis “sycrone” Nielsen
sycrone’s partnership with Kamil “siuhy” Szkaradek has proven to be highly successful in 2024. MOUZ has won two significant prizes under their guidance, and their success has been largely attributed to sycrone’s meticulous preparation.
Highlight of the Year Finalists
The category for Highlight of the Year is all about those incredible moments that leave the public speechless.
Danil “donk” Kryshkovets – AK-47 1v5
Donk’s 1v5 clutch with the AK-47 at the Major was one of the most insane moments of 2024. This was one of the year’s most memorable plays because of his self-control and accuracy. That’s what we’ve come to expect from donk, isn’t it?
Justinas “jL” Lekavicius – Deagle & AK-47 ACE
jL’s ACE with both the Deagle and AK-47 was a thing of beauty. His ability to take down five players in rapid succession with such precision made this a highlight that will be remembered for years to come.
Nikola “NiKo” Kovač – Deagle ACE
NiKo’s Deagle ACE was a perfect demonstration of his mechanical skill and clutch potential. It was a strategically sound moment, and NiKo deserved to be among the top three Highlights of the Year.
The competition is fiercer than ever as we eagerly await the January 11 awards presentation in Belgrade, where the HLTV Awards 2024 finalists showcase the best of CS2. With their amazing clutches and unmatched frag power, these players have set themselves apart in the professional CS2 arena, proving that extended training is just as important to their success as skill.
The Best of 2024: Who Will Come Out on Top?
Looking at the individual categories, each finalist has had a year to remember. Players like m0NESY and donk have been blazing new trails with their incredible performances, marking their place as some of the most exciting young talents in the scene. On the other hand, CS2 professionals like NiKo, b1t, and ZywOo continue to demonstrate that skill and flexibility are equally crucial. Who will take home the awards? It’s hard to say, but each finalist has made a compelling case for themselves. And as we inch closer to the ceremony, it’s impossible not to feel the tension in the air. Follow the HLTV 2024 Award with us and remember, no matter who ultimately wins, the real winner is the entire CS2 community, who get to witness these incredible players push the boundaries of the game!
