The CS2 scene once again gathered in Texas for the legendary IEM Dallas. As always, the event delivered top-tier gameplay, unexpected outcomes, and brilliant individual performances — making it one of the most exciting tournaments of the 2025 season. In this article, we highlight the ten best players based on HLTV rating, their playstyles, key performances, impact on team success, and overall tournament narrative.
1. m0NESY (Team Falcons) — Rating 1.29
Despite losing in the semifinals, m0NESY emerged as the standout star of IEM Dallas 2025. His aggressive AWPing, lightning-fast reflexes in entry duels, and composure in clutch scenarios elevated Falcons to contender status. In their match against Heroic, he dropped 65 frags across three maps. m0NESY made it clear: he’s shaping the next era of CS2.
2. ZywOo (Team Vitality) — Rating 1.27
The French maestro secured his 26th MVP medal — a truly historic milestone. His influence on the tournament was absolute. ZywOo didn’t just lead Vitality in frags but also in decision-making. On Mirage against MOUZ, he delivered a masterclass: a stunning ace, 120+ ADR, and full control over the series. His playstyle — dominance through aggression — forced opponents to constantly adapt. In every playoff match, he was both the biggest threat and the key to Vitality’s stability.
3. torzsi (MOUZ) — Rating 1.26
torzsi had the best tournament of his career. With a tournament-high 1.54 K/D, he proved himself among the elite. In the series against Liquid, he achieved a 1.71 rating across two maps. Confident and aggressive, torzsi’s AWPing was world-class. Even in the grand final against Vitality, he tried to carry his team, but it wasn’t enough. Nonetheless, his performance marked a breakthrough on the global stage.
4. Spinx (MOUZ) — Rating 1.26
Spinx was the quiet conductor of MOUZ’s success. His exceptional timing, positional control, and flanking instincts were nearly flawless. Across the entire event, he never dropped below a 1.00 rating and consistently impacted every map. Thanks to Spinx, MOUZ maintained their pace and composure in all stages of the tournament.
5. XANTARES (Aurora) — Rating 1.26
Once again, XANTARES showed he remains one of the world’s deadliest riflers. His entry play forced opponents to change defaults, and his mechanical prowess gave Aurora chances against tier-one teams. His standout matches came versus Liquid and Heroic, where his power on Banana and Ramp proved instrumental. Amidst Aurora’s chaotic style, his consistency brought much-needed structure and threat.
6. HeavyGod (G2 Esports) — Rating 1.25
HeavyGod proved he deserves his place in G2’s starting lineup. His smart positioning, control of entry zones, and trades under pressure made him one of the tournament’s top riflers. In the match against Lynn Vision, his 4K on Nuke secured the round that swung momentum for G2. Calm and calculated, he played like a veteran despite it being one of his first big-stage appearances.
7. 910 (The MongolZ) — Rating 1.22
IEM Dallas 2025 was a breakout tournament for 910. His entry fragging was the foundation of MongolZ’s upset wins. Against Vitality, he was a rock for the team on Nuke, even breaking through ZywOo’s layered defenses. Fearless and powerful, 910’s style fits perfectly into the new CS2 meta. He’s not just the future of Asian Counter-Strike — he’s already a part of its present elite.
8. Wicadia (Aurora) — Rating 1.18
Wicadia was Aurora’s unsung hero. Rarely in the spotlight, he was always exactly where the team needed him. His flashes, trades, retake coordination, and disciplined positioning gave XANTARES the space to thrive. As a support player, his 1.18 rating is highly impressive — and his site-holding fundamentals set an example for any aspiring role player.
9. xfl0ud (Heroic) — Rating 1.17
xfl0ud showed why Heroic entrusted him with anchoring duties. Time after time, he held down sites solo — particularly on Mirage and Anubis. In their win over FaZe, his refined decision-making and site defense were among the key factors. He played with poise, caution, and confidence — qualities that proved vital to Heroic’s group stage success.
10. tN1R (Heroic) — Rating 1.17
tN1R has an incredible feel for timing. His positioning and unseen flanks flipped many rounds in Heroic’s favor. Against FaZe, he won a 1v2 clutch versus s1mple and skullz in a pivotal round that shifted the entire series. His game is built on intelligence, patience, and deception — and that makes him incredibly valuable, even without raw aim dominance.
IEM Dallas 2025 was a showcase of new faces, major comebacks, and elite-level execution. ZywOo reaffirmed his dominance, while m0NESY raised the bar for every young talent in the scene. Teams like The MongolZ, Aurora, and Heroic provided fresh hope for their regions — and left a lasting mark on the global CS2 narrative.
