Laying down an unforgettable legacy in esports, the best CSGO players of all time are now cemented as the community moves on to CS2. This featured article looks at all the statistics and offers our very own top 10 CSGO players of all time.
CSGO was arguably the world’s biggest, best, and brightest esports title. It was a powerhouse game that boasted millions of players, and the ecosystem at large was one of the most valuable in the entire esports industry. The title was part of a franchise that stretches back more than twenty years, and it’s still dramatically popular today.
For those not in the know, CSGO was first released way back in 2012, under the full name ‘Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’. It’s the fourth game to be released in the series, and it was by far and wide the most popular. It soared as one of the most commonly played games on Steam, and at almost every Major tournament, millions of viewers tuned in. It stood the test of time for more than a decade ending with the release of CS2.
Top 10 CSGO Players of All Time
As there’s such a diverse and lengthy history, there are plenty of players to look at as we break down the list of the top 10 CSGO players of all time. In a game driven by snapshot, split-second decisions, big brain plays, and pinpoint accuracy, it takes an awful lot to be considered the best.
Regardless if you’re interested in CS2 betting or not, knowing this list could help you understand modern Counter-Strike better:
| Ranking | Best CSGO Players |
|---|---|
| #1 | Oleksandr "s1mple" Kostyliev |
| #2 | Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut |
| #3 | Nicolai "dev1ce" Reedtz |
| #4 | Christopher "GeT_RiGhT" Alesund |
| #5 | Olof Kajbjer "olofmeister" Gustafsson |
| #6 | Finn "karrigan" Andersen |
| #7 | Peter "Dupreeh" Rasmussen |
| #8 | Marcelo Augusto "coldzera" David |
| #9 | Patrik "f0rest" Lindberg |
| #10 | Kenny "kennyS" Schrub |
Without further ado, let’s get into the list, and find out who is the best CSGO player of all time.
10. Kenny Schrub (kennyS)
Kenny “kennyS” Schrub is a legend in the world of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. He impressed as one of the best AWPers of all time, with an aggressive and flashy style that earned him countless fans and accolades. This made him one of the most successful players in CSGO history, winning a Major title, multiple MVP awards, and over $740,000 in prize money.
KennyS started his CSGO career in 2012 with VeryGames, a French powerhouse that dominated the European scene. He quickly established himself as a prodigy with the sniper rifle, showcasing incredible flick shots, fast reactions, and clutch plays. He also showcased his emotional and passionate personality, which sometimes led to frustration and inconsistency.
In 2015, kennyS joined Team EnVyUs, where he achieved his greatest triumph: winning the DreamHack Open Cluj-Napoca Major as the MVP of the tournament. He led his team to a stunning victory over Natus Vincere in the grand final, with an unforgettable performance that cemented his legacy as one of the best players ever.
After a period of decline with EnVyUs, kennyS moved to G2 Esports in 2017, where he reunited with some of his former teammates and friends. He continued to impress with his AWPing skills, helping G2 win several prestigious events such as ESL Pro League Season 5 and DreamHack Masters Malmö 2017. He also became the first player to reach 10,000 kills in CSGO official matches.
In 2021, kennyS was benched by G2 after a slump in form and results. He later joined Team Falcons, a new project led by Nathan “NBK-” Schmitt, where he hoped to regain his confidence and motivation. However, after six months of competing, kennyS announced his retirement from professional CSGO on May 20, 2023. He cited personal reasons and a desire to pursue other opportunities as a content creator.
- Teams: Titan, Team EnVyUs, G2 Esports, VeryGames
- Earnings: $741,000
9. Patrik Lindberg (f0rest)
Patrik “f0rest” Lindberg is one of the best CS:GO players of all time. He played the game since its release in 2012 and has won numerous tournaments and awards with Ninjas in Pyjamas and Dignitas.
Known for his almost decade-long tenure with NiP (one of best CSGO teams), he created an unbeatable dynasty in the early days of CS:GO, winning the ESL One Cologne 2014 Major and achieving an unprecedented 87-map win streak.
If there had been Counter-Strike odds on the most successful player in the game at the time, your best bet would have been with f0rest.
As a versatile player, he excelled with both rifles and AWP, with a remarkable aim and game sense. He influenced many generations of players with his skills, achievements, and impact on the professional gaming scene.
He ranked among the top players of the year multiple times. He last played for Dignitas and became inactive in June of 2022.
- Teams: Ninjas in Pyjamas, Dignitas
- Earnings: $763,000
Continue reading: Best Female CSGO Players
8. Marcelo Augusto David (coldzera)
Coldzera was a Brazilian professional CS:GO player who last played for 00 Nation, a new team formed in 2022. He ranked as the number-one player in the world several times.
Coldzera started playing CS:GO professionally in 2014, joining Dexterity Team, a Brazilian team that later became Luminosity Gaming. He quickly rose to fame as a skilled rifler and lurker, capable of clutching rounds and making smart plays. He was part of the legendary Luminosity/SK Gaming roster that won two consecutive Majors in 2016, MLG Columbus and ESL One Cologne, where he also earned the MVP awards for his outstanding performance. Widely regarded as one of the most consistent and versatile players in the game, he was able to adapt to any situation and role.
Coldzera also played for MIBR and FaZe Clan, two of the most popular teams in the CS:GO scene. He won several tournaments with these teams, such as the ZOTAC Cup Masters 2018 with MIBR and BLAST Pro Series Copenhagen 2019 with FaZe Clan.
He was a mentor and leader for many young talents, such as Stewie2K, tarik, broky, and rain. He was known for his calm demeanor, professionalism, and dedication to the game.
- Teams: SK Gaming, Luminosity Gaming, MIBR, FaZe Clan, 00 Nation
- Earnings: $1,033,000
7. Peter Rasmussen (Dupreeh)
Dupreeh is one of the most decorated and influential players in the history of the game. Dupreeh, whose real name is Peter Rasmussen, is a Danish professional CSGO player who last played for Team Vitality as an entry fragger.
He played as lurker and an AWPer in his previous team, Astralis, where he was a core member for almost six years.
Dupreeh started his CSGO career in 2012, playing for various Danish teams such as 3DMAX, Copenhagen Wolves, and Team Dignitas. He joined Team SoloMid in 2015, where he formed a strong partnership with his longtime teammate, dev1ce. Together, they moved to Astralis in 2016, where they achieved unprecedented success and dominance in the CSGO scene.
Dupreeh is the most decorated player in CSGO history, having attended all 19 CSGO Majors and winning five of them. He won numerous other tournaments and awards, such as the Intel Grand Slam, and the BLAST Pro Series. Regarded as one of the best entry fraggers and riflers in the world, he was known for his aggressive and impactful playstyle, his clutch ability, and his versatility.
He showed remarkable dedication, passion, and skill throughout his career.
- Teams: Astralis, Team Vitality, Copenhagen Wolves, Dignitas, TSM
- Earnings: $2,181,000
Read also: The Best Esports Players from Brazil
6. Finn Andersen (karrigan)
Finn “karrigan” Andersen was not only a professional Counter-Strike: Global Offensive player, but also a legend in the game. As the captain and in-game leader of FaZe Clan, he led his team to win the PGL Major Antwerp 2022, the first Major title for an international lineup in CSGO history. But his journey to the top was not easy, as he had to overcome many challenges and changes in his long and illustrious career.
Karrigan started playing Counter-Strike in 2006, and soon became one of the best Danish players in the scene. He played for various teams such as Fnatic, Team Dignitas, Team SoloMid, and Astralis, where he established himself as a masterful strategist and a versatile rifler.
He was also known for his ability to adapt to different roles and teammates, as he often switched teams and regions throughout his career.
In 2016, he joined FaZe Clan, an international team with players from different countries and backgrounds. He quickly transformed FaZe into a powerhouse, winning several trophies and reaching the finals of two Majors. However, he also faced some difficulties and disappointments, as he was benched in 2018 and loaned to Team Envy for a short period. He then moved to Mousesports, where he rebuilt the team and led them to several victories, including the ESL Pro League Season 17.
In 2021, he returned to FaZe Clan, where he reunited with some of his former teammates and welcomed new ones. He brought back the fire and passion to FaZe, and guided them to their greatest achievement yet: winning the PGL Major Antwerp 2022. He became the first IGL to win a Major with an international lineup, and cemented his legacy as one of the most successful and influential players in CSGO history.
- Teams: Fnatic, mousesports, Copenhagen Wolves, Dignitas, TSM, Astralis, FaZe Clan, Team Envy
- Earnings: $1,651,000
5. Olof Kajbjer Gustafsson (olofmeister)
Olof “olofmeister” Kajbjer Gustafsson is a legend in the world of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. As one of the most successful and influential players in the history of the game, he won two Majors, numerous international tournaments, and countless accolades.
Widely regarded as the best player of 2015, that’s when he dominated the scene with his former team Fnatic. Olofmeister was known for his versatile and impactful playstyle, being able to excel in any role and situation.
Also famous for his clutch moments, such as his incredible defuse on Overpass against Team Dignitas at ESL One Cologne 2014, they earned him the nickname “boostmeister”.
Olofmeister played for FaZe Clan from 2017, where he continued to showcase his skills and experience as a top-tier player.
He helped FaZe Clan achieve success at events such as ESL One: New York, ELEAGUE CS:GO Premier 2017, and Esports Championship Series Season 4.
Olofmeister earned around $900,000 USD in prize money throughout his career, making him one of the richest CSGO players of all time.
- Teams: H2K, Absolute Legends, LGB Esports, Fnatic, FaZe Clan
- Earnings: $937,000
4. Christopher Alesund (GeT_RiGhT)
Christopher “GeT_RiGhT” Alesund is not just a name, but a legend in the world of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO). He is widely regarded as one of the best players of all time, having dominated the scene for over a decade with his incredible skills, clutch plays, and game sense.
He won numerous titles and awards, including being ranked #1 in 2013 and 2014, and being part of the legendary Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP) roster that achieved an unprecedented 87-0 map win streak on LAN.
GeT_RiGhT is known for his signature role as a lurker, a player who sneaks behind enemy lines and surprises them with deadly accuracy and timing.
He was also a versatile player who could use any weapon effectively, especially the AWP, which he often picked up to deliver stunning shots. GeT_RiGhT inspired countless fans and players with his passion, dedication, and professionalism.
He contributed to the growth and development of CS:GO as an esport, and left a lasting legacy as one of the greatest players to ever touch the game.
- Teams: Ninjas in Pyjamas, Dignitas
- Earnings: $522,000
3. Nicolai Reedtz (dev1ce)
Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz is one of the most decorated Counter-Strike: Global Offensive players of all time. He won four Majors, was named #1 player in the world twice, and earned more than $2 million in prize money.
dev1ce’s career began in 2013, when he joined the Danish team Copenhagen Wolves. He quickly established himself as one of the best players in the world, and in 2015, he joined Astralis.
With Astralis, dev1ce won four Majors in a row, a feat that had never been accomplished before. He was also named the MVP of two of those Majors. In addition to his Major victories, dev1ce won numerous other Counter-Strike events, including ESL One Cologne, DreamHack Masters, and EPICENTER.
dev1ce was not only a great player, but also a great leader. Known for his calm and collected demeanor, even in the most intense situations he remained a great communicator, and motivator for his teams.
- Teams: Astralis, Ninjas in Pyjamas
- Earnings: $1,981,000
2. Mathieu Herbaut (ZywOo)
If you are a fan of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, you have probably heard of Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut, the French prodigy who played for Team Vitality as the AWPer.
ZywOo is widely regarded as one of the best CS:GO players in the world, having been ranked the No. 1 player in 2019 and 2020, and the No. 2 player in 2021 and 2022. He also won numerous awards, including a Major MVP at BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023, where he led his team to victory against Complexity.
ZywOo started playing CS:GO professionally in 2016, joining teams such as dizLown, nevermind, E-Corp Bumpers, WySix Team and against All authority. He joined Team Vitality in October 2018, where he quickly became the star player and the main carry of the team. Since then, he helped Vitality win several prestigious tournaments, such as ESL Pro League Season 16, Intel Extreme Masters Rio 2023, Intel Extreme Masters XVI – Winter and BLAST Premier: Fall 2020.
ZywOo is known for his incredible skills with the AWP, his versatility as a rifler, his clutch ability and his game sense. He delivered countless amazing performances and highlights, such as his ace against NAVITY at Showmatch CS 2023 , his 1v4 clutch against Natus Vincere at BLAST Premier Spring Final 2023 , and his 34 kills against Astralis at BLAST Premier Fall 2020.
He also set several records, such as being the youngest player to win a Major MVP award, being the first player to be ranked No. 1 by HLTV for two consecutive years, and being the first player to have a rating above 1.30 for three consecutive years.
ZywOo was not only a phenomenal player, but also a humble and respectful person. Admired by his teammates, opponents and fans alike for his attitude and personality, his work ethic, passion and his dedication to the game made him stand out.
- Teams: Team Vitality
- Earnings: $817,000
1. Oleksandr Kostyliev (s1mple)
Does s1mple top the list of the best CSGO players of all time?
Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev is a player synonymous with success in the CS:GO world. He started competing since way back in 2013, and played at a tournament level since he was just fifteen years old.
It’s not unfair to say that CS:GO shaped Kostyliev’s life, and once he started gaining traction as a player, he refused to slow down. With the conclusion of competitive CSGO, he’s regarded as one of the best (if not the best) CS:GO players in the world.
In 2022, s1mple continued his dominance of the CS:GO scene. He won the Intel Grand Slam, a prestigious award given to the first team to win four CS:GO Majors or Major-equivalent tournaments. He also won the HLTV World Ranking #1 for the third time in his career.
With the end of CS:GO, s1mple has won 21 HLTV MVP medals, which is more than any other player in CS:GO history. He also won two Majors, two Intel Grand Slams, and numerous other tournaments. He is widely considered to be the best CS:GO player of all time.
Here are some of s1mple’s most notable achievements:
- MLG Major Championship: Columbus (2016) – 2nd place
- ESL One New York 2016 (2016) – 1st place
- FACEIT Major: London 2018 (2018) – 2nd place
- ESL One Cologne 2018 (2018) – 1st place
- IEM Katowice 2020 (2020) – 1st place
- IEM Cologne 2021 (2021) – 1st place
- PGL Major Stockholm 2021 (2021) – 1st place
- BLAST Premier: Fall Finals (2021) – 1st place
- BLAST Premier: World Final (2021) – 1st place
- BLAST Premier: Spring Finals (2022) – 1st place
- PGL Major Antwerp (2022) – 2nd place
If we look past CSGO, s1mple stands firm as arguably the most successful and valuable esports player in history. It doesn’t matter what tournament he’s stepping into, he’s worth backing – whether that’s BLAST Premier betting, a PGL Major, or an IEM tournament.
s1mple is a true legend of CS:GO, with an epic career to look back on.
- Teams: Liquid, Natus Vincere
- Earnings: $1,722,000
For a while, the naysayers in the industry were asking, is CSGO dying? With the arrival of CS2, one could say that CSGO “died”, but in a way that it will be forever cherished and properly succeeded.
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