Dmitry “sh1ro” Sokolov finished 5th in HLTV’s Top 20 Players of 2025, marking his fifth consecutive appearance in the ranking. The Russian AWPer delivered one of the most consistent individual seasons in Counter-Strike, averaging a 1.20 rating and collecting six EVP awards while anchoring Spirit’s success throughout the year.
A permanent presence among the elite
Since breaking onto the international stage with Gambit in 2021, sh1ro has become a fixture in the Top 20. His style has remained largely unchanged: controlled, calculated, and brutally efficient in late rounds. Even during turbulent periods — from Cloud9’s struggles in 2023 to roster instability later on — sh1ro’s individual level rarely dipped. That reliability once again defined his 2025 campaign.
read more
The sh1ro–donk partnership
sh1ro’s move to Spirit proved decisive for his career. Alongside Danil “donk” Kryshkovets, he formed one of the most effective duos in modern Counter-Strike. While donk handled raw aggression and highlight moments, sh1ro provided structure. His AWPing controlled space, stabilized rounds, and punished overextensions. Although he never eclipsed donk for MVP honors, he remained the team’s tactical backbone.
A year defined by consistency and silverware
Spirit began 2025 in dominant fashion. At BLAST Bounty Season 1, sh1ro delivered one of his best performances of the year, finishing the event with a 1.43 rating and an EVP as Spirit lifted the trophy. More titles followed. Spirit claimed wins at PGL Astana, IEM Cologne, and BLAST Bounty Season 2, while sh1ro repeatedly found himself near the top of the server. His ability to maintain impact across formats, maps, and opponents set him apart from most of the field.
High floor, few collapses
One of sh1ro’s defining traits in 2025 was his high floor. Even at Spirit’s weaker events, he often remained their best or second-best performer. There were setbacks. IEM Katowice and the Austin Major stood out as missed opportunities, where Spirit fell short of expectations and sh1ro’s playoff impact dipped. Yet those moments were exceptions rather than the rule. Across the full season, his level rarely collapsed.
Late-season challenges and adaptation
Roster changes mid-year forced Spirit into adjustment mode. New pieces altered the team’s rhythm, and results briefly suffered. Still, sh1ro adapted quickly. At IEM Cologne, he returned to EVP form and helped Spirit secure one of their most convincing LAN victories of the year. Later, at the StarLadder Budapest Major, sh1ro again stepped up on the big stage, earning his sixth EVP and guiding Spirit deep into the playoffs.
Why sh1ro ranked 5th
sh1ro finished 5th due to volume, consistency, and reliability.
He recorded:
- a 1.20 average rating (4th overall),
- six EVP awards, more than anyone outside the top five,
- EVP-level performances at Super Elite events.
What kept him out of the very top tier was peak dominance. Unlike those ranked above him, sh1ro rarely entered true MVP contention and posted weaker numbers against top-five opposition in playoffs. Still, few players matched his season-long stability.
read more
Still among Counter-Strike’s safest bets
sh1ro’s 2025 reinforced his reputation as one of the most dependable AWPers in the game. He may not always steal headlines, but his presence raises a team’s baseline instantly. As Spirit look ahead to 2026, sh1ro remains a proven cornerstone — a player almost guaranteed to deliver, no matter the stage.
