French AWPer ZywOo continues to shape a new chapter of individual dominance in CS. After another run of successful tournaments, his lead over s1mple has grown to 8 MVP awards, bringing the current race dangerously close to the most extreme record in the history of the discipline.
The current state of the MVP race
As of now, the list of top players by number of MVP awards looks as follows:
- ZywOo — 29 MVPs
- s1mple — 21 MVPs
- device — 19 MVPs
- donk — 10 MVPs
- kennyS — 10 MVPs
- GeT_RiGhT — 10 MVPs
- NiKo — 10 MVPs
Thus, the gap between first and second place stands at 8 MVPs, making it one of the largest margins in modern CS history.
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Historical context: a record under threat
The absolute record for the largest MVP gap was set in 2020, when device led s1mple by 9 awards. At the time, it seemed like a unique case tied to the peak of the Astralis era. However, ZywOo’s current form poses a real threat of matching or even surpassing that benchmark, now in the CS2 era.
Why ZywOo is so consistent
The secret behind ZywOo’s dominance lies not only in mechanical skill. His advantage is built on systemic consistency: he posts a high individual rating at virtually every tournament, regardless of opponent strength or event format. Just as important is the fact that his impact is not limited to the AWP — ZywOo regularly delivers in key clutches, wins late rounds, and adapts to any role within the map.
The structure of Team Vitality also plays a major role. A well-defined system, clear role distribution, and stable leadership allow the French star to maintain peak form not in short bursts, but across multiple seasons in a row. This combination is what makes ZywOo not just a superstar, but a long-term dominator of the CS2 era.
Can s1mple close the gap
Despite the significant deficit, s1mple remains one of the very few players in history capable of shifting the balance of power in a short period of time. However, a real comeback in the MVP race would require consistent performances specifically at top-tier events, not just isolated standout matches. Trophy runs with regular finals appearances will be crucial, as MVP awards are most often decided there.
Equally important is a return to the structured, controlled style of play that defined his best years. Without it, an 8-MVP gap risks quickly turning into a record-breaking 9 — or even more — which would firmly cement a new hierarchy of individual achievements in CS.
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A shift of eras
ZywOo’s 8-MVP lead over s1mple is no longer a coincidence or a short-term streak. It is a clear indicator of an era shift. If the current trajectory holds, the French AWPer has every chance to break one of the scene’s most resilient records and definitively secure his status as the most decorated MVP winner in Counter-Strike history.
