HLTV, the authoritative source on Counter‑Strike, has unveiled the standout players in key roles based on their performance during the first half of 2025. This regular mid-year snapshot highlights the main contenders ahead of the official HLTV Awards ceremony scheduled for January 10, 2026, in Belgrade.
Player of the Year
- donk
- m0NESY
- ropz
- sh1ro
- ZywOo
AWPer of the Year
- 910
- m0NESY
- sh1ro
- torzsi
- ZywOo
In-Game Leader of the Year (IGL)
- apEX
- bLitz
- Brollan
- chopper
- kyxsan
Anchor of the Year
- b1t
- HeavyGoD
- Jimpphat
- PR
- mezii
Lurker of the Year
- frozen
- ropz
- Spinx
- TeSeS
- Wicadia
Entry Fragger of the Year
- donk
- flameZ
- NiKo
- Senzu
- XANTARES
Coach of the Year
- hally
- maaRaa
- sycrone
- XTQZZZ
- zonic
Rookie of the Year
- PR
- jottAAA
- tN1R
- molodoy
- ICY
Team of the Year
- Falcons
- MOUZ
- The MongolZ
- Spirit
- Vitality
Highlights & Leading Contenders
ZywOo remains the undisputed AWPer of the year so far — collecting victories at IEM Katowice 2025, ESL Pro League S21, BLAST Open Lisbon, IEM Melbourne, and the Austin Major. He also set a new record with 23 MVPs on LAN events.
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m0NESY continues to perform at a stellar level. As a key piece of Team Falcons, he consistently ranks among the top 5 AWPers in the world.
donk is the breakout superstar of 2025’s first half. Nominated as Entry Fragger of the Year, he earned multiple MVPs (IEM Katowice 2024, BetBoom Dacha, and more) and was named the youngest player of the year by HLTV.
NiKo stands as a strong contender among entry fraggers, showing consistent form and leadership in Team Falcons’ lineup.
ropz is one of the top lurkers in the game. Since joining Team Vitality in early 2025, he has already become a two-time Major champion and helped secure the ESL Grand Slam.
This mid-season breakdown shines a spotlight on the players who are already dominating their roles ahead of the official HLTV Awards ceremony in Belgrade on January 10, 2026.
Source: hltv.org
