The Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh was not only the biggest event of the summer but also a stage where legends of the scene met rising stars. The tournament brought a historic triumph for The MongolZ, who sensationally went all the way to the title, while individual performances showed that the new generation is ready to challenge the giants. HLTV published the top 10 players of the tournament under the updated Rating 3.0 system, with Techno emerging as the main hero — the new MVP who entered the history of Mongolian Counter-Strike.
1. Techno (The MongolZ) — 1.39
The champion, the symbol, and the central figure. Across 11 maps, Techno recorded +51 K-D, an average rating of 1.39, and became the driving force in the grand final against Aurora. His playstyle combined aggressive entries and cold-blooded clutching, which earned him the tournament’s MVP title. In the final, he repeatedly broke Aurora’s economy and set a pace that even XANTARES and his squad could not withstand.
2. EliGE (FaZe) — 1.50
The unexpected star of the tournament. FaZe exited early, but EliGE became the top-rated player of the entire championship with an astonishing 1.50 rating. Despite playing only three maps, he impressed with crisp aim and confidence in every duel. His performance reminded everyone why he remains one of the most consistent American veterans.
3. Twistzz (Liquid) — 1.49
The Canadian superstar showcased his class even in a brief appearance. Twistzz played just two maps but delivered brilliantly: +15 K-D and a 1.49 rating. Liquid were not the surprise package of the event, but individually, Russell proved he is still a top-tier player.
4. sh1ro (Spirit) — 1.39
Spirit failed to meet expectations and dropped out too early, yet sh1ro once again demonstrated that he remains one of the most reliable AWPers in the world. His 1.44 K/D and 1.39 rating underlined that even when the team falters, sh1ro continues to be a dangerous presence in every situation.
5. XANTARES (Aurora) — 1.30
The leader of Turkish CS who guided Aurora to the grand final. With +37 K-D over 10 maps and a 1.30 rating, XANTARES proved he is still a formidable force. In the semifinal, he shut down Vitality’s stars, and in the final, even in defeat, he looked strong.
6. ZywOo (Vitality) — 1.29
The French superstar once again secured his traditional spot near the top. Across 10 maps, he recorded +30 K-D and a 1.29 rating. Vitality didn’t reach the final, but it was ZywOo who repeatedly kept them alive in crucial rounds, reaffirming his reputation as one of the most consistent players on the planet.
7. makazze (NAVI) — 1.27
One of the brightest debuts of the year. The Albanian newcomer makazze, who recently joined NAVI, played only three maps but left a mark: +12 K-D and a 1.27 rating. Despite the team’s overall failure, he showed that he has the potential to become one of NAVI’s future cornerstones.
8. m0NESY (Falcons) — 1.26
The Russian prodigy again proved he is among the best AWPers in the world. Over 10 maps, he delivered +46 K-D and a solid 1.26 rating. Falcons reached the semifinals largely thanks to m0NESY, who repeatedly pulled off clutches and dictated the pace of their offense.
9. NiKo (Falcons) — 1.26
As always, NiKo was the heart and brain of his team. He continued to display a rare balance of leadership and mechanical brilliance. Falcons earned redemption for their IEM Dallas loss, and NiKo’s impact on this result cannot be overstated.
10. bLitz (The MongolZ) — 1.25
The captain of the champions. If Techno was the driving force, bLitz was the architect of The MongolZ’s victory. His game sense, bold mid-round calls, and consistent 1.25 rating formed the foundation of the team’s historic title run.
A New Era
The Esports World Cup 2025 will be remembered not only as a tournament of upsets but also as the event that defined a new era of Counter-Strike 2.
- Techno became the first-ever Mongolian MVP, confirming the global growth of the scene.
- EliGE and Twistzz reminded everyone that veterans can still dictate the pace.
- NiKo and m0NESY solidified Falcons as a true world contender.
- ZywOo and sh1ro once again proved their unrivaled consistency.
This top 10 is a balance between old and new, between experience and rising talent. The Riyadh tournament became a true crossroads where legends and new heroes met.
