Who Will Make HLTV’s Top 10 Players of 2024 and Why donk Might Not Be the Best Player This Season?
The first full season of CS2 has come to an end, and we’re saying goodbye to competitive Counter-Strike for over a month. In early January, the annual HLTV Awards will reveal the best players of the season. This year, the usual debates between the top two contenders seem unlikely, as three players are vying for the number one spot. HLTV uses its own scoring system, which doesn’t always align with community opinions. Let’s try to predict who will make the top 10 and who will claim the prestigious award in 2024.
10. ELiGE
- 1st place — ESL Challenger (MVP) Jönköping 2024
- 3-4th place — ESL Pro League Season 19
While HLTV’s scoring formula remains a mystery, players without major trophies often make the list. Individual performance plays a huge role, and ELiGE ranks 7th in LAN statistics against top-20 teams. His consistency for Complexity was undeniable, often single-handedly carrying the team to victory. Despite winning only a $50,000 LAN tournament, his personal impact is hard to overlook, though a spot in the top 10 is uncertain.
9. Spinx
- 1st place — IEM Cologne 2024
- 2nd place — IEM Dallas 2024
- 2nd place — ESL Pro League Season 19
Playing in the shadow of a three-time best player of the year is tough. Spinx’s situation mirrors electroNic’s time with s1mple. Yet, the Israeli player excelled in both defense and attack, frequently securing critical frags. His clutch performances and consistent impact helped Vitality reach several finals. If he doesn’t make the top 10, he’s sure to be just outside it.
8. XANTARES
- 2nd place — ESL Pro League Season 20
- 2nd place — BetBoom Dacha Belgrade Season 2
- 5-8th place — PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen 2024
The return of “XANTARES PEEK” highlighted Eternal Fire’s success, especially in the latter half of the year. His aggressive style overwhelmed even the best teams, as demonstrated during finals against Spirit and NAVI. His relentless impact on the game felt like a FACEIT session, earning him a deserved place in the rankings.
7. b1t
- 1st place — PGL CS2 Major Copenhagen 2024
- 1st place — IEM Rio 2024
- 1st place — Esports World Cup 2024 (MVP)
- 1st place — ESL Pro League Season 20
NAVI’s dominance was largely due to team coordination and coaching, but b1t’s stability stood out. Despite jL earning the Major MVP, b1t’s consistent performance, especially in the final months, secures his spot over his teammate.
6. xertioN
- 1st place — ESL Pro League Season 19
- 1st place — BetBoom Dacha Belgrade 2024
- 2nd place — IEM Rio 2024
- 3-4th place — IEM Katowice 2024, IEM Cologne 2024
When frozen left MOUZ, xertioN took on the star role and thrived. Despite being denied two MVP awards, his performance helped MOUZ secure major titles. The team might struggle to keep him amid inevitable transfer offers.
5. NiKo
- 1st place — IEM Dallas 2024
- 1st place — BLAST Premier World Final 2024
- 1st place — BLAST Premier Fall Final 2024
- 2nd place — Esports World Cup 2024
Despite missing out on a Major again, NiKo secured significant titles and even led G2 as IGL during IEM Dallas. With roster changes reigniting his form, he delivered another stellar season. His current level remains as impressive as ever.
4. sh1ro
- 1st place — Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024
- 1st place — IEM Katowice 2024
- 1st place — BLAST Premier Spring Final 2024
- 1st place — BetBoom Dacha Belgrade Season 2
After a turbulent 2023, sh1ro’s move to Team Spirit revived his career and elevated the team to tier-1 status. His clutch performances were pivotal, including a historic play in the Shanghai Major final, leaving an unforgettable mark on the season.
3. ZywOo
- 1st place — IEM Cologne 2024 (MVP)
- 2nd place — IEM Dallas 2024
- 2nd place — ESL Pro League Season 19 (MVP)
Despite facing stiff competition, ZywOo overcame a tough transition to CS2 and reclaimed his star status. While his team’s achievements fell short, his individual brilliance ensures a high ranking, though likely not the top spot this time.
2. donk
- 1st place — Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 (MVP)
- 1st place — IEM Katowice 2024 (MVP)
- 1st place — BLAST Premier Spring Final 2024 (MVP)
- 1st place — BetBoom Dacha Belgrade Season 2 (MVP)
At just 17, donk shattered expectations, proving doubters wrong with an unprecedented season. Despite Team Spirit missing two major tournaments, his individual stats were off the charts. Whether HLTV will reward him with the top spot remains uncertain.
1. m0NESY
- 1st place — IEM Dallas 2024 (MVP)
- 1st place — BLAST Premier World Final 2024 (MVP)
- 1st place — BLAST Premier Fall Final 2024 (MVP)
- 2nd place — Esports World Cup 2024
m0NESY has evolved from a skilled prodigy into a true leader. His maturity, resilience, and consistent excellence make him the strongest contender for the #1 spot. His performance throughout the year sets a new standard in competitive CS2.
