HLTV announces Hall of Fame nominees for CS2

The HLTV Hall of Fame stands as Counter-Strike’s highest recognition for retired professional players, celebrating those who have defined the game’s history through skill, influence, and consistency. It serves as a lasting tribute to the legends, honoring their competitive achievements and the mark they left on the community.

The selection process is handled by a committee of eleven respected figures from across the esports industry, including former players, journalists, and executives. Each member votes based on criteria such as career accomplishments, impact on the Counter-Strike scene, and overall longevity in professional play.

HLTV Hall of Fame nominees

Established in 2024, the HLTV Hall of Fame began with four of Sweden’s most iconic names: f0rest, GeT_RiGhT, HeatoN, and Potti. These inaugural inductees set the tone for what the honor represents: recognition of those who defined Counter-Strike’s competitive spirit.

Every year, between three and five new players are chosen to join this elite group. Inductees receive a Rolex watch, a dedicated HLTV profile, and commemorative features celebrating their legacy. The Hall of Fame continues to grow as CS evolves, ensuring that the pioneers and icons who built the foundation of the esport are remembered for generations to come.

Here’s the full list of nominees for 2025:

• Peter “dupreeh” Rasmussen
• Jørgen “XeqtR” Johannessen
• Ola “elemeNt” Moum
• Abdisamad “SpawN” Mohamed
• Raphael “cogu” Camargo
• Yegor “markeloff” Markelov
• Kyle “Ksharp” Miller
• Danny “fRoD” Montaner
• Kenny “kennyS” Schrub
• Olof “olofmeister” Kajbjer

Dupreeh

The Danish legend stands among the most decorated players in Counter-Strike history, with a career that defines excellence and consistency at the highest level. Across more than a decade of competition, he earned a reputation for his sharp aim, calmness under pressure, and unmatched ability to deliver when it mattered most.

Throughout his career, dupreeh represented several top-tier organizations, including Team SoloMid, Astralis, and Team Vitality. It was with Astralis, however, that he cemented his place in esports history. Between 2017 and 2019, he played a central role in what is widely regarded as the greatest era of dominance the game has ever seen. Astralis’ coordinated play and strategic brilliance reshaped how professional Counter-Strike was played, and dupreeh’s reliability made him a cornerstone of that success.

XeqtR

The Norwegian strategist XeqtR earned his reputation as one of the sharpest tactical leaders during the golden age of CS 1.6. Known for his exceptional game sense and ability to adapt mid-match, he was both respected and feared across the competitive scene. His leadership shaped the early evolution of professional Counter-Strike, setting a standard for in-game shot calling that influenced many players who followed in his footsteps.

XeqtR competed for some of the most respected organizations in esports history, including SK Gaming, Ninjas in Pyjamas, and NoA. Each team benefited from his structured approach to strategy and his calm presence during high-pressure matches. His success extended across multiple major tournaments, including several CPL events and World Cyber Games titles, solidifying his place among the top leaders of his time.

ElemeNt

ElemeNt remains one of the standout figures from CS 1.6’s competitive peak, remembered for his incredible rifling precision and sharp tactical instincts. The Norwegian star earned respect across the global scene for his consistency and ability to read the game at a level few could match. His presence on the server often shifted the momentum of matches, and his understanding of positioning and timing made him one of the most complete players of his generation.

Throughout his career, elemeNt competed for powerhouse teams such as SK Gaming, NoA, and Mousesports. His time with SK Gaming was particularly defining, as he became part of one of the most dominant rosters in Counter-Strike history. Competing alongside Swedish icons, he helped the team secure major titles at CPL and WCG tournaments, cementing their status as one of the strongest lineups ever assembled.

SpawN

SpawN earned his reputation as one of CS 1.6’s most electrifying talents, combining lightning-fast reflexes with fearless entry fragging. The Swedish-Somali player became a fan favorite for his explosive playstyle and ability to take control of high-pressure moments. His confidence in pushing through defenses and creating space for his team made him a nightmare for opponents and a crucial asset for any lineup he represented.

SpawN played for some of the most iconic organizations in Counter-Strike history, including SK Gaming and Ninjas in Pyjamas. His performances in major tournaments, such as the CPL and other global championships, consistently stood out for precision and composure. He developed a reputation for thriving under pressure, often turning what looked like lost rounds into unforgettable clutch victories.

Cogu

Cogu stands as one of the most influential figures in Brazilian Counter-Strike history, credited with laying the foundation for the country’s competitive legacy. As an elite AWPer during the CS 1.6 era, he combined precision, sharp decision-making, and remarkable consistency, earning international recognition at a time when South American players had limited global exposure. His performances helped put Brazil on the esports map, proving that the region could compete with the best in the world.

Representing Made in Brazil (mibr), Cogu secured multiple major tournament victories, including two CPL and ESWC championships. These wins established mibr as a dominant force and marked the beginning of Brazil’s long-standing presence in top-tier Counter-Strike competition. His clutch plays and calm demeanor under pressure made him one of the most respected AWPers of his generation.

Markeloff

Markeloff is one of the most iconic AWPers in Counter-Strike history, remembered for redefining what it meant to be a sniper during the late years of CS 1.6. His precision, calmness under pressure, and ability to control the pace of a match made him one of the most feared players in the world.

Representing Natus Vincere, he helped the Ukrainian powerhouse dominate multiple major tournaments and secure victories at Intel Extreme Masters events. His leadership in key rounds and ability to swing matches with a single shot made the lineup a global force and one of the most respected organizations in esports.

KSharp

KSharp was one of the earliest stars in North American Counter-Strike, a player whose sharp aim and composure helped put the region on the global esports map. As one of the first true AWP specialists from the United States, he built a reputation for precision and confidence in moments where every shot mattered. His aggressive yet calculated style made him a standout performer during the formative years of competitive Counter-Strike.

Representing Team 3D, KSharp played a key role in securing multiple CPL championships, proving that North American teams could compete with the best from Europe and beyond. His performances helped shape Team 3D into one of the most respected organizations of the early Counter-Strike era, setting a foundation for the region’s future success.

FRoD

FRoD is one of the most celebrated figures in American Counter-Strike history, recognized for his incredible AWP precision and natural leadership. During his peak years, his consistency and clutch performances made him a player that opponents feared and fans admired. His sharp instincts and calm approach under pressure defined his playstyle, turning him into one of the most dependable snipers of the 1.6 era.

Representing powerhouse teams like compLexity Gaming and Team 3D, fRoD collected multiple CPL titles and shone in Source competitions, solidifying his status as one of North America’s finest. His ability to perform at the highest level across both 1.6 and Source highlighted his adaptability and understanding of the game’s evolving tactics.

KennyS

KennyS remains one of the most iconic figures in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive history, celebrated for transforming how the AWP was used at the highest level. His bold, lightning-fast approach to sniping made every match he played a spectacle, and his confidence in taking risky shots turned him into one of the most feared players on the server. Few could match his ability to dictate the pace of a round through raw mechanical skill and instinct.

Throughout his career, KennyS represented several elite organizations, including Titan, EnVyUs, and G2 Esports. While a Major title narrowly escaped him, he came close several times, proving his consistency against the world’s best. His performances in premier events earned him multiple MVP awards and solidified his reputation as one of the most exciting players to ever pick up the AWP.

Olofmeister

Olofmeister stands as one of the most influential riflers in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive history, especially during the game’s early competitive era. His sharp aim, calmness under pressure, and unmatched versatility made him one of the most reliable and feared players of his time. Whether it was holding bombsites, clutching impossible rounds, or pulling off iconic plays, Olofmeister consistently delivered when it mattered most.

He made his mark with top-tier organizations such as LGB eSports, Fnatic, and FaZe Clan. His time with Fnatic in 2015 remains legendary, as the team captured back-to-back Major titles at ESL One: Katowice and ESL One: Cologne. During this period, Olofmeister’s performance defined an era of dominance, with his adaptability allowing Fnatic to excel across every map and matchup.

HLTV Hall of Fame 2025 analysis

The 2025 HLTV Hall of Fame nominees showcase a rich blend of eras, skillsets, and regional representation, bringing together legends from the days of CS 1.6 and superstars who defined the CS:GO generation. The announcement has sparked plenty of discussion across social media, with fans debating whether players like dupreeh, kennyS, and olofmeister are being considered too soon compared to the veterans who helped shape the game’s earliest competitive years.

Among the nominees, Brazilian icon Cogu has received a wave of appreciation from fans across South America. His influence on the rise of Brazilian Counter-Strike is widely recognized, with many viewing his nomination as a fitting acknowledgment of his role in building the region’s competitive foundation. Meanwhile, the inclusion of classic 1.6 legends such as XeqtR, elemeNt, and SpawN highlights a continued respect for the game’s formative era and the players who helped establish its competitive spirit.

Six of the ten names on this year’s list were also featured in the inaugural 2024 ballot, with dupreeh, XeqtR, elemeNt, and SpawN making their debut as new candidates. Last year’s inductees, the Swedish greats f0rest, GeT_RiGhT, HeatoN, and Potti, set a remarkably high standard for the Hall of Fame’s legacy, creating strong expectations for those who follow.

Voting will conclude with the announcement of the next three inductees during the HLTV Awards ceremony in Belgrade, Serbia, on Jan. 9, 2026. Each new Hall of Famer will receive the same recognition as the original class, including a Rolex watch, an official HLTV profile, and a detailed showcase celebrating their impact and achievements in Counter-Strike history.