The AWP has always been the most iconic weapon in Counter-Strike. Just a single shot that can change the course of a round. Over the years, countless players have picked up the sniper rifle, but only a few have truly mastered it. From the dominance of s1mple and dev1ce to the explosive plays of kennyS and the new-age brilliance of ZywOo, these AWPers have defined entire eras of CS:GO and CS2. Let’s take a look at the best snipers to ever grace the game’s history.

List of TOP 10 Best CS:GO/CS2 AWPers in The World

Broky

Main achievements:

  • Ranked the 6th best player of 2022 by HLTV

  • 3-Time MVP: IEM Katowice 2022, BLAST Fall Finals 2022, IEM Chengdu 2024

  • First Latvian player to win a Major, doing so at PGL Major Antwerp 2022.

This ranking is opened by the long-time sniper of the FaZe Clan team. The Latvian joined the super team as a rookie, and is now one of the most titled players in the history of the game. Back in 2019, no one knew him, but from his very first matches, he proved himself to be a top player.

And although he seems unemotional and inconspicuous on the server, he always helps the team when needed. Stability and composure are his strengths.

All-time HLTV Rating 2.0: 1.11

Skadoodle

Main achievements:

  • The only one who wasn’t in match-fixing scandal within iBUYPOWER

  • First North American major champion, with Cloud9 at ELEAGUE Boston Major

  • Ranked the 20th best player of 2015 by HLTV

The legend of NA. Skadoodle helped home team, Cloud9, to secure the first-ever Major title at ELEAGUE Major in Boston. In the early days, he escaped the match-fixing scandal within iBUYPOWER, because his teammates didn’t even ask him to lose a game for money. After this scandal, he found his home in Cloud9. Skadoodle is a quite respected player who remains an example for all players from North America to follow.

All-time HLTV Rating 2.0: 1.06.

cadiaN

Main achievements:

  • Ranked the 18th best player of 2023 by HLTV

  • One of the best IGL-AWPers in the history of CS

  • Major finalist with Heroic at IEM Rio Major 2022

cadiaN is a legend not because he’s the flashiest AWPer, but because he’s a leader who turned setbacks into triumphs, inspired his teammates, and helped shape the modern CS era.

He was kicked from Danish top teams, but didn’t give up and got to the Major with NA team, Rogue. Even when he was broke during COVID pandemic, he bounced back with HEROIC, and developed into the best IGL-AWPers in the history of CS.

Every CS fan knows his famous clutch vs Gambit - absolute cinema.

All-time HLTV Rating 2.0: 1.03

kennyS

  • Ranked the 6th best player of 2015 by HLTV

  • Major Champion with Envy at DreamHack Cluj-Napoca

  • 10-Time MVP

His speed, creativity, and showmanship turned him into one of the most iconic players ever to touch Counter-Strike. The French player was one of the best in 2014–15 years. People remembered him for his insane highlights, flicks, and crazy kills. He managed to win a Major with Envy. His quickscopes are the most powerful in the history of CS.

All-time HLTV Rating 2.0: 1.12

JW

Main achievements:

  • Ranked the 5th best player of 2015 by HLTV

  • 3-Time Major winner with Fnatic

  • Previously was the youngest major champion, 18 years old, 280 days.

JW is a legend because he redefined how the AWP could be played, led fnatic to three Major titles, and brought unmatched flair and unpredictability to the game’s early years. His name is forever tied to the rise of competitive CS:GO.

The Swedish is still playing. He bought out the rights for the local legendary tag EYEBALLERS, and led the young core to new heights.

All-time HLTV Rating 2.0: 1.04

GuardiaN

Main achievements:

  • Ranked the 2nd best player of 2015 by HLTV

  • 8-Time MVP

  • He is the first Slovakian to make the HLTV Top-20 Ranking

The legendary sniper, who was a beast in two different teams, NAVI and FaZe Clan. He made himself in the Russian-speaking team, led by legendary captain Zeus. After NAVI he joined FaZe Clan, and won even more tier-1 events, but unfortunately, lost another Major final.

For years, he stood as the gold standard of AWPing. He was a calm, precise, and loyal icon who helped shape CS:GO’s golden era.

All-time HLTV Rating 2.0: 1.10

FalleN

Main achievements:

  • Became the Major champion first time in 2006

  • Ranked the 2nd best player of 2016

  • 4-Time MVP

The most experienced current player among CS players. He started his career 20 years ago. He won his first Major in 2006, and is still taking 1st places at S-tier events. FalleN is the real godfather of Brazilian CS. He built his resume thanks to a great era with LG/SK Gaming. Even while leading, FalleN was a top-tier AWPer: calm, calculated, and deadly.

He delivered some of the most iconic clutches and flicks ever seen, including his unforgettable 1v3 vs Liquid at MLG Columbus. He is the best IGL-snipers in the history of esports.

In addition to his resume, FalleN is actively using Skin.Land as the main platform to buy and sell skins

All-time HLTV Rating 2.0: 1.05

dev1ce

Main achievements:

  • 19-Time MVP

  • Ranked the 2nd best player of 2018 by HLTV

  • Won four Majors with Astralis

As a four-time Major champion and one of the most consistent players ever, he defined an entire era of winning Counter-Strike. Even though he didn’t finish 1st in HLTV ranking of best players, dev1ce is a legendary person in esports. He is the definition of hardworking and success. He doesn’t take unnecessary risks — he reads rotations, sets traps, and makes percentage plays that always favor his team. He’s the master of consistency, always delivering 20+ kills without flashy chaos.

Four-time Major winner - dev1ce is one of the best AWPers in the history of this game.

All-time HLTV Rating 2.0: 1.15

ZywOo

Main achievements:

  • Hold record with most MVP awards (27)

  • 3-Time best player of the year by HLTV (2019,2020,2023)

  • Was listed on 30 under 30 Europe by Forbes

ZywOo combines mechanical perfection, game sense, and consistency in a way that very few players ever have. He’s not just an elite sniper, but a complete player who dominates with any weapon, but his AWPing stands out for its intelligence and efficiency.

He’s been playing at the top level since day one on the pro scene, and this fact makes him so special. ZywOo is one of the few players to truly rival s1mple’s era of dominance. He finished HLTV’s #1 player in 2019 and 2020, and has never dropped below top 3 since.

In 2025, he comeback even stronger and leads Team Vitality to a second Major title in a row.

All-time HLTV Rating 2.0: 1.33

s1mple

Main achievements:

  • 3-Time best player of the year by HLTV (2018,2021,2022)

  • Best player of the decade by ESL

  • Has 21 MVP medals

s1mple is the best AWPer in CS history because he blends godlike mechanics, consistency, and intelligence at a level no one else has reached. A Major champion, multiple-time #1 player, and the ultimate leader. Sasha is a benchmark for greatness in Counter-Strike.

But unlike most AWPers who stick to one role, s1mple can dominate with any weapon: AK, M4, or Deagle. s1mple’s aim and reaction time are beyond elite, because he makes impossible shots look routine.

No other player hits as many multi-kill rounds, wallbangs, and flicks with such consistency.

Whether defending or entry-fragging, his precision under pressure is unmatched.

Also don’t hesitate to check out our article about s1mple settings.

All-time HLTV Rating 2.0: 1.24

Who is the Best CS2 AWPer Right Now in 2026?

The answer is simple - ZywOo. His previous rivals, device and s1mple, are no longer in top form. And new talents like m0nesy and 910 haven't won that many tournaments yet. ZywOo won his first MVP title six years ago, in 2019. He has been at the top ever since, and this year he has reached a whole new level. He helped his team win seven tournaments and received just as many MVP medals.

The Major in Budapest is coming up soon, and Vitality has a good chance of winning their second Major in a row. Then we can say with confidence that we are in the era of Vitality.

Settings of Best Pro AWPers in CS2

Since ZywOo is the best AWPer right now, we’re glad to introduce his main settings in CS2:

  • Mouse: Pulsar ZywOo The Chosen Mouse Black 

  • DPI: 400 

  • Sensitivity: 2 

  • eDPI: 8000 

  • Zoom Sensitivity: 1 

  • Hz: 1000 

  • Windows Sensitivity: 6 

If you want to explore ZywOo settings, check out our special article, where you can find everything about him.

How to Become the Best AWPer?

Becoming the best AWPer requires more than raw aim. It’s a combination of precision, intelligence, and composure. 

Top snipers like s1mple, ZywOo, and dev1ce excel because they predict enemy movements, maintain perfect crosshair placement, and make every shot count. 

Equally important is movement and positioning: 

  • mastering counter-strafing

  • shoulder peeks

  • map control 

It allows an AWPer to survive and create impact in crucial rounds. Beyond mechanics, mental strength and team synergy define greatness. The best AWPer stays calm in clutches, communicates effectively, and supports teammates with smart utility setups. In short, elite AWPing is about making every decision count, turning skill into consistent dominance.

Where to Buy Best AWPers Skins?

Here’s one last piece of advice. If you want to level up your sniping game, investing in some good AWP skins is a great step forward. Check out Skin.Land, because it’s the best place to grab skins at great prices, with multiple payment options and guaranteed safety.

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