Best CSGO Player of All Time: Who is the GOAT?

Now active for over two decades, Counter Strike has been a phenomenon since its inception in 1999. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO), the fourth installment in the series, is one of the most popular esports in the world. Over time, certain teams and players have gone on to build an incredible legacy for themselves by participating in many CSGO tournaments, with a focus on the Majors. In this piece, we’ll be looking at the top-five CSGO players of all-time and more important, the best CSGO player of all time.

There are many great CSGO players who did not make this list but that just goes to show how incredible some of the names who find themselves in this list are.

Our Top 5 Picks for Best CSGO Player of All Time

5. Marcelo ‘coldzera’ David

No longer in the limelight like he was a few years back, the 27-year-old remains one of the greatest CSGO players of all-time. He has won two Majors and been an eight-time MVP. He was the number one ranked player for two years straight: 2016 and 2017. This happened during a highly successful period for Luminosity Gaming. He is also widely accepted as the greatest fragger of all-time and is known for his consistency. You can always expect a certain level with coldzera.

He has represented many teams before and is currently under the banner of 00NATION. So far he hasn’t played for a side that makes him look like the one of the best CSGO players in 2022 but that shouldn’t undermine what he’s already achieved in the game. Brazil have had some of top players on the CSGO circuit over the years but none as good as Marcelo ‘coldzera’ David.

4. Olof ‘olofmeister’ Kajbjer Gustafsson

A pioneer of the game, the 30-year-old Swede Olof ‘olofmeister’ Kajbjer Gustafsson is another player credited with popularizing the esport. He is a six-time MVP and two-time Major winner. He’s most well-known for his time with Fnatic, where he won back-to-back Majors.

Olofmeister gained a reputation as the most versatile player in the game, comfortable in any given role. His greatness didn’t stop at Fnatic. He joined FaZe and continued to be one of the best players on the circuit but came short in one Major finals. He hasn’t been active for a while and is on a hiatus. CSGO fans will always have a special place for Olofmeister in their hearts. It wasn’t just his play but his charm that drew so many to him. He has finished at the top of the player rankings once before in 2015.

3. Cristopher ‘GeT_Right’ Alesund

No longer active, the 32-year-old Swede was a real force in the early days of the CSGO era and is another pioneer of the game, finishing the years 2013 and 2014 as world number 1 and winning 10 MVP medals in that period. He had a 14-year career before calling it quits in 2021 and was one of the key forces in driving the popularity of CSGO.

GeT_Right is most well-known for his stint with Ninjas In Pyjamas (NIP), with whom he won one Major and made it to five finals. He also went on an 87-game winning streak during his time with NIP, a record that stands to this day. His form dropped a bit as he got on but what he achieved before that was quite special.

2. Oleksandr ‘S1mple’ Kostyliev

He ended the year 2021 as the top ranked player on CSGO and despite being only 24 years old, the Ukrainian is already considered one of the greatest players in CSGO history. Currently representing Natus Vincere, ranked 2^nd in the world, Oleksandr ‘S1mple’ Kostyliev has one major and been a 19-time MVP.

He’s the most exciting player in the CSGO circuit at the moment. However, the big question mark against him for many years was if he could win a major. With that out of the way now, there’s no questioning his talent and his status in the game. He has had an incredible amount of success in a short time and the only question is if he can keep this going and maybe top the list in some point in the future. He has been one of the best CSGO players in 2022 too.

If he continues like this, it should only be a matter of time before he sits on the very top of the CSGO all-time list.

 1. Nicolai ‘Device’ Reedtz

 nother player that hasn’t participated in CSGO tournaments for some time, Nicolai ‘Device’ Reedtz tops our list as one of the greatest CSGO players of all time. The record speaks for itself. No one in CSGO history has received so many honors. He has won an astounding four Majors, been a 19-time MVP, a two-time Major MVP and been in the top-20 for eight years straight before taking a break last year.

The 27-year-old Dane could yet come back and only strengthen his legacy. He hasn’t ever topped the rankings but has been ranked in 2^nd place once in 2018, 3^rd place four times (’15, ’16, ’18 and ’19) and 5^th place in 2017. He can also play as a rifler and AWPer and has performed incredibly for more than one team. Last year, he finished with a ranking of 11.

For his longevity, versatility, consistency at the very top and performances for different teams, it’s hard to compare anyone else in the CSGO pro scene. The amount of silverware he has won in that time only adds to his legacy.

We know not everyone is going to agree with our pick for the best CSGO player of all time. The beauty of the game is, there’s so much amazing talent out there, no one will ever 100% agree. That said, for now these are our top picks, and we can’t wait to see if the next generation can change it.