Who will be the top CS2 teams and players to watch in 2024? Let’s have a look at the parties expected to lead the charge in the competitive Counter-Strike scene next year
2023 marked a significant milestone for Counter-Strike since it saw the conclusion of the 11-year CSGO era. While we’ve witnessed a glimpse of tournaments in the new format, 2024 promises the first full year of competitive CS2. With this pivotal shift, what lies ahead for professional Counter-Strike? Which teams and players will emerge as the early trailblazers in this new era? Join us as we shed light on the top CS2 teams and players to watch throughout 2024.
Top CS2 Teams and Players to Watch in 2024
Before discussing the teams, let’s first explore the standout players set to headline our watchlist in 2024:
Top CS2 Players to Watch in 2024
Who are the best CS2 players to watch in 2024? These incredibly talented individuals have made our shortlist:
Danil “donk” Kryshkovets
Credit: Escorenews
Danil “donk” Kryshkovets became one of the youngest MVPs in HLTV history when he was named the best player in BetBoom Dacha 2023 in October. At the age of 16, the Russian prodigy garnered widespread attention within the CS community as the newest sensation emerging from the abundant talent pool of CIS Counter-Strike. Fans are eagerly anticipating donk’s potential debut at the upcoming European RMR, hoping to witness his first Major appearance in early 2024.
Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov
Credit: G2
Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov had an incredible year with G2 Esports. Despite his young age of 18, he’s emerged as a linchpin for the German squad, standing shoulder to shoulder with veterans like Nikola “NiKo” Kovač and Nemanja “huNter-” Kovač. As 2024 unfolds, all eyes are on this budding star, ready for a journey that could elevate him to new heights, which might include the first-ever major victory in his career.
Ihor “w0nderful” Zhdanov
Credit: BLAST Premier
Ihor “w0nderful” Zhdanov fulfilled his childhood dream by joining Natus Vincere in 2023. There have been moments where he seemed a touch outmatched when facing elite opponents, but it’s common for someone his age and level of experience. This young gun has also displayed flashes of brilliance against more experienced AWPers. However, the road ahead presents a daunting task for him: stepping into the sizable shoes left vacant by Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyljev.
Ana “ANa” Dumbravă
Credit: Romania Insider
It wouldn’t be fair to discuss the most promising CS2 players in 2024 without mentioning one of the most outstanding performers in the women’s circuit. Ana “ANa” Dumbravă, after a remarkably successful year where she reached four offline finals with Nigma Galaxy, is undoubtedly eager to carry her exceptional form into the upcoming year. ANa concludes 2023 with an impressive 1.29 HLTV rating, a significant improvement from her already impressive average of 1.22 in 2022.
Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut
Credit: Dot Esports
Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut stood out as a top performer in 2023, yet the upcoming year will test his ability to claim the title of an all-time great. He won the Major with an MVP-worthy performance in Paris and has kept his HLTV rating consistently around mid-1.20 for four years. Some doubted whether the 23-year-old Frenchman could continue delivering top-tier performances at major events, but his impressive 1.30 rating in big tournaments this year has silenced all critics.
Top CS2 Teams to Watch in 2024
These are the teams primed to thrive and succeed in 2024:
MOUZ
Bye-bye, 2023 🐭
A thread 🧵#VAMOUZ pic.twitter.com/wasyd0az98— MOUZ (@mousesports) December 31, 2023
MOUZ started off strong with their new squad. Despite losing a key player, David “frozen” Čerňanský, to FaZe Clan, the team’s core remains intact, including their astute coach, Dennis “sycrone” Nielsen. With their youthful roster and ample LAN experience, adapting to CS2 should be smoother for the German side. This situation sets the stage for significant progress and major victories for Kamil “siuhy” Szkaradek and his team.
Monte
They stay with us for a long time 🫂🫂
New victories with these guys @woro2k @demqqqq ❤️🔥 #MonteGang pic.twitter.com/I8vRQMC5Zp
— MONTE ESPORTS 🇺🇦 (@Monte_Esports) December 21, 2023
Monte currently hold the seventh position in the HLTV rankings, but they are yet to add a Tier 1 title to their cabinet. The team has experienced challenges due to other teams poaching their players, but they dealt with Mohammad “BOROS” Malhas’s departure adeptly by recruiting Alexander “br0” Bro. With their talented mix, the Ukrainians aim to clinch their first top-flight trophy or, at the very least, establish themselves as a formidable underdog ready to compete toe-to-toe with the best in the scene.
ENCE
Welcome @hadesCS2, @Goofiacz, and @Kylarrek 🧡
The shuffle is now over, and the work has begun 💪
ENCE CS2 2024
🇩🇰 Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander
🇵🇱 Paweł “dycha” Dycha
🇵🇱 Olek “hades” Miskiewicz
🇵🇱 Krzysztof “Goofy” Górski
🇵🇱 Kacper “Kylar” Walukiewicz🇵🇱 Jakub “kuben” Gurczyński… pic.twitter.com/J7OVCJR832
— ENCE (@ENCE) December 17, 2023
ENCE had been one of the dark horses in the Counter-Strike scene this year, and they will be hoping to carry that tag next year as well. They head into the new year with a new look team, notably without the mercurial quartet of Alvaro “SunPayus” Garcia, Guy “NertZ” Iluz, Marco “Snappi” Pfeiffer and Pavle “maden” Bošković. The Finnish side made a significant statement, nonetheless, by recruiting former Astralis player Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander. The acquisition of former Apeks coach Jakub “kuben” Gurczyński also brings strength and experience to the roster.
Team Liquid
We’ve never made a video like this before. We appreciate the players & staff letting us share these personal moments with you to see our process first-hand.
This is the story of the emotional foundation of our new team.
This is ‘Becoming Team Liquid’ – presented by @Alienware pic.twitter.com/1prW1PY6QR— Team Liquid CS (@TeamLiquidCS) December 23, 2023
Team Liquid have assembled a remarkable roster with the likes of Casper “cadiaN” Møller, Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken, Felipe “skullz” Medeiros, Keith “NAF” Markovic, and Mareks “YEKINDAR” Gaļinskis. With such a star-studded squad, the North American organization can challenge for the most prestigious CS2 titles over the next 12 months.
Team Falcons
🗣️ Zonic: “My goal with Falcons is to win majors” 🏆
Hear more about what our star coaching staff said about their plans going into 2024! 👇 pic.twitter.com/VkzzUV8rzK
— Team Falcons (@TeamFalconsGG) November 2, 2023
It would have been surprising if we had overlooked the super team assembled by Team Falcons in our Top CS2 Teams and Players to Watch in 2024 list. Apart from acquiring the former ENCE trio of SunPayUs, Snappi, and maden, the Saudi Arabian organization has also secured BOROS from Monte and former Vitality player Emil “Magisk” Reif. Additionally, their lineup boasts the expertise of Danny “zonic” Sørensen, a coach with multiple Major victories under his belt.
With a blend of experienced veterans and emerging talents, the CS2 landscape in 2024 is ripe for spectacular clashes and unforeseen upsets. Keep a close eye on the teams and players featured here, as they promise to shape the competitive scene in the first full year of professional CS2.
