HLTV Awards 2025 – Full Breakdown of the Winners
The HLTV Awards once again closed out the Counter-Strike season in early 2026, recognizing the standout performers, teams, and personalities of 2025. As always, the ceremony marked the official conclusion of the competitive year and set the narrative heading into the new season.
Team of the Year – Vitality’s Era Confirmed
Team Vitality were crowned Team of the Year after an exceptionally dominant 2025 campaign. With consistent deep runs, major trophies, and elite individual performances, they outperformed rivals such as Spirit and MOUZ. Their structure, firepower, and stability throughout the year made the award feel almost inevitable by season’s end.
This recognition solidifies 2025 as one of the most successful years in Vitality’s history.
Player of the Year – ZywOo Returns to the Throne
Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut claimed Player of the Year once again, reinforcing his legacy as one of the most consistent and mechanically gifted players in Counter-Strike history. In addition to the overall award, he also secured AWPer of the Year, underlining his impact with the AWP across big-stage events.
While competition at the top was fierce, ZywOo’s numbers and playoff performances separated him from the rest.
Other Key Individual Honors
Danil “donk” Kryshkovets was heavily featured among the elite players of the year and earned recognition as Opener of the Year, reflecting his aggressive impact and round-start dominance. His explosive style made him one of the most feared entry players of 2025.
Robin “ropz” Kool was honored as Closer of the Year, a testament to his late-round composure and ability to convert high-pressure situations into victories. His consistency in clutch scenarios remained one of the defining traits of his season.
Rookie of the Year and Women’s Scene Recognition
The Rookie of the Year award went to molodoy, whose performances made a significant impact and established him as one of the most promising emerging talents.
In the women’s division, ASTRA was named Women’s Player of the Year, while BIG EQUIPA secured Women’s Team of the Year. These awards continue to highlight the growing visibility and competitiveness of the women’s Counter-Strike scene.
Community and Ecosystem Awards
Beyond in-game performance, HLTV also recognized contributions across the broader ecosystem. BanKs was named Talent of the Year for his broadcast presence and event hosting, while ohnePixel continued his influence in the community as Streamer of the Year.
The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 received Event of the Year honors, reflecting both production quality and competitive intensity.
A Season Defined
The 2025 season, as reflected in the HLTV Awards, was defined by structured dominance at the top, rising young firepower, and continued growth across the broader CS ecosystem.
With Vitality leading the team rankings and ZywOo reclaiming individual supremacy, the year closed with a sense of established hierarchy — but with enough emerging talent to promise volatility in 2026.
