CS2 is as much about tactics and team play as it is about pure reflexes and aim. An after observing Intel Extreme Masters let’s collect other hints from pros.
The best pro players know how to leverage every tool, spot, and mechanic to stay one step ahead of opponents. By diving into the approaches and memorable plays of top CS2 stars, players can get insider tips on advanced strategies, from utility usage to economy management. Here's a look at ten pros and their secrets to winning the big rounds.
Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev – NaVi
Signature Skill: Precision and Patience
Match Highlight: In CS2's update to classic maps, s1mple's adaptation has been flawless. Known for holding tight angles with the AWP, he excels at using minimal movement to retain accuracy.
Tip: S1mple emphasizes economy management. He advises not to over-invest in early rounds but save for pivotal gun rounds. This restraint keeps a team competitive through the economic rollercoaster of a match, especially crucial in MR12, where fewer rounds can make an economy spiral brutal.
Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut – Vitality
15 minutes ZywOo plays like the GOD OF CLUTCHES
Signature Skill: AWP Timing and Positioning
Match Highlight: ZywOo's timing with the AWP, especially on Mirage's mid, has dismantled many coordinated pushes. His skill with predicting opponent's peaks makes him dangerous from round one.
Tip: ZywOo suggests mastering core guns like the AK-47 and M4 for versatility but also using the AWP in a "patrol" mode, moving angles to surprise the opponents. His famous playstyle emphasizes frequent repositioning to make it difficult for enemies to predict his location.
Nikola “NiKo” Kovač – G2 Esports
Signature Skill: Control of Spray Patterns
Match Highlight: NiKo's deadly precision with the AK-47 is legendary. He consistently outperforms opponents by controlling his spray, even at long ranges.
Tip: NiKo advises mastering spray control on weapons like the AK-47, allowing players to keep accuracy while moving slightly. He practices on community maps, refining his muscle memory, which keeps his shots consistent in intense firefights.
Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken – FaZe Clan
Signature Skill: Utility Usage in Entries
Match Highlight: Twistzz has mastered using grenades to disrupt enemy defenses on maps like Inferno. His timing with flashbangs and Molotovs is designed to blind or stall opponents before entering.
Tip: Twistzz emphasizes using utility to break open choke points. For example, a well-placed flash can catch defenders off-guard, especially when followed immediately by a team push. This tactic can make a significant difference on tight maps.
Keith "NAF" Markovic – Team Liquid
Signature Skill: Self-Boosting Tactics
Match Highlight: Known for his innovation on maps, NAF has leveraged self-boosts to catch opponents by surprise, particularly on Overpass.
Tip: NAF suggests learning key self-boost spots on each map. This can give an angle advantage over unsuspecting enemies. However, self-boosts require practice to execute smoothly and avoid revealing your position.
Jonathan "EliGE" Jablonowski – Team Liquid
This is why EliGE is One of the Best Gamers in the World
Signature Skill: Aggressive Rifling with Map Control
Match Highlight: EliGE's map control is notable on Dust 2, where he uses aggressive pushes to dominate spaces, forcing opponents to play defensively.
Tip: EliGE advocates for playing "smart aggressive" by pushing early and retreating if unsuccessful. He uses this technique to gather information about enemy positions, which helps his team plan attacks.
Robin “ropz” Kool – FaZe Clan
11 MINUTES OF ROPZ BEST CS CLUTCHES!
Signature Skill: Creative Movement and Off-Angles
Match Highlight: Ropz often takes unorthodox positions, making him hard to predict. On maps like Mirage, he catches enemies off-guard from angles they rarely expect.
Tip: Ropz advises learning to exploit off-angles that are still covered but give you a sightline advantage. This can be risky but effective when used sparingly.
Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz – Astralis
Best of Device | The Legend of CS
Signature Skill: Methodical AWP Play
Match Highlight: Dev1ce's methodical play with the AWP, especially on Inferno, slows down enemy advances and often baits out utility.
Tip: Dev1ce suggests holding positions conservatively and forcing enemies to use their grenades, giving your team an advantage in the later stages of the round.
Vincent "Brehze" Cayonte – Evil Geniuses
2020 HLTV.org - Best of Brehze
Signature Skill: Shadow Baiting
Match Highlight: Brehze uses shadow manipulation on maps like Nuke to trick opponents into revealing themselves.
Tip: Brehze recommends learning the lighting on each map to maximize the visibility of shadows and use them to bait out the enemy fire. It's a clever tactic that requires an understanding of lighting angles but can surprise even experienced players.
Gabriel "FalleN" Toledo – Imperial Esports
Best of Gabriel "FalleN" Toledo
Signature Skill: Tactical Leadership and Economy Management
Match Highlight: Known for his leadership, FalleN's economic calls often make the difference in close matches. He excels at calling eco rounds and making mid-game adjustments.
Tip: FalleN advises players to prioritize eco rounds when low on funds. He believes that over-buying harms long-term chances, whereas disciplined savings allow for a fully equipped team at crucial points in the game.