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CS2 Pro's Secrets
Pro gamers. Source: Midjourney

CS2 Pro's Secrets

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.

Name

Quotation

Team

Regals

Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev

"The economy is crucial; don’t over-invest early. Save when necessary to keep rounds balanced for long-term success."

NaVi

Intel Grand Slam, Player of the Year 2021 (HLTV), multiple Major finalist

Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut

"Keep the enemy guessing with the AWP; frequent repositioning is key."

Vitality

BLAST Premier MVP (2020), Major Winner (Paris 2023), multiple MVP awards (HLTV)

Nikola “NiKo” Kovač

"Master spray control with key weapons for consistency in high-pressure moments."

G2 Esports

ELeague CS

Premier Champion (2017), multiple Top 20 HLTV Player awards

Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken

"Utility breaks choke points; coordinate flashes and smokes to blind defenders before a push."

FaZe Clan

Intel Grand Slam (2022), Major Winner (PGL Antwerp 2022)

Keith “NAF” Markovic

"Learn self-boosts for surprise advantages, but practice until it's seamless."

Team Liquid

IEM Katowice Champion (2019), multiple HLTV Top 20 appearances

Jonathan “EliGE” Jablonowski

"Map control requires calculated aggression; push early, then gather info to aid your team’s decisions."

Team Liquid

IEM Sydney Champion (2019), Top 5 HLTV Player (2019)

Robin “ropz” Kool

"Find off-angles for sightline advantages; these unconventional spots can catch enemies off-guard."

FaZe Clan

Intel Grand Slam (2022), Major Winner (PGL Antwerp 2022)

Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz

"Use positioning to force the enemy’s hand; AWP play is about making them use their utility first."

Astralis

4-time Major Champion, multiple MVPs (BLAST, ESL), Top 20 HLTV Player for several years

Vincent “Brehze” Cayonte

"Shadow baiting can confuse enemies; use lighting on maps to lure them into revealing themselves."

Evil Geniuses

ESL One New York Champion (2019), Top 20 HLTV Player (2019)

Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo

"The economy is a marathon, not a sprint; eco rounds set up for stronger buys when it matters most."

Imperial Esports

2-time Major Champion, Intel Grand Slam Season 1 finalist, Top 10 HLTV Player awards several times

Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev – NaVi

NaVi team. Source: Esports.ru
NaVi team. Source: Esports.ru

THE ULTIMATE BEST OF S1MPLE! 

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

Vitality. Source: CS2 - VIRESA Official Youtube channel
Vitality. Source: CS2 - VIRESA Official Youtube channel

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

G2 Esports. Source: Esports.net
G2 Esports. Source: Esports.net

NICO'S TOP 10 GAMES 

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

FaZe Clan. Source: Reddit
FaZe Clan. Source: Reddit

BEST OF Twistzz!

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

Team Liquid. Source: Team Liquid CS2 | Counter Strike Youtube channel
Team Liquid. Source: Team Liquid CS2 | Counter Strike Youtube channel

NAF | BEST Player in NA?

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

Astralis. Source: Via Ritzau
Astralis. Source: Via Ritzau

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

Evil Geniuses. Source: VK
Evil Geniuses. Source: VK

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

Imperial Esports. Source: vseprosport
Imperial Esports. Source: vseprosport

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.

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