Which CS:GO Team is the Best in 2024?

The world of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and the newly released Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) is home to some of the most intense esports rivalries and talented teams in the gaming industry Over the years, several organizations have risen to the top, showing extraordinary skill, strategy, and teamwork But which teams stand out the most? In this article, we’ll explore who is currently dominating the CS:GO/CS2 scene, and which other teams are considered to be the best We'll dive into their playstyles, star players, and what makes them truly special

Team NAVI: The Current Kings of CS:GO

When it comes to Counter-Strike, Natus Vincere (NAVI) is a name that commands respect After claiming victory at the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024, NAVI has proven once again why they deserve to be considered one of the best teams in the world Their dominance in the first-ever Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) Major is just the latest in a long string of achievements for the teamlayers, offering a more affordable, yet striking option

Natus Vincere, commonly known as NAVI, is one of the most iconic organizations in the world of esports, especially within the Counter-Strike scene Founded in 2009, NAVI quickly rose to prominence, showing early success in Counter-Strike 16, winning the IEM World Championship in 2010 When Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) launched, NAVI smoothly transitioned to the new version of the game, cementing themselves as one of the top teams globally

However, the rise of NAVI wasn’t without its struggles Despite consistently being one of the top-tier teams, they often fell just short of victory in major tournaments during the early CS:GO days This changed when they built one of the most lethal rosters in the game’s history

The S1mple Era

Much of NAVI’s modern success is tied to one name: Oleksandr "s1mple" Kostyliev Joining the team in 2016, s1mple completely redefined the standards of individual skill in CS:GO Known for his unparalleled mechanical ability, game sense, and consistency, s1mple quickly became the driving force behind NAVI’s victories His jaw-dropping plays, often with the AWP or AK-47 skins, have made him a household name not just in Counter-Strike but across esports

Before s1mple’s arrival, NAVI often struggled to break through to the top, but his addition transformed the team Their first Major win under his leadership came at the 2021 PGL Major Stockholm, where they dominated the competition and didn't lose a single map in the playoffs, an unprecedented feat

NAVI’s Favorite Weapons and Skins

When it comes to skins, the team’s star, s1mple, is known for using high-end skins that reflect his prestige in the game One of his favorites is the AWP Dragon Lore, an iconic and incredibly rare skin that can sell for thousands of dollars Other players on the team have also been seen with coveted skins, including the Fire Serpent and Case Hardened AK-47 skins These skins have become part of their signature style, giving their weapons a flair that adds to their larger-than-life presence on the server

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What Makes NAVI the Best?

• Individual Skill: The most obvious factor behind NAVI’s success is the immense individual talent within their roster From s1mple’s legendary AWPing to Valerii "b1t" Vakhovskyi’s consistent rifling, every player on the team contributes elite-level skill This gives NAVI the ability to win even the toughest rounds and make comebacks in seemingly impossible situations
• Team Chemistry: Beyond raw skill, NAVI has perfected the art of teamwork Their roster blends aggressive playmakers with more supportive, cerebral players, creating a balance that lets them shine in both high-pressure and relaxed situations Communication and coordination are two of their strongest suits, and this level of synergy is hard to match
• Adaptability: NAVI’s adaptability is another key element of their success Whether it's shifting strategies mid-game or adjusting to a new meta (as seen in their swift transition from CS:GO to CS2), NAVI can pivot effectively This allows them to counter their opponents’ strategies and consistently stay ahead of the curve
• Coaching and Leadership: The coaching staff at NAVI also deserves credit Andrii "B1ad3" Horodenskyi, their head coach, has been instrumental in refining NAVI’s tactical approach His in-depth understanding of Counter-Strike and his ability to study opponents has given NAVI an edge in every competition they enter
• Clutch Factor: Time and again, NAVI players have shown an incredible ability to perform under pressure Whether it’s s1mple clutching a critical 1v3 situation or b1t holding off an enemy rush, NAVI’s players excel in high-pressure moments Their composure has been crucial in their tournament runs
• Consistency: While many teams show flashes of greatness, NAVI has managed to maintain an exceptional level of performance over the years Their ability to stay competitive and evolve as the game changes is one of the reasons they are considered the best This consistency has earned them multiple tournament wins, but more importantly, the respect of the entire Counter-Strike community

Notable Achievements

NAVI’s CS:GO era is filled with accolades Alongside their PGL Major Stockholm 2021 win, they have clinched numerous prestigious titles, including ESL Pro League titles, IEM events, and BLAST Premier tournaments Their dominance continued into 2024, where they became the first champions of CS2 by winning the PGL Major Copenhagen

Other Contenders for the Best CS:GO/CS2 Team

1. Team Vitality

Team Vitality is considered as one of the top teams in CS2 They proved their dominance with their victory at the IEM Rio Major 2023, and have consistently performed well in international tournaments

• Star Player – ZywOo: Perhaps the biggest reason for Vitality's success is Mathieu "ZywOo" Herbaut, who many consider the best player in the world ZywOo's mechanical skill is incredible, often single-handedly turning matches in his team's favor with insane clutches and game-changing AWP plays His ability to perform under pressure is unmatched

2. FaZe Clan

FaZe Clan has been a powerhouse in CS:GO, particularly after their victory at the PGL Major Antwerp 2022 They’re known for their international roster, which features players from all over the world, and they specialize in a fast-paced, aggressive style of play Karrigan, FaZe’s in-game leader, has a reputation for being one of the smartest and most tactical minds in the game

• What Makes FaZe Special: FaZe’s ability to win high-pressure situations, even when it looks like they're down and out, makes them a crowd favorite Players like broky and ropz have proven they can perform at the highest level, and Twistzz brings raw firepower that can turn rounds around in an instant

3. G2 Esports

G2 Esports is another team that has made a name for itself in the CS:GO scene After multiple second-place finishes, G2 finally secured their first major international title by winning the BLAST Premier: World Final 2022 The team is led by NiKo, one of the most feared riflers in the world, known for his pinpoint accuracy and aggressive plays

• Why G2 Is a Threat: G2 has a roster full of individual talent, including huNter- and jks, who are capable of taking over games Their success often depends on whether they can channel that talent into a cohesive team effort, and when they do, G2 is nearly unstoppable

Other Teams to Watch

While these three teams are often at the top, there are a few others that are always in the conversation for best in the world:

• Heroic: Known for their aggressive, fast-paced strategies, Heroic has risen to prominence with an all-Danish roster They've consistently been at the top of the rankings, though they’ve yet to win a major
• Cloud9: After some roster shuffles, Cloud9 remains a strong team to watch, especially with their CIS core They are known for their clutch plays and smart strategies
• ENCE: Another dark horse, ENCE has been making waves in the scene with solid performances and could soon challenge the top teams if they continue improving

Conclusion

Though NAVI is at the top right now, teams like FaZe Clan and G2 Esports are always in the hunt for glory FaZe's experienced roster, featuring players like Twistzz and rain, has consistently been a threat, and their close games against NAVI show just how tight the competition is G2, with players like NiKo and m0NESY, also has the potential to challenge NAVI’s dominance

While NAVI sits at the summit for now, the ever-evolving nature of Counter-Strike ensures that the fight for the top spot remains fierce But for now, as long as NAVI’s star-studded lineup continues to perform at their peak, they’ll remain the best team in the CS2 world