HLTV.org, the prominent source for Counter-Strike 2 statistics and news, has officially released its preliminary lists of nominees for the upcoming HLTV Awards 2025. These initial insights, shared via the portal`s social media channels, offer a mid-season perspective on potential candidates vying for recognition in the competitive CS2 scene.
An analysis accompanying the release highlights a significant observation: based on the first half of the season, these preliminary selections largely mirror the outcomes and top contenders from the HLTV Awards 2024 ceremony. This suggests a notable degree of consistency among the game`s elite performers and teams, indicating that the early part of the year hasn`t dramatically shifted the landscape… yet.
However, the lists are not without their surprises or, depending on your perspective, notable omissions. Figures who were central to the 2024 awards are not universally present in all preliminary categories this time around. For example, Andrey “B1ad3” Gorodenskiy, the highly regarded coach of Natus Vincere, does not feature in the preliminary list for Best Coach. Similarly, Justinas “jL” Lekavicius is not currently listed among the top lurkers. While these are explicitly *preliminary* lists reflecting only the first half of the competitive year, their absence from early contention certainly provides talking points and underscores that the race is far from over.
The main event, where the final winners will be announced and celebrated, is scheduled for January 10, 2026. The HLTV Awards 2025 ceremony is set to take place in Belgrade, Serbia, at the Sava Centar. This venue is equipped to host a significant event, boasting a capacity of up to 4,000 attendees, promising a grand setting for acknowledging the year`s best.
At the ceremony, HLTV.org will formally reveal the recipients of several prestigious awards. Key categories include the ultimate honor of Player of the Year, recognition for the Best Team, the Best Female Player, and the top individual performers categorized by their specific in-game roles.
As the competitive season enters its crucial second half, these preliminary lists offer a valuable, albeit non-definitive, snapshot. The performances delivered in upcoming tournaments will undoubtedly shape the final nominee lists and ultimately determine who will be crowned the best in Counter-Strike 2 in Belgrade next January. Stay tuned, the competition is far from settled.