HLTV.org has shared the preliminary lists of nominees for the upcoming HLTV Awards 2025. These initial lists offer an early look at the potential contenders based solely on performance during the first half of the competitive season. While not final, they provide a snapshot of who`s currently standing out in the world of Counter-Strike 2. The anticipation for the main event is already building, with the grand ceremony set for January 10, 2026.
The preliminary lists, which were released via HLTV`s social media channels, present an interesting comparison to the final outcomes of the HLTV Awards 2024. As a mid-season evaluation, they naturally reflect the current form of players and teams. It appears many results from 2024 have carried over into this early assessment. However, the dynamic nature of elite competition means there are notable shifts. For instance, the preliminary list for Best Coach currently does not feature Natus Vincere`s renowned strategist, Andrey `B1ad3` Gorodenskiy. Similarly, Justinas `jL` Lekavičius is not presently listed among the top lurkers. These examples serve as a clear reminder: these preliminary lists are strictly based on the metrics and impact observed *this* season, offering no deference to past accolades.
Looking ahead to the culmination of the competitive year, the HLTV Awards 2025 ceremony is scheduled to take place in Belgrade, Serbia. The chosen venue for this prestigious event is the Sava Centar, a significant location with a capacity to host up to 4,000 attendees. On the evening of January 10, 2026, HLTV.org will unveil the definitive winners across all major categories. These include the coveted Best Team, recognition for the Best Female Player, the highly anticipated Player of the Year award, and identifying the premier players for each distinct role within a competitive team structure.
The release of these early lists effectively kicks off the period of analysis, debate, and speculation among the community regarding who will ultimately claim the top honors in CS2 esports at the start of 2026.
