5 Best CS2 Players Among Academies

This article spotlights the best CS2 players among academies’ rising talents who are on their way to becoming S-tier pros. These academy programs carefully handpick young talents with exceptional ratings and potential, providing them with meticulous training, strategic sessions, and top-tier coaching. These future CS2 stars from academies consistently display skill, dedication, and adaptability on every map, positioning themselves as the next generation of the competitive esports scene. Let’s dive into the standout players who could soon ascend the pro ranks.

makazze | NAVI Junior

Drin "makazze" Shaqiri, a 17-year-old rifler from Kosovo, is a remarkable CS2 talent and a standout player on the NAVI Junior Academy roster. Since joining in October 2023, he has wasted no time showcasing his prowess, climbing the European FACEIT ELO rankings, and outshining well-known young rising stars like "donk" and "m0NESY." His exceptional HLTV rating of 1.17 over the last three months underscores his potential as the best CS2 academy player from NAVI. His performances cement his reputation as a rising star, ready to leave a mark on the esports scene as a rising star.

Makazze’s meteoric rise in the academy scene illustrates his mastery over intricate map strategies and razor-sharp in-game awareness that set him apart, making him one of the best CS2 academy players. His stellar rating is a testament to his dominance in season tournaments, where he consistently outplayed seasoned opponents. Competing in tier-3 events, makazze helped NAVI Junior secure pivotal victories at the European Pro League Seasons 17 and 20.

Achievements:

1. European Pro League Season 20 — 1st place;
2. European Pro League Season 17 — 1st place;
3. CCT Series 4 — 3rd place.

Ryu | Monte Gen

Gytis "Ryu" Glušauskas, a 20-year-old talent from Lithuania, recently earned a promotion from Monte's academy roster to the main lineup. While his HLTV rating of 1.09 may appear modest, Ryu’s tactical brilliance and ability to thrive under pressure make him one of the best CS2 players among the academy ranks. Since joining Monte in 2023, he has quickly established himself among the best CS2 players in academies, known for consistent high-level performance and adaptability under pressure. Ryu’s journey exemplifies his unwavering dedication and skill, making him an emerging star in the esports scene. His ability to excel under pressure and adapt to top-tier play has marked him as one of the top CS2 players in academies.

Although his achievements are mainly in regional tournaments and C-tier events, his strategic contributions and dedication showcased his skill and ability to win. Believe us, it’s just a matter of time till he secures his first S-tier triumph.

Achievements:

1. HEROIC x Thunderpick Path To The Pros — 1st place;
2. Galaxy Battle #3 — 1st place;
3. Appolo1 Series: Phase 2 — 2nd place.

jocab | Young Ninjas

Jacob "jocab" Nerheden, a promising Swedish CS2 player, has quickly gained attention within the esports scene. Initially rising through the ranks as part of the Young Ninjas academy team, he was later called up to Ninjas in Pyjamas' main roster as a stand-in player in late 2024. Despite a challenging debut at his early matches, including a difficult debut at Elisa Masters Espoo, jocab demonstrated remarkable resilience, boosting his rating and performances at subsequent events, such as the Thunderpick World Championship. Jocab’s journey is one of persistence and adaptability. His current rating for the last 3 months on HLTV is 1.07, which is an okay score, but as one of the promising young CS2 pros from academies, despite early hurdles, he kept pushing, refining his gameplay and carving a path toward a brighter future by establishing himself as a rising force destined for tremendous success.​

Achievements:

1. Svenska Cupen 2024 — 2nd place;
2. YaLLa Compass Fall 2024 — 3rd-4th place;
3. RES European Series #1 — 3rd-4th place.

kroK | Astralis Talent

Emil "kroK" Wiedemann, a Danish CS2 player, has been a consistent performer for Astralis Talent, the academy team of the renowned Astralis organization. Despite an HLTV rating of 1.02 in the last three months, kroK has proven himself to be a consistent and skilled player within the academy scene. His steady performances and adaptability have made him a key player to watch as he works toward a potential main roster promotion, where he could have a significant impact on the team's future success​.

His versatility across various maps and roles, coupled with his sharp decision-making, has helped Astralis Talent secure critical victories in C-tier events. With youth and potential on his side, kroK’s journey is far from over, and he remains poised to make a significant impact.

Achievements:

1. European Pro League Season 14: Division 2 — 2nd place;
2. Gamebox Masters 2024 — 2nd place;
3. Dust2.dk Ligaen Season 25 — 2nd place.

Oldřich "PR" Nový | MOUZ NXT

Oldřich "PR" Nový is the youngest CS2 pro player from academies on our list at just 17, yet he’s already making waves with MOUZ NXT. His impressive HLTV rating of 1.11 rating on HLTV over the past three months speaks to his potential. He is also generally known for his impressive performances in tournaments like the European Pro League, playing a pivotal role in securing MOUZ NXT's victories, including a decisive 2-0 win over Astralis Talent.

What makes PR a standout is his ability to perform under pressure and adapt to various in-game scenarios. After all, being the youngest in the professional scene can be overwhelming—something he’s openly acknowledged—but it doesn't stop him from repeatedly dominating B-tier events. He’s well on his way to cementing his status as a top-tier player.

Achievements:

1. European Pro League Season 14: Division 2 — 1st place;
2. CCT Season 2 European Series #3 — 2nd place;
3. RES European Series #3 — 2nd place.

Conclusion

This article highlights the brightest CS2 academy players, showcasing emerging talents poised to become future stars in esports. It features standout players from notable academy teams like NAVI Junior, Monte, Astralis Talent, and MOUZ NXT. These young CS2 pros demonstrate exceptional skills, adaptability, and strategic insight, positioning them as the next generation of top-tier players in the competitive scene. With consistent ratings and notable performances in regional tournaments, they are well-positioned to make their mark on the global esports stage. The future of CS2 is in good hands, and these players are ready to rise to the top.