Danil “molodoy” Golubenko Makes History as One of HLTV’s Top 20 Players of 2025

Danil “molodoy” Golubenko Makes History as One of HLTV’s Top 20 Players of 2025

Kazakh Counter-Strike 2 prodigy Danil “molodoy” Golubenko achieved one of the most remarkable breakthroughs in the CS2 competitive scene in 2025, earning a spot at No. 6 in HLTV’s Top 20 Players of the Year ranking. This marks his first appearance in one of the most prestigious individual awards lists in Counter-Strike, and it comes after a year in which he soared from obscurity to elite status. 

At just 20 years old, molodoy’s quick ascent in the Counter-Strike world has been one of the defining stories of 2025. He started the year outside the top tier and ended it ranked among the very best players on the planet — a trajectory rare even in a game that often sees rapid rises. 

From Amateur Beginnings to Tier-One Excellence

Molodoy’s early Counter-Strike journey was a relatively ordinary one: he began playing casually when CS2 launched, took a break for education, and returned only after finishing school as his passion for the game reignited. It wasn’t until May 2024 that he first appeared in HLTV’s database playing for ALLINNERS in local Kazakh LANs, logging just a handful of maps. 

His potential quickly drew attention, and he soon moved to European online teams, notably DMS and later AMKAL. Even in these early stops, his performance was eye-catching, averaging a 1.26 rating with AMKAL before major organizations began to take notice. 

In April 2025, FURIA, one of the most influential teams in the CS2 landscape, signed molodoy. This move dramatically elevated both his status and visibility on the global stage. Interestingly, FURIA’s roster brought together players from diverse regions — a CIS-Brazil mix — which initially puzzled many fans but ultimately proved effective. 

Breakthrough Performances and MVP Accolades

Once embedded in FURIA’s competitive lineup, molodoy quickly translated his promise into concrete results. The centerpiece of his breakout year was his performance at IEM Chengdu 2025, where he posted an incredible 1.27 HLTV Rating 3.0 and was named Event MVP. This performance was one of the standout individual showings of the year and cemented his reputation as a premier AWPer on the global circuit. 

In total, Molodoy became one of only four players in 2025 to win two “Big Event” MVP awards, an achievement that significantly boosted his placement in the final Top 20 ranking — particularly impressive given he spent only around seven months at tier-one level. 

Aside from MVPs, he also collected EVP (Exceptionally Valuable Player) mentions at key tournaments like IEM Cologne and the Thunderpick World Championship. These recognitions — both MVPs and EVPs — were central to HLTV’s methodology for evaluating and ranking the year’s best players based on performance at major events. 

Statistical Excellence

Molodoy’s playstyle and numerical output underline why he impressed so profoundly in 2025. According to HLTV’s official statistics, across all notable events he maintained high metrics such as +1.82% round swing (5th among peers) and 0.76 kills per round (6th) — both indicators of his influence on match outcomes. His performance against top-tier opponents was also strong, with a 1.18 rating vs. top-5 teams and 1.14 vs. top-10 teams. 

Beyond raw ratings, opening kills, and clutch moments, his proficiency with the sniper rifle became a central weapon for FURIA’s success. This statistical consistency helped him stand out even among veteran stars who had been competing at the highest level for years. 

Recognition Beyond the Top 20

Molodoy’s breakout was not limited to just appearing on the list; he was also nominated for HLTV Awards, including AWPer of the Year, alongside elite names like ZywOo, m0NESY, and broky. This reflected the broader community’s acknowledgment of his dominance as one of the top sniper specialists of the year. 

Earlier in the year, after securing two MVP awards, molodoy jumped to first place in HLTV’s Prospect Report, highlighting his status as the most promising young talent in the scene — a rare accolade that foreshadowed his Top 20 placement later in the year. 

A New Face in the Upper Echelons

The significance of molodoy’s No. 6 ranking cannot be overstated. The HLTV Top 20 has historically been dominated by long-established stars — such as ZywOo, donk (Danil Kryshkovets), ropz, and m0NESY — whose consistency and achievements span years of elite competition. For molodoy to break into this echelon so quickly signals not just a flash in the pan, but the emergence of a potential long-term contender among CS2’s elite heavyweights. 

Molodoy himself acknowledged both the honor and the surprise of reaching such heights so quickly, calling his year a “dream” and emphasizing his desire to continue improving and competing for championships.