FURIA Reach World No. 1 for the First Time in History

FURIA Reach World No. 1 for the First Time in History

FURIA have officially ascended to the top of Counter-Strike’s competitive hierarchy for the first time ever. In HLTV’s November 24, 2025 ranking update, the Brazilian-led roster jumped to No. 1 worldwide, narrowly surpassing Vitality by nine points and completing the most dominant run in the organization’s nine-year existence.

What Changed in the Ranking

Several key factors pushed FURIA to the summit:

• The team gained significant ground in the Achievements sub-ranking thanks to their recent trophy streak.

• Vitality, meanwhile, lost points in both Form and LAN Performance, opening the door for FURIA to overtake them.

The updated top three:

1. FURIA — 930 points

2. Vitality — 921 points

3. Falcons — 711 points

Why This No. 1 Is Historic

This marks FURIA’s highest-ever placement in the global ranking. Previously, their best position was No. 3, held for a single week during the online era in October 2020.

It is also a symbolic milestone for captain Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo, who last led a world No. 1 lineup back in January 2018 with SK Gaming. His return to the top closes an almost eight-year gap.

The Run That Made It Happen

FURIA’s rise wasn’t gradual—it was explosive. Over their last five tournaments, they secured four titles, including a streak of three consecutive championships:

• Thunderpick World Championship

• IEM Chengdu

• BLAST Rivals Season 2

Their Chengdu victory — a 3–0 sweep over Vitality — signaled a clear shift in tier-one power dynamics. The BLAST Rivals win further solidified their form, with FURIA defeating Falcons in a hard-fought, high-stakes final.

This surge also aligns with Valve’s ranking system, where FURIA had already climbed to No. 1 shortly after their Thunderpick triumph. In many ways, HLTV’s update is simply reflecting an upward trend that was already mathematically obvious.

Roster Moves That Unlocked a Contender

The team’s transformation began with two major additions in April:

• Danil “molodoy” Golubenko – AWPer

• Mareks “YEKINDAR” Gaļinskis – secondary caller / rifler

These signings reshaped the roster’s structure and instantly elevated their ceiling. molodoy, in particular, has been a revelation. In his rookie year, he has already claimed two MVP medals, emerging as a stable star presence alongside KSCERATO and yuurih.

What the Players Are Saying

Despite reaching the top, the team’s public statements emphasize discipline and humility.

• Coach/IGL sidde has highlighted that the team’s mentality remains unchanged, noting their hunger persists despite the trophy haul.

• FalleN described the No. 1 spot as a “throne” the team must now defend, acknowledging that opponents will prepare even harder against them.

• KSCERATO, fresh off their latest championship, warned that at a Major “you can lose to everyone,” stressing the need to stay grounded.

• YEKINDAR previously praised FalleN’s strategic depth, calling his multi-role understanding a defining factor in their consistent progress.

The Bigger Picture Heading Into Budapest

The timing of FURIA’s rise could not be more dramatic: the ranking update lands just as the StarLadder Budapest Major begins. Analysts list FURIA among the event favorites, though being ranked No. 1 has historically added pressure rather than comfort.

The coming weeks will reveal whether FURIA’s streak is simply a hot run at the perfect moment — or the beginning of a new era in Counter-Strike.