Hall of Fame: Unveiling the 10 Nominees for 2025

Hall of Fame: Unveiling the 10 Nominees for 2025

Every year, HLTV lifts the curtain on the most deserving former competitors in Counter-Strike, and for 2025 it has named ten nominees who stand a chance of achieving immortality through induction into the Hall of Fame — presented in partnership with 1xBet.  These nominees will be narrowed down later in the season, and the eventual inductees will be announced during the HLTV Awards ceremony on January 10, 2026. 

The Purpose, Process and Legacy

HLTV launched its Hall of Fame initiative to honour not just peak performance, but long-term impact, historical significance and contributions to the culture of competitive Counter-Strike. 
Eligibility requires the person to be archived/retired — active players and coaches are not considered.  The process begins with nominations (by a Hall of Fame committee) and results in a ballot voting system that selects 3-5 inductees per year.  Last year’s inaugural class (2024) comprised of four legendary Swedish names: Tommy “Potti” Ingemarsson, Emil “HeatoN” Christensen, Patrik “f0rest” Lindberg and Christopher “GeT_RiGhT” Alesund. 

The 10 Nominees for 2025

The 2025 ballot list continues HLTV’s global reach and historic acknowledgment of Counter-Strike’s evolution. According to the announcement, the nominees are:

1. Peter “dupreeh” Rasmussen – Danish rifler, 32, who stands out with 32 “Notable Event” titles including five Majors; famously the only player to attend every CS:GO Major (19). 

2. Jørgen “XeqtR” Johannessen – Norwegian IGL and tactical pioneer in the early era of competitive Counter-Strike; viewed as an architect of the modern meta. 

3. Ola “elemeNt” Moum – Norwegian rifler with deep roots in the early scene; recognized for consistency over an extended career.

4. Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo – Brazilian AWPer and in-game leader, pivotal in the rise of Brazilian CS through multiple championships and global influence.

5. Olof “olofmeister” Kajbjer – Swedish superstar whose peak years at fnatic defined an era; listed despite active streaming status.

6. Kenny “kennyS” Schrub – French AWPer, known for explosive playstyle, and a household name in the transition from CS: GO’s golden years.

7. Raphaël “cogu” Camargo – Brazilian veteran whose earlier career set the stage for his compatriots; credited with foundational contributions to Brazilian esports.

8. Markeloff “markeloff” Markelov – Ukrainian legend from the CS 1.6 era; representing how the Hall aims to include key figures from the game’s deeper history. (Mentioned via reference) 

9. SpawN “SpawN” Markovski – Veteran North Macedonian player whose name appears in community discussions around legacy and Eastern European CS history. (Referenced)

10. Per “Nomad” Lambæk – Denmark-based industry figure who helped build CS’s European ecosystem; his nomination signals HLTV’s expanded criteria beyond just in-game stars.

That list represents a mixture of first-time eligible candidates (e.g., dupreeh) and names that appeared on previous ballots but did not secure induction yet.

What’s at Stake

The eventual inductees will receive several benefits:

• A formal induction ceremony during the HLTV Awards.

• A distinctive Rolex watch engraved with the Hall of Fame inscription.

• A special HLTV profile page, and full career retrospective (article + video) honouring their journey.

The Hall of Fame not only immortalizes individual achievement but also serves to anchor the historical narrative of Counter-Strike — making sure legends are remembered, contextualised, and celebrated.

Trends & Talking Points

• The nomination of dupreeh is especially notable. With his “19/19” Major attendance and five-Major era, many see his induction as near-inevitable. However, his inclusion confirms that HLTV’s lens continues to favour those with sustained success and club-era dominance.

• The appearance of older era names (elemeNt, markeloff) signals HLTV’s intent to broaden recognition beyond the 2010s CS: GO top-tier era — reaching back into earlier generational epochs.

• Inviting industry figures like Nomad illustrates the Hall’s willingness to value system-builders and not just front-line stars, emphasizing the ecosystem behind the competitive spotlight.

• Comparison to 2024: Last year twelve nominees were eligible and four inductees selected. This year ten nominees implies a more selective ballot and potentially tougher competition for a nod.

What to Watch Next

• The voting phase will narrow the ten nominees to the final 3-5 inductees. HLTV has not yet revealed full ballot logistics but past practice involved Committee voting with ranked points.

• The HLTV Awards ceremony on January 10, 2026 (in Belgrade, Serbia) will culminate in the formal launch of the Class of 2025. Official attendance, speeches and formalities will be shared live.

• Community reaction: With names such as olofmeister and kennyS still active (or semi-active) in streaming or esports operations, fans and commentators will debate eligibility, fairness and timing.

• The historical significance: As CS2 evolves, the Hall of Fame becomes a bridge between past and present — recognising the athletes and contributors who shaped what the current generation inherits.

Why It Matters

For professional players, coaches, talent and organisations, induction into HLTV’s Hall is the highest peer-recognised honour in the sport. It gives closure to careers, formal recognition, and a lasting legacy. For fans, it provides context — tying current tournaments, storylines and players to a rich continuity of competitive Counter-Strike. For the scene at large, it underlines the sport's maturity: acknowledging not just live events and earnings, but heritage, longevity and impact.

Conclusion

The announcement of the ten nominees for the 2025 Hall of Fame marks another key chapter in Counter-Strike’s growing institutional memory. From dupreeh’s uninterrupted Major streak, to resultados from FalleN, kennyS and others, the field is strong and historic in scope. As we head toward the HLTV Awards in January, the community will not just be debating the Player of the Year or Team of the Year — but which legends may now enter the pantheon.

When the time comes and the inductees are revealed, their names won’t just adorn a list—they will represent the enduring legacy of a sport that spans decades, continents and generations.