Magisk Backs ZywOo as Counter-Strike’s Best AWPer Right Now, Says S1mple Still Has More to Prove in CS2

Counter-Strike veteran Magisk has weighed in on one of esports' longest-running debates: who deserves to be called the greatest AWPer in Counter-Strike history.
Rather than declaring an all-time winner outright, the four-time Major champion argued that ZywOo currently leads the conversation thanks to his sustained excellence, while S1mple still has work to do before reclaiming his place in the CS2 era.
The comments add another high-profile opinion to an ongoing discussion surrounding two of the greatest players the game has ever seen.
Quick Summary
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Main figure | Magisk |
| Discussion | Greatest AWPer in Counter-Strike history |
| Current favorite | ZywOo |
| About S1mple | Still has more to prove in CS2, according to Magisk |
| Source | Cybersport.ru citing Magisk interview |
| Status | Opinion, not official ranking |
What Happened

As a four-time Major champion, Magisk's opinion carries significant weight within the professional Counter-Strike scene.
During a recent interview, Magisk was asked who he considers the greatest sniper in Counter-Strike history.
The Danish veteran acknowledged the legendary status of Oleksandr "S1mple" Kostyliev, but explained that the conversation has changed since the transition to Counter-Strike 2.
According to Magisk:
ZywOo currently stands above everyone else.
S1mple remains one of the greatest players ever.
However, S1mple still needs to prove that he can consistently dominate in the CS2 era before reclaiming the top position.
The statement focuses on present-day achievements rather than rewriting Counter-Strike history, reflecting how many professionals separate CS:GO legacy from current CS2 performance.
Background: Why This Debate Never Ends
The greatest AWPer discussion has dominated Counter-Strike for years.
S1mple

S1mple remains one of the greatest players in Counter-Strike history despite questions surrounding his current CS2 legacy.
Three-time HLTV Player of the Year.
Considered by many the greatest individual player of the CS:GO era.
Famous for unmatched mechanical skill, aggressive AWP play and highlight moments.
ZywOo

ZywOo has remained one of Counter-Strike's most consistent superstars throughout the transition from CS:GO to CS2.
One of the most consistent elite players in Counter-Strike history.
Continues to collect MVP awards and championships in the CS2 era.
Has remained among the world's best through the transition from CS:GO to CS2.
The debate has intensified as CS2 enters its second full competitive year.
Why Magisk's Opinion Matters
Magisk is one of the most decorated players in Counter-Strike history.
His experience includes:
Four Major championships.
Years competing alongside and against both S1mple and ZywOo.
Playing in multiple Counter-Strike eras.
That gives his assessment additional weight, even though it remains a personal opinion rather than an objective ranking.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| CS:GO era | S1mple establishes himself as one of the game's greatest AWPers |
| 2019–2025 | ZywOo builds one of the most consistent elite careers in Counter-Strike |
| CS2 release | Debate shifts toward current performances in the new game |
| July 2026 | Magisk says ZywOo is currently ahead while S1mple still has more to prove in CS2 |
Key Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Speaker | Magisk |
| Main subject | Best AWPer in Counter-Strike history |
| Player currently favored | ZywOo |
| S1mple assessment | Legendary career but still needs to prove himself in CS2 |
| Nature of statement | Personal opinion |
Historical Comparison
The GOAT discussion has evolved over several generations of Counter-Strike.
| Era | Frequently mentioned AWP legends |
|---|---|
| Counter-Strike 1.6 | f0rest, markeloff |
| Early CS:GO | kennyS, GuardiaN, device |
| Modern CS:GO | S1mple, ZywOo |
| Current CS2 | ZywOo, m0NESY, S1mple remain among the names discussed |
While many still consider S1mple's CS:GO peak unmatched, ZywOo's consistency across multiple seasons has strengthened his claim in recent years.
Impact Analysis
Magisk's comments are unlikely to settle the debate, but they reinforce an emerging narrative within professional Counter-Strike.
Several recent interviews have highlighted the distinction between:
all-time legacy,
peak individual performance,
and current CS2 form.
For many analysts and players, those are no longer treated as identical discussions.
As a result, the "greatest ever" conversation increasingly depends on whether achievements in CS:GO and Counter-Strike 2 are evaluated together or separately.
What Changes Now?
Nothing changes competitively.
However, Magisk's comments add another respected professional voice to an ongoing legacy discussion involving:
ZywOo
S1mple
m0NESY
device
other legendary AWPers
The debate is expected to continue as long as both ZywOo and S1mple remain active.
What to Watch Next
S1mple's performances in upcoming Tier 1 CS2 tournaments.
Whether ZywOo continues adding MVP awards and championships.
Future interviews from players asked to rank Counter-Strike's greatest AWPers.
Upcoming HLTV player rankings and award races.
FAQ
Why did Magisk choose ZywOo?
According to Magisk, ZywOo's current level and continued success in CS2 place him ahead of everyone else right now.
Did Magisk say S1mple is no longer one of the greatest?
No. He acknowledged S1mple's legendary status but believes he still needs to prove himself consistently in CS2.
Is this an official ranking?
No. These are Magisk's personal opinions shared during an interview.
Why is this debate so important?
S1mple and ZywOo are widely considered the two greatest individual players of the modern Counter-Strike era, making comparisons between them a constant topic within the community.





