William “mezii” Merriman Breaks Into HLTV’s Top 20 Players of 2025 at #12

William “mezii” Merriman Breaks Into HLTV’s Top 20 Players of 2025 at #12

Compiled and verified using HLTV.org and related esports news sources

British Counter-Strike 2 rifler William “mezii” Merriman has made a major career milestone by entering HLTV.org’s Top 20 Players of the Year for 2025, placing 12th in the annual ranking — his first appearance on this prestigious list. 

The annual HLTV ranking, now in its fifteenth edition, recognizes the most outstanding individual performers in professional Counter-Strike 2 over the calendar year. It takes into account statistical excellence, impact at elite events, and consistency in high-pressure matches, especially at Majors and Super-Elite tournaments. 

A Breakout Year With Vitality

In 2025, mezii brought his best form to Team Vitality, contributing significantly to their title-contending season. His efforts were highlighted by a 1.17 average rating at Super-Elite events — a key metric HLTV uses to evaluate player performance at the game’s most competitive stages. 

Beyond raw stats, HLTV also measures a player’s real impact through Exceptionally Valuable Player (EVP) awards, which are given for standout performances that materially influence a team’s success. mezii amassed three EVP awards in 2025, including two at Majors, firmly establishing his role as a clutch performer when it mattered most. 

According to multiple esports outlets covering the rankings, mezii’s consistency and contributions were vital to Vitality’s overall standing — both in HLTV’s team rankings and at key events across the year. 

Making British CS History

William Merriman’s entry into the Top 20 is notable not just for his personal career but for British Counter-Strike as a whole. According to community reports, he became one of the first British players to reach HLTV’s Top 20 list, reflecting both his individual ascent and the growing competitiveness of the UK CS scene internationally. 

At 27 years old, mezii’s journey to the top tier of CS2 pro play reflects years of perseverance. Prior to 2025, he was viewed as a solid contributor at international events but had not previously been seen at the level needed to break into elite rankings. The jump this year underscores his growth as a rifler and his fit within Vitality’s strategy. 

How HLTV Rankings Are Calculated

HLTV’s player rankings are built using both quantitative performance data — including kills, deaths, overall rating, and advanced stats — and qualitative impact measures like MVP/EVP awards. Performances in the most prestigious tournaments weigh significantly more than lower-tier events. 

For context, the Top 20 list is released gradually each December and culminates with the top three players unveiled during the HLTV Awards ceremony. In past years, this ceremony has become one of the biggest annual events in Counter-Strike esports, drawing fans and industry figures alike. 

2025: A Competitive Field

Although between-year comparisons are tricky due to the evolving CS2 competitive landscape, some of the highest rated players across 2025 — including names like ZywOo, s1mple, and sh1ro — continued to dominate individual statistical categories on HLTV’s stats pages. These players are generally expected to appear in the upper portion of the Top 20. 

The inclusion of emerging talents like mezii at #12 demonstrates the depth and shifting dynamics of the professional CS2 scene, where both established stars and rising talents can influence how rosters shape up throughout the year.

Looking Forward

As the competitive year closes and the community digests the complete Top 20 list, discussions around player placements continue across forums, social networks, and esports media. Many fans and analysts alike pointed out that mezii could have cracked the top 10 given his pivotal role at Vitality — a testament to the subjective nuance and debate that often surrounds end-of-year rankings. 

Still, placing 12th in a globally competitive field marks a breakthrough season for William “mezii” Merriman, symbolizing both his personal evolution and his growing status on the Counter-Strike 2 world stage.