If you’ve spent any time following Counter-Strike, you know the competitive scene is absolutely wild. From nail-biting clutch moments to million-dollar prize pools, the CS esports world is a rollercoaster of intensity and jaw-dropping talent. Some players have turned their skills into serious cash, racking up earnings that most can only dream of. As of February 23, 2025, here’s a look at the TOP 10 highest-earning CS players who’ve dominated the scene and cashed in big time.
Counter-Strike has been one of the biggest esports games for years, with players competing at the highest level for massive prize pools. With the transition from CS:GO to CS2, the competitive scene is still going strong, and some players have made millions over the years. Their earnings come from both CS:GO and CS2 tournaments, making them some of the highest-paid players in the game’s history.
1. Peter “dupreeh” Rasmussen
- Total Earnings: $2,225,525
- Pro Career: 2012–Present
- Nationality: Denmark
- Achievements: Dupreeh has been a cornerstone of the Counter-Strike scene, attending all 19 CS:GO Majors and securing five Major titles. His versatility allowed him to adapt to various roles, contributing significantly to his teams’ successes.
- Major Titles: 5x CSGO/CS2 Major champion (Atlanta 2017, London 2018, Katowice 2019, Berlin 2019, Paris 2023).
2. Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz
- Total Earnings: $2,060,914
- Pro Career: 2013–Present
- Nationality: Denmark
- Achievements: One of the best AWPers in CS history, dev1ce is known for his consistent performances and smart playstyle. He has won four Majors with Astralis and earned numerous MVP awards throughout his career.
- Major Titles: 4× CS:GO Major champion (Atlanta 2017, London 2018, Katowice 2019, Berlin 2019).
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3. Finn “karrigan” Andersen
- Total Earnings: $2,057,702
- Pro Career: 2006–Present
- Nationality: Denmark
- Achievements: Karrigan has led multiple international teams to success, including FaZe Clan, where he won a Major in 2022. As an IGL, his ability to bring teams together and build championship-winning rosters has set him apart.
- Major Titles: CS:GO Major champion (Antwerp 2022).
4. Andreas “Xyp9x” Højsleth
- Total Earnings: $2,003,061
- Pro Career: 2011–2024
- Nationality: Denmark
- Achievements: Known as “The Clutch Minister,” Xyp9x built his reputation by pulling off game-winning plays under pressure. As part of Astralis’ dominant era, he played a key role in securing four Major titles and many other big event wins.
- Major Titles: 4× CS:GO Major champion (Atlanta 2017, London 2018, Katowice 2019, Berlin 2019).
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5. Emil “Magisk” Reif
- Total Earnings: $1,932,723
- Pro Career: 2015-Present
- Nationality: Denmark
- Achievements: Magisk joined Astralis in 2018 and was a key part of their historic Major-winning streak. His versatility and reliable rifling made him a crucial player in some of the biggest tournament victories in CS history.
- Major Titles: 4× CS:GO Major champion (London 2018, Katowice 2019, Berlin 2019, Paris 2023).
6. Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander
- Total Earnings: $1,926,499
- Pro Career: 2012-Present
- Nationality: Denmark
- Achievements: Gla1ve is widely regarded as one of the best in-game leaders (IGLs) in CS history. His tactical approach helped Astralis dominate the scene, winning four Majors and reshaping how the game is played at the top level.
- Major Titles: 4× CS:GO Major champion (Atlanta 2017, London 2018, Katowice 2019, Berlin 2019).
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7. Håvard “rain” Nygaard
- Total Earnings: $1,818,316
- Pro Career: 2013-Present
- Nationality: Norway
- Achievements: Rain has been a core member of FaZe Clan since 2016, making him one of the longest-standing players in the team’s history. Known for his sharp aim and aggressive entry fragging, he played a crucial role in FaZe’s Major-winning run at PGL Antwerp 2022, where he was named the tournament MVP. Over the years, rain has helped FaZe win multiple Tier 1 events, solidifying his reputation as one of the best European riflers in CS history.
- Major Titles: CS:GO Major champion (Antwerp 2022).
8. Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken
- Total Earnings: $1,762,393
- Pro Career: 2015-Present
- Nationality: Canada
- Achievements: Twistzz is one of the most skilled riflers in Counter-Strike history, known for his crisp aim and smooth mechanics. He made a name for himself in Team Liquid, helping them dominate 2019 with multiple big tournament wins, including the Intel Grand Slam. After joining FaZe Clan in 2021, he became a key part of their success, winning the PGL Antwerp 2022 Major and becoming the first North American player to win two Majors after FaZe’s IEM Rio 2023 victory. His impact and consistency have made him one of the most successful CS players of all time.
- Major Titles: CS:GO Major champion (Antwerp 2022).
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9. Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev
- Total Earnings: $1,722,255
- Pro Career: 2013-Present
- Nationality: Ukraine
- Achievements: Often called the greatest CS player of all time, s1mple has won almost every major tournament, including a Major with NAVI in 2021. His insane mechanical skill and game sense have made him a fan favorite and a dominant force for years.
- Major Titles: CS:GO Major champion (Stockholm 2021)
10. Dan “apEX” Madesclaire
- Total Earnings: $1,716,265
- Pro Career: 2009-Present
- Nationality: France
- Achievements: ApEX has been a staple of the French Counter-Strike scene for over a decade, playing for legendary teams like LDLC, EnVyUs, and G2 before becoming the in-game leader of Team Vitality. Known for his aggressive playstyle and fiery leadership, he helped Vitality secure their first Major title at BLAST Paris 2023. His experience, passion, and ability to lead top-tier players have made him one of the most respected IGLs in the game.
- Major Titles: 3× CS:GO Major champion (ESL One Cologne 2015, Dreamhack Open Cluj-Napoca 2015, BLAST.tv Major Paris 2023).
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These players have not only showcased exceptional talent and dedication but have also played a pivotal role in shaping the competitive Counter-Strike landscape. Through years of hard work, strategic mastery, and unforgettable performances, they have helped elevate the game to new heights, attracting millions of fans worldwide. Their impressive earnings are a testament to their success and the increasing potential of esports as a highly competitive and lucrative industry. From setting new records to inspiring future generations of players, their contributions continue to drive the growth and evolution of Counter-Strike as one of the most prestigious esports in the world.
Note: Earnings data is sourced from Esports Charts and is accurate as of February 2025.