The annual HLTV Awards ceremony is a cornerstone event in the Counter-Strike calendar, celebrating the standout performances and contributions from the past year. While the main event is still some time away, HLTV.org has provided the community with an early look, releasing preliminary lists of nominees for the HLTV Awards 2025.
These initial lists are compiled based on player and team performances throughout the first half of the competitive season. According to commentary accompanying the release, many of the names appearing on these preliminary rosters echo the results seen at the HLTV Awards 2024.
However, a deeper look reveals that the first half hasn`t been a simple repeat. Certain categories feature notable absences of players who were prominent figures or even winners at the previous awards. For example, the preliminary list for `Best Coach` currently does not include Andrey `B1ad3` Gorodenskiy, who led Natus Vincere and was recognized in 2024. Similarly, Justinas `jL` Lekavicius, another key player from the previous season`s top teams, is not yet featured among the preliminary candidates for `Best Lurker`. It appears the evolving landscape of competitive Counter-Strike continues to challenge expectations and highlight new talent or shifts in form.
The HLTV Awards 2025 ceremony is scheduled to take place on January 10, 2026. The event will be hosted in Belgrade, specifically at the Sava Centar, a venue capable of accommodating up to 4,000 guests. This is where the final, official winners across various prestigious categories will be announced, including the highly anticipated `Best Team`, `Best Female Player`, top players for each specific in-game role, and the ultimate individual honor, the `Player of the Year`.
While these preliminary lists offer an intriguing preview, the true competition will continue through the latter half of the season, culminating in the grand reveal in Belgrade. Esports enthusiasts will be keenly watching how performances over the coming months influence the final nominations and who ultimately takes home the coveted awards.
Gilbert Pendleton