Best Players in Gaming

A cross-genre roll call of players who’ve defined eras—built on major titles, awards, and “you had to see it live” moments.

Updated • January 4, 2026

Faker at LoL Worlds (photo)
League of Legends

Faker

The defining mid-lane icon—longevity + peak performance, season after season.

  • Six-time Worlds champion (2013, 2015, 2016, 2023–2025).
  • Inducted as the inaugural LoL Esports “Hall of Legends” member.
s1mple portrait (photo)
Counter-Strike

s1mple

A mechanical powerhouse whose prime years reset expectations for aim, impact, and consistency.

  • HLTV #1 player in 2018, 2021, and 2022.
  • Major champion + MVP at PGL Stockholm 2021.
ZywOo at IEM (photo)
Counter-Strike

ZywOo

A generational star who turned elite “eye test” plays into repeatable, championship-level results.

  • HLTV Player of the Year: 2019, 2020, 2023.
  • Multiple Major titles + Major MVP awards.
Johan 'N0tail' Sundstein (photo)
Dota 2

N0tail

A captain’s captain—strategic mastery, leadership, and historic prize winnings.

  • Among the top prize earners in esports history (over $7M reported).
  • Co-founded OG, one of Dota’s most celebrated orgs.
SonicFox at Evo (photo)
Fighting Games

SonicFox

One of the most dominant multi-game competitors ever—adaptation is the superpower.

  • Eight-time EVO champion across multiple titles.
  • Also a frequent champion at Final Kombat / pro circuits.
Serral at WCS Valencia (photo)
StarCraft II

Serral

The modern SC2 benchmark—precision, planning, and brutal efficiency in high-stakes series.

  • First non-Korean WCS global champion (2018).
  • Multiple world titles across later championship formats.
Esports trophy on stage (illustrative photo)
Fortnite

Bugha

The original Fortnite breakout—turned one historic Sunday into a permanent esports headline.

  • Won the 2019 Fortnite World Cup Solo Finals.
  • Took home the $3 million top prize.
Arena stage lighting (illustrative photo)
VALORANT

aspas

An elite duelist whose highlight reels are backed up by championship-winning runs.

  • Part of LOUD’s VALORANT Champions 2022 title run.
  • Known for high-impact entry play and clutch rounds.
Photo credits:
  • Faker, s1mple, ZywOo, N0tail, SonicFox, Serral images via Wikimedia Commons (links embedded on images/pages).
  • Bugha + aspas cards use illustrative Unsplash JPEGs (not official portraits).