kennyS reveals his AWPer tier list for pro CSGO players

TL;DR

  • kennyS created a comprehensive AWPer tier list ranking 21 professional snipers across six categories
  • s1mple stands alone in GOAT tier while dev1ce, ZywOo, and other legends populate S-tier
  • The list contains several controversial placements including m0NESY in B-tier and allu in D-tier
  • kennyS omitted himself due to bias but objectively belongs in S-tier based on career and influence
  • His aggressive AWPing style directly led to weapon nerfs that changed CSGO gameplay permanently

When evaluating elite AWPers in Counter-Strike history, few voices carry more weight than Kenny “kennyS” Schrub. The French sniper revolutionized AWP gameplay so dramatically that his aggressive style prompted developers to implement significant weapon balancing changes. His perspective offers unparalleled insight into what separates good snipers from legendary ones.

During a December 8th broadcast, kennyS unveiled his definitive tier list ranking the most impactful AWPers throughout CS:GO’s competitive lifespan. This comprehensive assessment identifies not only the absolute best but also highlights players he considers overrated by the broader community. Importantly, the rankings within each tier are not ordered hierarchically.

  • GOAT – s1mple
  • S Tier – dev1ce, FalleN, GuardiaN, JW, and ZywOo
  • A Tier – cadian, Jame, mou, pashaBiceps, Skadoodle, and sh1ro
  • B Tier – broky, CeRq, chrisJ, fox, HEN1, m0NESY, nitr0, oskar, smooya, and syrsoN
  • C Tier – arT, mantuu, and woxic
  • D Tier – acoR, allu, Gratisfaction, and Lucky

According to kennyS’s expert evaluation, Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev stands alone in the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) category. Natus Vincere’s superstar sniper presents an undeniable case as CSGO’s most complete player ever, making his placement in the exclusive top tier unquestionable. Beyond his mechanical dominance, s1mple has become a CSGO icon through both incredible highlight plays and genuine community engagement.

The S-tier features contemporary elite performers including Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz of Ninjas in Pyjamas and Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut representing Team Vitality. The inclusion of retired legends like FalleN and GuardiaN confirms this as a historical assessment rather than current form ranking. All five S-tier AWPers achieved sustained periods of dominance at CSGO’s highest competitive levels.

The middle tiers reveal players kennyS respects but doesn’t consider truly exceptional. The most surprising B-tier inclusion is undoubtedly Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov, who hasn’t yet competed at the professional level. While the young talent generates significant discussion during roster shuffle periods, his placement alongside established professionals like Owen “smooya” Butterfield and Florian “syrsoN” Rische seems premature based on career accomplishments.

kennyS’s D-tier placements generate equal intrigue, particularly Aleksi “allu” Jalli’s controversial ranking. The Finnish marksman played a crucial role in ENCE’s legendary underdog story and demonstrated international success, though his inconsistent performances may explain the lower placement. kennyS has previously expressed critical views about allu’s gameplay, potentially influencing this assessment.

Where does kennyS rank on the AWPer tier list?

The most glaring omission from this comprehensive tier list is kennyS himself. This exclusion reflects understandable self-awareness, as evaluating one’s own career objectively presents inherent challenges. If forced to include his own legacy, where would the French sniper realistically land?

Two critical dimensions demand consideration when assessing kennyS’s proper placement. First, examine his complete competitive resume. Despite current inactivity, kennyS maintained elite threat status for nearly a decade. He formed the foundation of the original VeryGames lineup before starring for both Titan and EnvyUs organizations. His career peak occurred at DreamHack Open Cluj-Napoca 2015, where EnvyUs secured the CSGO major championship and kennyS earned tournament MVP honors.


The second evaluation factor concerns his revolutionary impact on CSGO meta-game development. No other AWPer has fundamentally transformed gameplay mechanics like kennyS. His hyper-aggressive scoped movement and quick-scope techniques directly influenced the 2015 AWP nerf that reduced scoped movement speed. This means every competitive player experiences kennyS’s legacy each time they activate the sniper rifle scope.

Considering both career achievements and lasting influence, kennyS would likely occupy S-tier positioning on any objective greatest AWPers list. Given his characteristically modest personality, he might personally rank himself in A-tier. However, historical context demands higher recognition – he was universally regarded as the premier AWPer worldwide before s1mple’s era dominance. Placing him lower than S-tier would disrespect CSGO’s foundational competitive history and undervalue his transformative contributions to sniper gameplay evolution.

For players looking to improve their own AWP skills, studying kennyS’s gameplay provides invaluable lessons in aggressive positioning and quick-scope timing. His ability to dominate matches while constantly pressuring opponents revolutionized how professionals approach sniper rifle usage. Understanding these tier list placements helps contextualize current weapon mechanics and how they’ve evolved from these legendary players’ influences.

The transition from kennyS’s era to modern AWPing reveals significant meta shifts. Today’s sniper play emphasizes different strengths, though the fundamentals these pioneers established remain relevant. Aspiring AWPers should analyze both historical and contemporary class specializations to develop comprehensive skillsets.

What makes kennyS’s evaluation particularly compelling is his dual perspective as both elite practitioner and meta-game influencer. This combination provides rare insight that pure analysts or active competitors cannot replicate. His assessments blend technical understanding with practical experience gained through changing game landscapes.

Action Checklist

  • Study kennyS’s DreamHack Cluj-Napoca 2015 VODs to understand peak aggressive AWPing
  • Analyze each tier’s common traits to identify what separates elite AWPers from average ones
  • Practice quick-scope timing in deathmatch using kennyS’s movement techniques
  • Compare modern AWP styles with historical approaches to identify evolutionary patterns

No reproduction without permission:Game Guides Online » kennyS reveals his AWPer tier list for pro CSGO players Analyzing kennyS's CSGO AWPer tier list rankings and assessing where he belongs among legendary snipers