Esports keeps growing, and some players have really stood out, not just for their skills but for how they’ve changed the game. These athletes aren’t only good at what they do—they’ve set records, won big titles, and inspired fans all around the world.
In this article, I’ll share my thoughts on the top 10 esports players of all time, what they’ve achieved, and why they’re considered the best.
The Best Esports Players: Top 10
This post will introduce the top 10 greatest esports players of all time who have made a lasting impact on esports with their skills and achievements.
Faker (Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok) – League of Legends
Faker is basically the face of esports. Since joining SK Telecom T1 (now T1) back in 2013, he’s stayed at the top of his game, with five World Championship titles and tons of LCK championships. His record in League of Legends is unmatched.
What stands out to me most about Faker isn’t just his insane skill—it’s how he’s stayed relevant year after year, even as the game keeps changing. His leadership on T1 and his ability to perform consistently on the world stage make him not just a legend, but also one of the most trusted names in esports betting.
N0tail (Johan “N0tail” Sundstein) – Dota 2
N0tail is one of the most inspiring players in esports, not just because of his victories but also because of his leadership. Co-founding OG and leading them to back-to-back International titles in 2018 and 2019 is something few will ever match. His understanding of the game and ability to adapt has made him one of the most respected figures in Dota 2.
For me, what sets N0tail apart is his contribution to OG’s team dynamic. He’s not just a star player; he’s the glue that holds the team together. His legacy is cemented, and I have no doubt his name will continue to be a prominent one in esports betting markets.
s1mple (Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev) – Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
When I think of skill in CS:GO, s1mple (Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev) is the first name that comes to mind. His success with Na’Vi, including winning the PGL Major Stockholm 2021 and earning three HLTV Player of the Year awards, speaks for itself. What impresses me most is his consistency. He’s been at the top for years, not just a short-term star.
S1mple has a huge influence on CS:GO and is a popular choice in the esports betting scene. His ability to perform under pressure makes him a favorite among fans and bettors.
Lee (“Flash” Young-ho) – The Undisputed StarCraft Legend
Lee “Flash” Young-ho is one of the most legendary StarCraft players of all time. Starting his career in 2007, Flash quickly made a name for himself by becoming the youngest player to win the OnGameNet Starleague (OSL) at just 15. His dominance continued with 6 OSL titles and 4 MSL championships, making him a standout player in StarCraft history.
What I find impressive about Flash is his consistency. He didn’t just have a few good years—he was a top contender for over a decade. He was also the first to win both the OSL and MSL titles at the same time, which is a huge achievement in such a competitive scene.
Even after switching to StarCraft II and returning to StarCraft: Brood War, Flash kept performing at a high level, proving his adaptability. His career is a testament to his skill and dedication, and he remains one of the biggest names in esports.
Crimsix (Ian “Crimsix” Porter) – Call of Duty
Crimsix is a player I’ve always respected. With three Call of Duty World Championship titles and 38 major tournament wins, he’s shown incredible consistency and success. His leadership in teams like OpTic Gaming and Dallas Empire has been a big part of their success.
What stands out about Crimsix is how well he adapts. He’s been able to switch between different Call of Duty titles and still perform at the highest level. His dominance in esports, along with his impressive tournament record, makes him a safe bet for anyone looking to follow the action.
OGRE2 (Tom “OGRE2” Ryan) – Halo
Tom “OGRE2” Ryan is a true legend in the Halo community. With multiple MLG National Championships and over 40 LAN victories, his influence on competitive Halo is undeniable.
What stands out about OGRE2 is his strategic approach to the game and his ability to stay composed under pressure. His success in Halo 2, Halo 3, and Halo: Reach has cemented his legacy, and I believe his impact on esports will continue to be respected for years to come.
Daigo (“The Beast” Umehara) – Street Fighter
Daigo “The Beast” Umehara is a true legend in the fighting game community. I’ve been following his career for years, and I’m always impressed by how he handles pressure. His “Moment 37” in EVO 2004, when he made the perfect parry, is still considered one of the greatest moments in esports.
What I admire most about Daigo is his long career. He’s been competing at the highest level for decades, and his impact on Street Fighter is huge. For fighting game fans, Daigo is always a safe bet.
ZywOo (Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut) – Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
ZywOo is a professional Counter-Strike player who is considered one of the greatest in the game’s history. His rise to the top has been impressive, winning three HLTV Player of the Year awards and multiple MVP titles. His performance in the BLAST Paris Major 2023 proved that he’s still at the top of his game.
What impresses me most about ZywOo is his consistency. Since joining Team Vitality, he’s remained a dominant force in CS:GO, and I believe he’ll continue to deliver exceptional performances for years to come. For those betting on CS:GO, ZywOo is always a strong choice.
KuroKy (Kuro “KuroKy” Salehi Takhasomi) – Dota 2
KuroKy (Kuro “KuroKy” Salehi Takhasomi) has built a legendary career in Dota 2. He was the first player to reach 1,000 professional wins and is the only one to have played every hero in professional Dota 2 matches. His key role in helping Team Liquid win The International 2017 cemented his place in esports history.
What stands out to me most about KuroKy is his leadership and commitment to the game. He’s been a constant force, leading teams like Team Liquid and Nigma Galaxy, and his influence on Dota 2 will be remembered for years to come. Even today, he is still a major figure in the betting market, and his legacy will continue to inspire both players and fans.
Grubby (Manuel “Grubby” Schenkhuizen) – Warcraft III
Grubby (Manuel “Grubby” Schenkhuizen) is one of the most successful players in the history of Warcraft III. With six World Championships and over 38 LAN tournament wins, he’s set an incredibly high standard for RTS players. What really stands out to me about Grubby is his dedication to the game and his ability to adapt as esports continue to evolve.
His influence goes beyond just his tournament wins. Grubby has built a strong reputation in the esports community, and his shift to full-time streaming has only expanded his fanbase. For anyone following Warcraft III or StarCraft II betting, Grubby is still a player to watch. His experience and consistency make him a lasting presence in the esports field.
Conclusion About 10 Best Esports Players
The top 10 best esports players of all time have not only mastered their respective games—they’ve redefined what it means to be a top-tier esports athlete.
From Faker’s incredible consistency in League of Legends to s1mple’s skill in CS:GO, each one has set a standard that’s hard to match. What I admire most is their ability to stay at the top year after year, adapting to changes and constantly pushing the limits of their games.
Their impact goes beyond just winning tournaments—they’ve shaped the entire esports scene, and their influence is felt in the betting world as well. For me, these players aren’t just legends; they’ve shown that staying at the top takes more than talent—it takes dedication, leadership, and the will to keep improving.