| Tier | Teams | Signal |
|---|---|---|
| S-tier | Team Vitality · Team Spirit · FaZe Clan · MOUZ · Natus Vincere | Back-to-back Top-4 at Tier-1; 5+ map comfort pool |
| A-tier | G2 Esports · 3DMAX · Aurora · Heroic · Virtus.pro · Complexity · Team Liquid | Deep bracket runs at Tier-1; 3-4 map pool |
| B-tier | Cloud9 · FURIA · paiN Gaming · BIG · Astralis · The MongolZ · GamerLegion · Imperial | Tier-1 qualification consistent; map pool narrower |
| C-tier | Eternal Fire · Nemiga · Metizport · Fluxo · 9z Team · Rare Atom · ENCE · KOI | Tier-2 circuit leaders; rotate into Tier-1 via open qualifiers |
How is the CS2 tier list scored?
Each team's composite is weighted across three inputs. Weighted Tier-1 tournament results over the last 90 days carry 60% (more recent events counted higher on a decaying curve). Map pool depth — the count of maps a team wins 55%+ on with sufficient sample — weighs 25%. Head-to-head record against other top-20 teams contributes 15% (a 4-1 vs S-tier rises faster than a 2-3).
| Factor | Weight | How we measure |
|---|---|---|
| Tier-1 tournament results | 60% | Weighted placements across last 90 days of Tier-1 events |
| Map pool depth | 25% | Number of maps with ≥55% win rate over last 20 games |
| Head-to-head vs top-20 | 15% | Record against other top-20 teams in last 90 days |
What separates S-tier from A-tier in CS2?
The biggest differentiator is map pool depth. S-tier teams have 5+ maps with winning records, making them nearly unban-able in Bo3 veto. A-tier teams have 3-4 strong maps and must hope the opposing team doesn't ban all of them. On rosters, S-tier teams typically have at least two players sustained at 1.10+ HLTV 2.0 rating, versus A-tier teams' one standout plus supporting cast.
| Metric | S-tier typical | A-tier typical |
|---|---|---|
| Map pool depth | 5+ maps ≥55% WR | 3-4 maps ≥55% WR |
| Top-8 Tier-1 finishes / year | 5+ | 2-3 |
| Players at 1.10+ HLTV 2.0 | 2-3 | 1 |
| H2H vs S-tier | Break even or better | 30-40% win rate |
How often does the CS2 tier list update?
Monthly, on the first of each month. Tournament results and H2H refresh after the previous month's event cycle completes. Confirmed roster moves (transfers, benchings, retirements) can trigger mid-month tier shifts — a team that drops its AWPer usually falls one full tier until they prove otherwise at a subsequent event.
How to use the tier list for betting
The closing line for an S-tier vs A-tier match already prices in the gap, so betting the tier differential alone won't generate edge. Value comes from identifying mismatches the market under-prices: an A-tier team with a specific map pool that neutralises an S-tier team's best maps, or a B-tier team with a roster-stability advantage over an A-tier team in crisis. Our predictions tag each pick with the tier context that drives it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tier list the same as HLTV's?
No. HLTV uses a fixed-formula ELO-like system with different weights. We publish our own because it's tailored to betting-relevant signals (map pool depth matters more, single-player form matters less).
Can a team drop or rise a tier mid-month?
Only on confirmed roster moves. Tournament-result changes accumulate on the monthly cadence.
Why isn't Astralis in A-tier anymore?
The 2018-2019 Astralis dynasty is long retired; the current Astralis roster has a different core and sits in B-tier as of April 2026. The tier list tracks current form, not brand legacy.
How do new teams break into S-tier?
Two consecutive Top-4 finishes at Tier-1 events plus a winning H2H against at least two existing S-tier teams. Historically this takes 4-6 months for a rising team.
