Since the HLTV Awards launched in 2021, Rookie of the Year has quickly become one of the most interesting trophies on the calendar because it captures the moment a new name truly arrives on the biggest stage. It is not about potential or hype alone, it is about impact, how quickly a player adapts to tier one Counter-Strike, holds their level across elite events, and proves they belong against the very best.
Below, you will find the complete HLTV Rookie of the Year winners list, updated year by year, including the other nominees each season. If you are looking back at the biggest breakout stories in modern Counter-Strike, this is the fastest way to see who earned the rookie crown.
Rookie of the Year
| Year | HLTV Rookie of the Year winner | Other nominees |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Danil “molodoy” Golubenko | makazze, kyuosuke |
| 2024 | Danil “donk” Kryshkovets* | malbsMd, zont1x |
| 2023 | Guy “NertZ” Iluz | iM, Jimpphat |
| 2022 | Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov | w0nderful, Patsi |
And just a bonus fact: Additionally to winning Rookie of the Year donk also won Opener of the Year AND Player of the Year in 2024. Probably the best rookie season we’ve ever seen.
