HLTV CS2 Rankings Update: Spirit Claims #2 After Shanghai Major Victory

Team Spirit's triumphant victory over FaZe Clan in a dramatic 2-1 Grand Final has significantly shifted the rankings. With this result, the top teams have reshuffled, closing an unforgettable year of Counter-Strike esports.

Let’s analyze the key movements in the HLTV world rankings as of December 16th, 2024.

Key Highlights of the Updated CS2 Rankings

1. G2 Esports Holds #1 Despite Semi-Final Exit

G2 continues to dominate the rankings with 985 HLTV points, maintaining their position at the top. Although G2 was eliminated in the Semi-Finals of the Shanghai Major, their consistent performance throughout the season keeps them as the world’s leading CS2 team.

G2’s core of NiKo, huNter-, m0NESY, Snax, and malbsMd have shown remarkable stability, and despite falling short of a Major title, they remain the team to beat going into 2025. The question is however what kind of G2 team we will see in the new season with NiKo being rumoured to join Falcons at the start of 2025.

2. Spirit Soars to #2 After Shanghai Major Triumph

The biggest storyline from the updated rankings is Team Spirit’s rise to #2 with 963 HLTV points. Spirit’s commanding victory in the Shanghai Major proves their exceptional form in LAN events. Led by chopper, sh1ro, magixx, zont1x, and donk, Spirit emerged victorious after a nail-biting 2-1 win over FaZe in the Grand Final.

This result marks Spirit as a rising force in CS2, surpassing Natus Vincere (NAVI) and closing the gap on G2.

3. Natus Vincere Drops to #3 After Early Elimination

NAVI’s slip to third place comes after a lackluster performance in the Shanghai Major. The defending Major champions got knocked out of the Shanghai Major already in the Elimination Stage. Despite a roster brimming with talent, including Aleksib, b1t, jL, and wonderful, NAVI’s 785 HLTV points signal a drop in consistency.

NAVI will need to refine their strategies in the offseason to challenge G2 and Spirit’s dominance next year.

4. Vitality Falls to #4 Despite Quarter-Final Appearance

Vitality, another powerhouse team, experienced a -1 drop to 4th place with 670 HLTV points. The team’s Quarter-Final exit in Shanghai highlighted struggles to find their rhythm in crucial matchups. Despite a strong roster featuring ZywOo, apEX, flameZ, Spinx, and mezii, Vitality must address gaps in consistency to reclaim their spot at the top.

5. FaZe Climbs to #5 After Grand Final Heroics

FaZe Clan was undoubtedly one of the standout teams of the Shanghai Major, climbing +1 spot to #5 with 668 HLTV points. Their dramatic run to the Grand Final, including close victories over top contenders, showcased their resilience and talent.

Players like karrigan, rain, broky, frozen, and ropz proved their ability to compete at the highest level. FaZe’s upward momentum signals a strong start heading into next season. Team captain Finn "karrigan" Andersen tweeted his desire to continue chasing another Major title after the Grand Final loss, which was good news for fans of FaZe, who might have feared a roster shuffle coming up soon.

Big emotions for karrigan after the loss in the Grand Final of the Shanghai Major.

Notable Changes in the Rankings

Full Updated Top 20 CS2 Rankings (December 16th, 2024)

The Shanghai Major served as a climactic end to the 2024 CS2 competitive season. Spirit’s meteoric rise to #2 sets the stage for an exciting 2025, with G2 still holding onto the top spot. FaZe Clan’s resurgence and MOUZ’s steady presence signal that the competition for dominance will remain fierce.

As we look ahead, the updated HLTV rankings confirm that the CS2 scene is thriving, unpredictable, and filled with storylines that will continue to captivate fans worldwide.