PGL Astana 2025 gave CS2 viewers five days of intense matches, highlights and unexpected twists and turns. One of the key driving forces of the teams was AWP players - they controlled the most important positions, broke the game with solo clutches and set the pace for attack and defense. In this selection, we've compiled the five best snipers of the group stage based on statistics, team results, and overall impact on matches.
5. hades ( G2 Esports )
Team result: 2-3, elimination in the Swiss
Despite being eliminated from G2 in the survival match, hades had a very stable individual tournament. At key moments, it was his AWP that allowed the team to stay in the fight, particularly in the matches against M80 and BIG . The Polish sniper showed a high level of control and good average damage, even if the team lacked overall stability.
Main weapon: AWP (0.337 kills/round)
AWP damage: 30.39
Rating: 6.1
4. woxic ( Aurora Gaming )
Team result: 3-2, playoffs.
The Turkish talent returned to the BIG stage in a BIG way. woxic has been an important factor in Aurora's success in the difficult Swiss system. Thanks to his stable play, Aurora confidently passed ODDIK in the deciding match. His style - aggressive, dynamic, with frequent openings - started to bring results again.
Main weapon: AWP (0.356 kills/round)
AWP damage: 32.41
Rating: 5.9
3. molodoy ( FURIA Esports )
Team result: 3-1, reaching the playoffs
The young Kazakh sniper FURIA Esports is quickly becoming one of the most fearsome AWP players on the scene. In his wins over MIBR and GamerLegion, he dominated, confidently spying and shutting down entire sites on his own. With an impressive AWP impact on only four maps, he combines mechanical prowess with a coolness beyond his years.
Main weapon: AWP (0.388 kills/round)
AWP damage: 36.51
Rating: 6.1
2. hyped ( BIG )
Team result: 1-3, eliminated
The German sniper proved to be one of the main discoveries of the group stage. In the matches against G2 and Aurora, it was hyped who kept BIG in the game, winning duels even against more experienced opponents. His positional play and accuracy became the basis for all the team's victories at this stage. If the team returns to the game, it will be hyped who will become its leader.
Main weapon: AWP (0.410 kills/round)
AWP damage: 36.97
Rating: 6.2
1. sh1ro ( Team Spirit )
Team result: 3-0, in the playoffs
The absolute leader of this stage. sh1ro was not just a good shooter, he was dominant. Team Spirit won all three matches, and the main credit for this goes to the sniper. His kill AWP was the highest in the tournament, and his average damage per round exceeded 40. Spirit comfortably passed the group, and everyone expects this show to continue in the playoffs.
Main weapons: AWP (0.455 kills/round)
AWP damage: 40.68
Rating: 7.1
The group stage of PGL Astana 2025 proved once again: AWP is the key to success in CS2 . The best snipers don't just shoot accurately - they lead their teams to victory. Although not everyone managed to advance, it was the individual skills of these five that made the tournament so exciting.
PGL Astana 2025 takes place from May 10 to 18 in Astana, Kazakhstan, at the Barys Arena. Sixteen teams from around the world are competing for a prize pool of $625,000, with the winner receiving $200,000.
