Esports has evolved from a niche hobby to a global phenomenon, with millions of players, fans, and viewers around the world. From intense FPS battles to strategic MOBA showdowns, esports players have become legends in their own right, earning global recognition and massive followings for their extraordinary skills and achievements. These players have not only pushed the boundaries of competitive gaming but have also helped define what it means to be a true champion in the world of esports.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the greatest esports players of all time, those who have revolutionized their respective games, built legacies, and inspired future generations of gamers. From legendary performances to consistency at the highest level, these players have set the bar for excellence in esports.
1. Faker (Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok) – League of Legends
When discussing the greatest esports players of all time, it’s impossible not to mention Faker, the undisputed king of League of Legends. Hailing from South Korea, Faker has dominated the LoL scene since he first burst onto the competitive stage in 2013. With three World Championship titles under his belt (2013, 2015, 2016) and numerous regional titles with his team, T1 (formerly SK Telecom T1), Faker has earned the nickname “The Unkillable Demon King” for his nearly flawless performances and unrivaled dominance in the League of Legends ecosystem.
What sets Faker apart from other players is not just his mechanical skill but his understanding of the game’s intricate strategies. His consistency at the top level and ability to perform in the highest-pressure situations have solidified his place as the greatest League of Legends player in history. Even after almost a decade of playing professionally, Faker remains one of the most relevant and respected figures in esports.
2. s1mple (Alexander “s1mple” Kostyliev) – Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS: GO) has produced some of the most elite players in esports history, but none have quite matched the raw talent and dominance of s1mple. Born in Ukraine, s1mple is widely regarded as one of the best players ever to grace the CS: GO scene. Playing for Natus Vincere (Na’Vi), s1mple has consistently been at the top of the competitive ladder, securing numerous MVP awards, tournament wins, and an unparalleled individual skill set that has made him a household name.
His ability to perform with virtually any weapon, combined with his strategic thinking and raw aim, has led s1mple to dominate the CS: GO scene for years. In 2021, he was awarded HLTV’s Best Player of the Year for the fourth time, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest FPS players in history. s1mple’s extraordinary ability to carry his team to victory, often in the face of overwhelming competition, makes him one of the most iconic players in the esports world.
3. N0tail (Johan “N0tail” Sundstein) – Dota 2
Dota 2 has seen its fair share of exceptional players, but N0tail stands out as the most successful player in the game’s history. Hailing from Denmark, N0tail has been a dominant force in competitive Dota 2 for nearly a decade. As the captain of OG, N0tail led his team to four The International (TI) titles, the highest honor in Dota 2. His tactical brilliance, leadership skills, and exceptional in-game decision-making helped redefine what it means to be a successful captain in a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game.
N0tail’s contributions to OG’s success go beyond just his individual performances—he’s known for his strategic drafts and ability to inspire his team, making him one of the most revered figures in esports. His consistency at the highest level of competition, combined with his impact on the Dota 2 scene, places him at the top of the list of all-time greats.
4. Coldzera (Marcelo “coldzera” David) – Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Another CS: GO legend, coldzera, is often regarded as one of the best players of all time, and for good reason. The Brazilian superstar was a key member of the legendary SK Gaming team, winning two Major Championships and multiple top-tier events throughout his career. Coldzera is celebrated for his unparalleled ability to make game-changing plays, his perfect positioning, and his calm demeanor in clutch situations.
One of the most iconic moments in CS: GO history came at the 2016 MLG Major Championship, when coldzera delivered a stunning 1v2 clutch with an AWP that would be forever etched into the annals of esports history. His ability to consistently perform at the highest level of competition, particularly in major tournaments, helped solidify his legacy as one of the greatest players in esports.
5. Ken (Hiroshi “Ken” Shih) – Street Fighter
When discussing fighting games, it’s impossible not to mention Ken, one of the pioneers in the competitive Street Fighter scene. Ken is widely considered to be the greatest Street Fighter player of all time, and his legacy has had a lasting impact on the entire genre of fighting games. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Ken consistently dominated Street Fighter IV and Street Fighter V tournaments, winning numerous championships and setting the standard for competitive play.
What makes Ken’s legacy so important is his role in advancing the fighting game community. His ability to outplay some of the world’s best players and showcase top-tier execution in high-stakes situations made him an icon in the world of esports. Ken’s dominance in one of the most competitive fighting games of all time earns him a spot as one of esports’ legends.
6. Daigo (Daigo Umehara) – Street Fighter
If there is one player who embodies the spirit of esports as a competitive sport, it’s Daigo Umehara. Known as the “Beast” of Street Fighter, Daigo is one of the most influential and iconic figures in the history of competitive gaming. His Street Fighter career spans over two decades, and during that time, he has become a global ambassador for esports, particularly within the fighting game community.
Daigo’s most iconic moment came during the Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike match at EVO 2004, where he pulled off a seemingly impossible comeback with an extraordinary parry sequence, which has since become one of the most memorable moments in esports history. Daigo’s incredible consistency, deep understanding of the game’s mechanics, and unmatched mental fortitude have made him a living legend in the esports world, and his influence continues to be felt in the fighting game community today.
7. KuroKy (Kuro “KuroKy” Salehi Takhasomi) – Dota 2
Another Dota 2 legend, KuroKy is one of the most respected players in the competitive Dota 2 scene. Known for his exceptional versatility, KuroKy has played numerous roles and heroes at the highest level of competition. His strategic mind and in-depth knowledge of Dota 2 allowed him to play as both a core and support player, making him a vital part of his teams’ success over the years.
As a member of Team Liquid, KuroKy helped guide the team to victory at The International 2017, where they won one of the largest prize pools in esports history. His influence on Dota 2 as both a player and a team captain has earned him a place among the legends of the game.
8. Jaedong (Lee “Jaedong” Jae-dong) – StarCraft: Brood War and StarCraft II
For a time, Jaedong was considered the best StarCraft player in the world. A dominant figure in both StarCraft: Brood War and StarCraft II, Jaedong helped elevate esports to new heights with his exceptional skill and consistent success. His rivalry with Flash in the Brood War era was legendary, but it was his dominance in StarCraft II that solidified his status as one of the greatest players of all time.
Known for his extraordinary micro-management and game sense, Jaedong’s ability to dominate opponents across different eras of StarCraft has made him one of the most respected figures in esports history. His contributions to both the Brood War and StarCraft II communities make him a true icon of competitive gaming.
9. ZywOo (Mathieu “ZywOo” Herbaut) – Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
A relatively new face in the world of esports, ZywOo has quickly established himself as one of the top players in CS: GO history. Hailing from France, ZywOo plays for Team Vitality, and his incredible skill has earned him multiple HLTV Best Player of the Year awards. His mechanical ability, precision, and consistency have allowed him to perform at the highest level of competitive CS: GO, competing against some of the best players in the world.
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