HLTV.org has officially released the preliminary lists of nominees for the upcoming HLTV Awards 2025. These early insights, shared via the portal`s social media channels, offer a snapshot of the players, teams, and coaches who have made the most significant impact during the first half of the competitive season.
Initial analysis of these preliminary lists reveals a notable trend: many of the names featured echo the results and top contenders from the HLTV Awards 2024 ceremony. This suggests a degree of sustained excellence among the scene`s elite, with consistent performers maintaining their high standing.
However, the lists are not simply a copy-paste of last year`s accolades. Some categories, as pointed out in commentary accompanying the release, currently lack the player or coach who took home the top prize in 2024. A prominent example includes **Andrey `B1ad3` Gorodenskiy**, the esteemed coach of Natus Vincere, who is not presently listed among the preliminary candidates for Best Coach. Similarly, **Justinas `jL` Lekavicius**, a player who saw significant recognition in 2024, does not yet appear in the preliminary list for Best Lurker. These absences, whether temporary or indicative of shifts in performance or perception over the past six months, add an element of intrigue and highlight the dynamic nature of competitive Counter-Strike.
The grand ceremony where the definitive HLTV Awards 2025 winners will be announced is scheduled to take place on **January 10, 2026**. The event is set to be held in Belgrade, Serbia, within the Sava Centar, a venue capable of accommodating up to 4,000 attendees.
The awards ceremony will honor excellence across multiple facets of the game. Key categories include the coveted titles of Best Team, Best Female Player, individual awards recognizing the Best Player in each specific in-game role, and the ultimate individual honor, the Player of the Year.
While these preliminary lists provide an exciting early glimpse, they represent just half the story. The performances and results from the remainder of the season will heavily influence the final nominations and ultimately, the winners celebrated in Belgrade come January 2026. The competitive landscape continues to evolve, and the journey towards solidifying a spot among the year`s best is far from over.
Jasper Hawthorne