CS:GO World Rankings: September 2016
It has always been a challenge to construct accurate World Rankings in CS:GO due to the complexity of different events and the difficulty of judging their significance. Instead of using a complex point system, I have analyzed team performance and intuition to create my own Global Top 10 rankings.
How Rankings are Determined
Only offline results are considered, taking into account a team’s performance over the past three months. Recent tournament results carry more weight than those from the beginning of the period. Factors such as finishes, consistency, current form, and quality of opponents are taken into consideration.
CS:GO Top 10 World Rankings: September 22, 2016
1. SK Gaming
Recent form: ECS S1 (2nd), ESL One Cologne (1st)
Despite not competing in offline events since the last ranking update, SK Gaming retains the top spot due to their two finals finishes, including a victory at the major. However, their ranking may be at risk once more tournaments begin.
2. Virtus.pro
Recent form: ELEAGUE Group F (2nd), ESL One Cologne (3rd-4th), ELEAGUE LCQ (Qual’d), ELEAGUE S1 (1st), StarLadder i-League StarSeries Season 2 (13th-16th), DreamHack Bucharest (1st)
Virtus.pro’s three-place jump indicates that their slump is over. With two victories at ELEAGUE and Dreamhack Bucharest, they are solidifying their place as one of the world’s best teams.
3. G2
Recent form: ECS S1 (1st), ESL One Cologne (13th-16th), ELEAGUE LCQ (5th-8th), StarLadder i-League StarSeries Season 2 (2nd)
G2’s solid performance at StarSeries, following their victory at ECS, keeps them in the top 3. However, their success at ECS will fade over time.
4. Cloud9
Recent form: ECS S1 (5th-6th), ELEAGUE S1 (5th-8th), Northern Arena Toronto (2nd), StarLadder i-League StarSeries Season 2 (3rd-4th), DreamHack Bucharest (2nd)
Cloud9’s recent achievements, including a deep run at Dreamhack Bucharest, have propelled them to their best ranking since 2015. However, it is unlikely they will hold onto this position for long.
5. Team Liquid
Recent form: ECS S1 (5th-6th), ESL One Cologne (2nd)
Despite losing their most important player and not playing offline with their new lineup, Team Liquid’s previous finishes warrant their rank. However, they would likely lose to many teams ranked below them.
6. Ninjas in Pyjamas
Recent form: ECS S1 (7th-8th), ESL One Cologne (9th-12th), ELEAGUE S1 (5th-8th), StarLadder i-League StarSeries Season 2 (1st)
NiP’s victory at StarSeries is impressive, but the presence of a stand-in diminishes its impact. Their recent performances don’t justify a higher rank.
7. Team Dignitas
Recent form: ESL One Cologne (9th-12th), Power-LAN (2nd), StarLadder i-League StarSeries Season 2 (3rd-4th), DreamHack Bucharest (3rd-4th)
Dignitas’ two semi-final finishes, including a close match against VP, return them to the top 10. With their new addition, Magiskb0Y, they are looking strong.
8. Na’Vi
Recent form: ELEAGUE S1 Group E (1st), ESL One Cologne (5th-8th), ELEAGUE S1 (3rd-4th), StarLadder i-League StarSeries Season 2 (13th-16th)
Na’Vi’s poor performance at StarSeries raises concerns, and they rely on the previous lineup’s finishes. They need a quality finish soon to maintain their ranking.
9. EnVyUs
Recent form: ELEAGUE Group F (1st), ESL One Cologne (13th-16th), ELEAGUE S1 (5th-8th), StarLadder i-League StarSeries Season 2 (5th-8th), DreamHack Bucharest (3rd-4th)
EnVyUs is gradually building their form, but their lack of big wins remains a concern. However, their placings secure them a spot on this list.
10. Heroic
Recent form: Pro Gamer League Summer (2nd), Power-LAN (1st), Northern Arena Toronto (3rd-4th), StarLadder i-League StarSeries Season 2 (5th-8th), DreamHack Bucharest (5th-6th)
Heroic is slowly making their mark, with quality finishes and upsets over Astralis. Maintaining this position will be a challenge, but their hard work has paid off with their first ever ranking.
Photo credit: Dreamhack, ELEAGUE, and Na’Vi