Standout esports players of Q3 2025

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Q3 2025 was packed with high-stakes esports action, and standing out wasn’t easy. With so many tournaments and storylines unfolding, the players who truly made their mark did so on some of the biggest stages of the year. In many cases, picking a definitive #1 was no simple task: after all, success in esports is often a team effort. 

Some of the players on our list didn’t necessarily clinch a major title this quarter, but their contributions were crucial in pushing their teams to top finishes and memorable performances. Here are the names that left a mark in League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike and Valorant.

League of Legends

In the second half of 2025, Gen.G Esports established themselves as one of the standout teams in League of Legends, delivering exceptional performances both in the domestic LCK and on the international stage. While their success was clearly a team effort, top laner Kim "Kiin" Ki-in deserves special mention for his role in helping the squad shine, our editorial pick for the best player of Q3 in recognition of his individual impact and as a way to highlight the team’s collective strength.

Gen.G’s crowning achievement in the quarter was winning the Esports World Cup 2025. Kiin’s confident lane control, versatile champion pool and impressive economic stats were central to the team navigating the tournament with composure and ultimately lifting the trophy. While Gen.G had already established themselves as an international force at the MSI earlier in the year, the EWC win in Q3 cemented their reputation as one of the most dominant teams of the season.

Domestically, Gen.G continued their dominance by clinching the LCK title. Kiin earned multiple MVP awards during both the group stage and the playoffs, and he was named to the symbolic All-LCK First Team alongside all his key teammates, further highlighting that the team’s achievements were very much a collective effort.

Currently, Worlds 2025 is underway, and Gen.G is vying for a spot in the playoffs. Kiin and his teammates will face Top Esports in the upcoming advancement series on October 23, a match that could secure their passage to the next stage of the tournament.

Dota 2

Selecting the best Dota 2 player of a given season is always a challenge, given the multitude of events and the ever-changing dynamics of the competitive scene. However, the third quarter of 2025 provided a clearer picture, with two of the year's most significant tournaments, the Esports World Cup (EWC) and The International (TI), taking place during this period.

Team Falcons' mid laner, Stanislav "Malr1ne" Potorak, emerged as a standout performer. At the EWC, Falcons showcased their prowess by reaching the grand final, though they were bested by Team Spirit. Despite the loss, Malr1ne's individual performances were commendable. However, it was at TI 2025 where he truly shone. Falcons clinched the Aegis of the Immortal, and Malr1ne led the tournament in both kills and assists, a remarkable feat that underscored his pivotal role in the team's success.

Beyond his tournament achievements, Malr1ne set personal milestones that highlighted his dedication and skill. In August, he became only the second player in history to surpass 15,000 MMR in ranked matchmaking. By October, he had further elevated his game, reaching the 17,000 MMR mark and entering the top three players on the European ladder.

While the season had its ups and downs for both Malr1ne and Team Falcons, their performance in Q3 was a testament to their growth and potential. As the competitive scene looks ahead, Malr1ne's achievements this quarter solidify his position as one of Dota 2's premier mid-laners of all time.

Counter-Strike

The third quarter of 2025 was packed with S-tier Counter-Strike events, many of which saw underdogs and unexpected teams claim titles and MVPs. Yet, amidst this competitive landscape, one name stood out above all: Danil “donk” Kryshkovets from Team Spirit.

Team Spirit kicked off Q3 with a triumph at arguably the most prestigious event of the quarter, IEM Cologne 2025. Donk led the charge with a phenomenal individual performance, ending the tournament with an impressive 1.53 HLTV rating and earning the MVP award.

The team’s momentum continued at BLAST Bounty Fall 2025, where Spirit secured another tournament victory. Donk further distinguished himself by claiming his tenth HLTV MVP award, surpassing legends such as NiKo and GeT_RiGhT in career MVP count.

Team Vitality may be the favorites to finish the year as the best team overall, but Team Spirit still has a shot at claiming Valve Major title, with donk contending for the year’s top individual performer honors.

Valorant

The 2025 Valorant season was full of intrigue and upsets at both regional leagues and international events. None felt the highs and lows more acutely than Fnatic: the team earned nearly $1 million in prize money, won VCT 2025: EMEA Stage 1, yet lost three international finals throughout the season.

Specifically in Q3, Fnatic reached the finals of the Esports World Cup 2025 and the global Valorant Champions 2025. On both occasions, they fell short at the final hurdle. The defeat at Champions was perhaps the most painful: after trailing 0:2 in maps, they fought back to tie the series, only to be overwhelmed on the final map.

Amidst that turbulent season, Emir "Alfajer" Beder stood out as Fnatic’s leading star and one of the best aimers in Valorant esports. Nicknamed “The final boss” by the community, he delivered a stellar Champions run despite battling health problems that nearly kept him off the roster.

Though the major trophies slipped away, Fnatic were arguably the most consistent team of the year, and Alfajer was their linchpin.