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CS:GO Ranks Explained 2026 : Your Guide to Competitive Levels

Sports Writer

Publish Date: 26/06/2024

Fact checked by: Mike McKean

Key Points

Counter Strike 2 has 18 ranks in total grouped into color categories
Your player rating in the game is determined by the MMR system
Map knowledge and aiming skills are key ranking factors

Counter Strike is a series of multiplayer tactical first person shooter games that date back to 1999. The storyline concerns a team of terrorists plotting an attack, while an opposing team of counter-terrorists attempt to prevent the attack from taking place. Over the years, Counter Strike has attracted millions of gamers across the world, and is widely considered to be the GOAT of first person shooter games.

Counter Strike 2

Counter Strike 2 Ranks Explained

With the 2023 release of Counter Strike 2, has come a whole new swarm of fans and an entirely new player ranking system which ensures that you will always enjoy competitive gameplay. Counter Strike 2 has 18 ranks in total:

Silver I (S1)
Silver II (S2)
Silver III (S3)
Silver IV (S4)
Silver Elite (SE)
Silver Elite Master (SEM)
Gold Nova I (GN1)
Gold Nova II (GN2)
Gold Nova III (GN3)
Gold Nova Master (GNM)
Master Guardian I (MG1)
Master Guardian II (MG2)
Master Guardian Elite (MGE)
Distinguished Master Guardian (DMG)
Legendary Eagle (LE)
Legendary Eagle Master (LEM)
Supreme Master First Class (SMFC)
Global Elite (GE)

Each of the 18 ranks is also allocated a colour group, each of which include a spread of player ratings. While players across multiple ranks are included in the Gray, Light Blue and Blue groups. Once you reach Purple and above, you will find that all players have achieved a similar rank.

The table below shows which ranks are allocated to which colour group, plus the player rating spread:

Colours	Ranks	Rating
Gray	Silver I - Silver Elite Master	4,999 and below
Light Blue	Gold Nova I - Gold Nova Master	5,000 - 9,000
Blue	Master Guardian I - Distinguished Master Guardian	10,000 - 14,999
Purple	Legendary Eagle	15,000 - 19,999
Pink	Legendary Eagle Master	20,000 - 24,999
Red	Supreme Master First Class	25,000 - 29,999
Gold	The Global Elite	30,000 and above

How are the CS-2 ranks determined?

Now that I’ve explained CS2 ranks, I’ll move on to how the ranks are determined. The short answer is a complex algorithm that consistently monitors each player’s skill level and their win-loss ratio. The CS2 ranking system works behind the scenes using the MMR system, which is employed in many similar games. Basically it matches players with those of a similar or higher ranking to provide optimal gameplay. You’ll find that your rating increases the more victories you acquire and decreases with losses.

Moreover, your performance during competitive matches plays a significant role in determining your rank. In order to climb the rank ladder, especially if you start at Silver I, you must strive to enhance your map knowledge, aiming skills and communication. As the age old saying goes, practice makes perfect! And the same goes for every tactical first-person shooter.

How far will you go?

Now with the CS2 ranks explained, you have a more informed knowledge about the ranking system of the game and how players with different ratings across the scoreboard fit into those ranks. Your aim in the game should be to enhance your skills in order to go all the way up to The Global Elite or Gold level. Perfection does not come overnight. But with consistent aiming practice matches and gaining a deeper understanding of the game’s map and terrorist locations, it is an attainable goal.