Once again at the turn of the year we bring you our beloved Top 20 players ranking which aims to showcase the stars that left the biggest mark on the competitive CS:GO scene in the past 365 days.

Starting from later today we will release one article per day about a player on our ranking counting down from number 20 until we reveal the official HLTV.org Player of the Year on January 20th.

Unlike previous years, we will also award the winner with an actual trophy that will be revealed before the ranking is finalized and will be presented to him at the earliest occasion, such as an event that both our crew and the player attend.

This article will as usual serve as a list where we post each player as they are announced and it will contain the final ranking after it is all said and done.

Top 20 players of 2015 powered by EGB.com

The now-ended year had more big LAN tournaments than we ever had to analyze for our Top 20 series, which on one hand meant there is more data about most of the players, and on the other that were more chances for different players to stand out.

The ranking is as always based on statistical parameters from big LAN events (that at least several top teams attended). Being the best player at an event (MVP) or one of the best, was valued more than just playing well and as always contribution to team success was the main parameter.

We also looked at contribution in rounds won vs. rounds lost, consistency, performance in big matches, getting the first kills, winning the clutches and more. Different events also carried different weight, and good performances at majors also made players stand out, albeit not as much as last year due to 2015 having a lot more events where top players met each other, including four other $250,000 ones.

Some clues for those trying to guess the ranking: all 20 players attended at least 2 majors and 2 other $250,000 events, 11 were at ESWC and 16 at FACEIT Stage 3 Finals at DHW.

This year's ranking is powered by EGB.com, who are a name partner only and not involved in deciding the list. We hope you're ready for 20 days of top players action and happy New Year to everyone!