Master the Ranks: A Comprehensive Guide to CS:GO Ranking System

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, a highly competitive game globally, requires fast reflexes and effective team tactics for victory. Over the past decade, players have constantly honed their skills in ranked matches to enhance their gameplay.

To access the Competitive playlist in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, players are required to participate in unranked matches of Arms Race, Casual, Deathmatch, or Demolition until they reach level two. After reaching this milestone, players will be assigned one of several ranks, enabling them to progress on the competitive ladder. This guide aims to assist players in understanding the total number of ranks available and how the ranking system operates within CS: GO.

All CS:GO Ranks

The ranking system in the game is divided into six tiers, consisting of a total of 18 ranks. These tiers are named Silver, Gold Nova, Guardian, Eagle, Supreme Master First Class, and Global Elite. When players receive their rank for the first time, they can only be placed within the first four tiers. However, achieving the Supreme Master First Class and Global Elite ranks requires further progress. Here is the complete list of all 18 ranks, starting from the lowest:

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)

How The CS:GO Ranking System Works

In order to obtain a ranking in the Competitive playlist, new players must emerge victorious in 10 matches. This achievement will position them within any of the aforementioned ranks, with the likelihood of bypassing the initial lower ranks being quite high.

Valve utilizes a modified Glicko-2 ranking system in the game to assign players a concealed matchmaking rating (MMR) based on their performance during matches. A sequence of poor performances will result in a decrease in rank, whereas winning matches and achieving the title of MVP multiple times will enhance the likelihood of advancing to a higher rank.

The number of competitive matches required to witness a rank change remains undisclosed to players, and it is feasible to remain within a rank as long as performance remains consistent. However, players who take an extended hiatus from participating in ranked matches will have their rank suspended until they secure a specific number of victories to be placed once again.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is available on PC via Steam.