Esports has no shortage of stars, but some names carry an aura that makes even their peers stop and admire. For Nemanja “HuNter-” Kovač, the captain of G2 Esports, that player is his former teammate Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov. Speaking in a detailed interview with eScoreNews, HuNter- openly declared that the young Russian sniper is not only already among the elite but has the potential to go down in history as one of the greatest players the Counter-Strike scene has ever produced.
“I would say he’s the best sniper in the world, with a great career ahead of him. From that perspective, you see the best in your team. Of course, things are a little different now, but we’re trying our best to improve.” This statement carries weight. HuNter- is not one to throw around praise lightly, and his career in top-tier Counter-Strike has given him the experience to recognize true greatness when he sees it. His assessment of m0NESY reflects not only admiration but also respect for the Russian prodigy’s relentless drive, consistency, and ability to perform under pressure.
To understand why HuNter- calls m0NESY the best sniper in the world, one needs to revisit the meteoric rise of the young Russian. Born in 2005, Ilya Osipov entered the professional Counter-Strike scene as a teenager with an almost mythical reputation for his sharp aim and tactical intelligence. By 2021, he had already secured a spot on G2 Esports, one of the most prestigious organizations in the game. From the moment he joined, expectations were enormous. Fans and analysts wondered whether someone so young could handle the pressure of playing on the biggest stages in esports. The answer came quickly. m0NESY not only adapted but thrived, delivering highlight-reel plays, clutch performances, and tournament-winning moments that silenced any doubts.
During his time with G2 from 2021 to 2025, m0NESY helped the team secure some of the most coveted trophies in Counter-Strike: IEM Katowice 2023 – where his precision shots carried G2 through tense matches against the world’s best. IEM Cologne 2023 – a crown jewel event in the CS calendar, where m0NESY’s dominance on the AWP was undeniable. BLAST Premier World Final 2024 – proving again that he could deliver at the very highest level. These victories cemented his place as one of the game’s rising legends. To many fans, he wasn’t just a young star anymore—he was already standing shoulder to shoulder with the greatest snipers in Counter-Strike history.
While HuNter- highlighted m0NESY’s brilliance, he also took the time to mention another central figure in G2’s success: Nikola “NiKo” Kovač, his cousin and one of the most respected riflers in the world. According to HuNter-, NiKo’s influence extended far beyond his individual gameplay. “NiKo helped not only me as a captain but the entire roster, remaining a role model for leadership and an experienced player.” For years, NiKo has been the backbone of G2, bringing both firepower and composure to a team constantly under the spotlight. His ability to mentor younger players like m0NESY and provide stability during high-pressure moments made him a vital presence.
HuNter- emphasized that leadership in esports is not just about strategy but also about creating a culture of accountability, professionalism, and resilience. NiKo, by setting an example both in practice and in competition, helped shape an environment where talents like m0NESY could flourish. Together, this trio—HuNter-, NiKo, and m0NESY—formed the heart of G2 during a golden era of competition. Their synergy and shared drive for excellence allowed the team to compete against the toughest opponents and consistently remain among the best in the world.
Now with Team Falcons, m0NESY continues his career in Counter-Strike 2, the next evolution of the franchise. The transition from CS:GO to CS2 brought new challenges to every player, but for someone of m0NESY’s caliber, it also created new opportunities to cement his legacy. HuNter-’s words point toward a belief shared by many experts: m0NESY has all the tools to become not just a great player, but a legend.
His reaction time, decision-making, and mastery of the sniper rifle (AWP) are already world-class. What sets him apart, however, is his adaptability and his hunger to constantly improve. At just 20 years old, he still has many years ahead in his career. If he continues at this pace, he could surpass the records of past icons like KennyS, GuardiaN, or s1mple. For the new generation of Counter-Strike fans, m0NESY may very well become the face of the game’s future.
