7 Best Alternatives to Aspas (Erick Santos) in 2026

Why look beyond Aspas (Erick Santos)

Aspas (Erick Santos) has established himself as a prominent figure in professional Valorant, most notably as a Duelist for LOUD during their 2022 Valorant Champions victory and currently with Leviatán. His aggressive playstyle and high-impact fragging have earned him a reputation as one of the game's top players. However, the esports landscape is diverse, offering a range of alternatives that cater to different interests, whether it's exploring other highly skilled players in different titles, dominant teams, or major tournament events.

Evaluations of alternatives to Aspas might stem from various preferences. Fans of individual mechanical skill might seek out players renowned for their consistency and clutch performance in other titles, such as Counter-Strike 2 or League of Legends. Those interested in team dynamics and organizational success might look towards storied esports organizations that have achieved multi-championship runs across various games. Additionally, individuals focused on the broader competitive ecosystem may seek out information on top-tier tournaments that define competitive seasons in other premier esports.

Top alternatives ranked

1. 1. ZywOo (Mathieu Herbaut) — AWP highlights and consistent top-tier performance

   Mathieu Herbaut, known as ZywOo, is a French professional Counter-Strike 2 player, currently playing for Team Vitality. Born in 2000, ZywOo is widely considered one of the most mechanically skilled and consistent players in CS2 history, often lauded for his exceptional AWPing and ability to perform under pressure. His career is marked by numerous MVP awards and clutch plays that have defined key matches. ZywOo's impact on Team Vitality's success is comparable to Aspas's role in LOUD's Valorant achievements, as both players are primary damage dealers and key to their teams' strategies. ZywOo's ability to consistently deliver high-impact performances across seasons makes him a compelling alternative for those who value individual prowess in a different tactical shooter.

   • Best for: AWP highlights, clutch plays, consistent top-tier performance

   Read more about ZywOo's career and achievements on his HLTV player profile.

2. 2. s1mple (Oleksandr Kostyliev) — Exceptional mechanical skill and aggressive AWPer

   Oleksandr Kostyliev, known as s1mple, is a Ukrainian professional Counter-Strike 2 player, recognized for his exceptional mechanical skill, aggressive AWPer playstyle, and clutch factor. Born in 1997, s1mple has been a dominant force in CS2 for many years, primarily with Natus Vincere (NAVI). His career is characterized by audacious plays, unconventional angles, and a remarkable ability to turn the tide of rounds single-handedly. Like Aspas, s1mple is a high-fragging player who often dictates the pace of the game through aggressive entries and precise aim. His reputation as one of the greatest Counter-Strike players of all time positions him as an alternative for those interested in exploring elite individual talent outside of Valorant, particularly concerning impactful carry performances.

   • Best for: Exceptional mechanical skill, aggressive AWPer, clutch factor

   Discover s1mple's statistics and match history on his HLTV player page.

3. 3. Faker (Lee Sang-hyeok) — League of Legends World Champion and GOAT Mid Laner

   Lee Sang-hyeok, famously known as Faker, is a South Korean professional League of Legends player for T1. Born in 1996, Faker is widely regarded as the greatest League of Legends player of all time, particularly for his dominance in the Mid Lane. His career includes multiple League of Legends World Championship titles, a testament to his strategic depth, mechanical precision, and consistent performance over a decade. While Aspas excels in a first-person shooter, Faker's influence in a Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) is equally profound, showcasing similar traits of game-changing plays and leadership. For those looking for an esports icon whose impact transcends their specific game, Faker represents a pinnacle of competitive achievement.

   • Best for: League of Legends World Champion, Greatest of All Time (GOAT), Mid Lane dominance

   Explore T1's official team information and Faker's role on the T1 esports website.

4. 4. T1 — League of Legends dynasty and Faker's team

   T1 is a South Korean esports organization founded in 2012, best known for its dominant League of Legends team, which includes the legendary player Faker. T1 has established itself as an esports dynasty, securing multiple League of Legends World Championship titles and consistently performing at the highest level. While Aspas is an individual player, T1 represents a gold standard for team success and organizational excellence in esports. Their structured approach to player development, strategic depth, and consistent competitive results across various titles (though primarily LoL) mirrors the ambition seen in top Valorant teams. For those interested in the institutional side of esports success and sustained competitive advantage, T1 stands out as a prime example.

   • Best for: League of Legends, Faker, Esports dynasty

   Learn more about T1's history and current rosters on the official T1 website.

5. 5. Natus Vincere (NAVI) — Multi-game esports organization with CS2 and Valorant presence

   Natus Vincere, commonly known as NAVI, is a Ukrainian esports organization founded in 2009. NAVI is recognized for its strong presence and competitive success across multiple major esports titles, including Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, and Dota 2. While Aspas is a key player in Valorant, NAVI encompasses a broader spectrum of competitive excellence, fielding top-tier teams that have won numerous championships. Their Counter-Strike 2 team, featuring s1mple, has been a perennial contender, and their Valorant roster also competes at the highest level. NAVI offers an alternative for those interested in a comprehensive esports organization with a proven track record across different games, representing consistent high-level performance beyond a single player or title.

   • Best for: CS2, Valorant, Dota 2, established multi-game esports organization

   Visit the NAVI official team website for more details on their global esports operations.

6. 6. IEM Katowice 2026 — Premier Counter-Strike 2 tournament

   IEM Katowice 2026 is a major Counter-Strike 2 tournament, part of the Intel Extreme Masters series. Hosted in Katowice, Poland, this event is one of the most prestigious on the CS2 calendar, known for its large prize pools, historic venue, and high level of competition. While Aspas's achievements are player-centric within Valorant, IEM Katowice represents a pinnacle event for another leading tactical shooter. Attending or following IEM Katowice allows insight into the competitive ecosystem of CS2, highlighting team strategies and individual player performances on a grand stage. For technical buyers interested in the production quality, audience engagement, and overall impact of major esports tournaments, IEM Katowice serves as an excellent reference point.

   • Best for: Premier Counter-Strike 2 tournament, major esports event experience, competitive analysis

   Find more information on the upcoming IEM Katowice 2026 tournament on the ESL Pro Tour website.

7. 7. PGL Major 2026 — Counter-Strike 2 Major Championship

   The PGL Major 2026 is a Counter-Strike 2 Major Championship, representing one of the highest echelons of competitive Counter-Strike. Majors are Valve-sponsored tournaments that define the competitive circuit for CS2, offering significant prize pools and the coveted Major title. While Aspas earned a Valorant Champions title, the PGL Major is the equivalent ultimate achievement in the Counter-Strike world. These events feature top teams from around the globe competing through rigorous stages, including a Swiss group stage and single-elimination playoffs. For those interested in the grandest competitive spectacles and the culmination of a game's professional season, the PGL Major provides a robust alternative perspective to individual player achievements, focusing on the team journey to a championship title.

   • Best for: PGL, Counter-Strike 2 Major, Esports Majors, ultimate competitive achievement

   Stay updated on upcoming Major tournaments and details through the PGL esports official site.

Side-by-side

How to pick

Choosing an alternative to Aspas depends on whether your interest lies in individual player skill, team organizational success, or the competitive structure of esports tournaments. Each category offers a distinct perspective on the professional esports scene.

If you prioritize individual player skill:

• For equivalent tactical shooter dominance: Consider ZywOo (Mathieu Herbaut) or s1mple (Oleksandr Kostyliev). Both are Counter-Strike 2 players renowned for their exceptional mechanical skill, high-impact plays, and consistent top-tier performance. ZywOo is lauded for his AWPing and clutch plays, while s1mple is known for his aggressive style and ability to carry games. Both represent the pinnacle of individual talent in a game with similar strategic depth to Valorant, offering a comparable level of excitement and skill display.
• For cross-genre GOAT status: Look into Faker (Lee Sang-hyeok). As the undisputed greatest League of Legends player of all time, Faker's career demonstrates unparalleled longevity, strategic mastery, and multiple world championships in a MOBA. His impact on his game is arguably even greater than Aspas's within Valorant, showcasing a different dimension of esports greatness, emphasizing strategic complexity and team coordination over raw aim.

If you prioritize team organizations and sustained success:

• For a consistent dynasty in a flagship title: T1 is an exceptional choice. This organization is synonymous with League of Legends excellence, primarily due to their iconic team featuring Faker and their long history of World Championship titles. Their sustained success and global brand presence make them a benchmark for competitive esports organizations.
• For multi-game competitive strength: Consider Natus Vincere (NAVI). NAVI has a strong legacy across Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and a growing presence in Valorant. They demonstrate versatility and a commitment to high performance across multiple premier esports titles, offering a broader view of organizational success compared to a team focused on a single game.

If you prioritize major tournaments and competitive events:

• For premier annual events in tactical shooters: IEM Katowice 2026 offers one of the most prestigious annual events in Counter-Strike 2. This tournament is known for its atmosphere, high-stakes matches, and top-tier production, providing a complete viewing experience for a major esports event outside of Valorant's circuit.
• For the ultimate championship in CS2: The PGL Major 2026 is the pinnacle of Counter-Strike 2 competition, a Valve-sponsored Major that culminates a season of play. These events carry immense prestige and define player legacies within the game, similar to Valorant Champions for Aspas. Focusing on a Major provides insight into the highest level of team competition and championship narratives in a different leading tactical shooter.