Want to know who the best CS2 anchors are and how they consistently shut down bomb sites? Anchoring is one of the most critical roles in Counter-Strike 2, requiring patience, game sense, and ice-cold nerves under pressure.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top anchor players dominating the pro scene, essential tips to improve your site holds, and the key skills that separate good anchors from great ones. Whether you’re learning CS2 ranks or climbing to Global Elite, mastering the anchor role will elevate your game.
What is an Anchor in CS2?
An anchor is a player who holds a bomb site alone or with minimal support, especially during the early round. Their job is to delay attackers, gather information, and stay alive long enough for rotations to arrive.
Unlike entry fraggers who push aggressively, anchors play passively and reactively. They must:
- Hold angles effectively
- Use utility wisely to stall pushes
- Communicate enemy positions clearly
- Survive to retake or save weapons
Great anchors don’t always get flashy stats, but they’re the backbone of defensive rounds.
Top 5 Best CS2 Anchors in 2025
1. b1t (Natus Vincere)
Valeriy “b1t” Vakhovskiy is arguably the best anchor in CS2 right now. Playing for Natus Vincere, b1t consistently holds B sites on maps like Inferno and Mirage with surgical precision.
Why he’s elite:
- Exceptional crosshair placement
- Calm under pressure
- Master of off-angles and timing
Check out his b1t CS2 settings to see how he configures his game.
2. ropz (FaZe Clan)
Robin “ropz” Kool from FaZe Clan is a textbook anchor. His positioning on Ancient and Nuke is world-class, often turning impossible 1v3 situations into clutch wins.
Key strengths:
- Incredible game sense
- Efficient utility usage
- Clutch mentality
Learn from his ropz settings to improve your anchor game.
3. sh1ro (Cloud9)
Dmitry “sh1ro” Sokolov is Cloud9’s anchor extraordinaire. His ability to hold A site on Overpass and Vertigo is legendary among pros.
What sets him apart:
- Unpredictable positioning
- Strong rifle and AWP skills
- Excellent rotation timing
Dive into his sh1ro settings for configuration tips.
4. JL (Vitality)
Justinas “jL” Lekavicius from Vitality has emerged as one of the most reliable anchors in 2025. His Dust2 B site holds are nearly impenetrable.
Why he excels:
- Disciplined playstyle
- Smart utility conservation
- Consistent performance
See his jL settings for insights.
5. donk (Team Spirit)
Danil “donk” Kryshkovets is the youngest player on this list but already a top-tier anchor. His aggressive-passive hybrid style on Anubis keeps opponents guessing.
Standout qualities:
- Aggressive peek timing
- High mechanical skill
- Fearless decision-making
Copy his setup with donk settings.
Essential Anchor Skills & Tips
Positioning & Crosshair Placement
Good anchors don’t chase kills—they hold smart positions. Use off-angles, unexpected spots, and cover to maximize survival. Always pre-aim common entry points.
Pro tip: On Mirage B site, anchor from Bench or Van instead of default positions to catch enemies off-guard.
Utility Management
Your grenades are your lifeline. A well-timed Molotov can delay a push by 7 seconds—enough time for rotations. Smoke grenades can cut off vision and force attackers to reposition.
Example utility setups:
- Inferno B: Molly Banana, smoke CT
- Nuke A: Smoke Squeaky, HE ramp
- Ancient B: Molly Donut, flash Pillar
Practice CS2 smoke practice commands to perfect your lineups.
Communication & Information Gathering
Call out enemy numbers, utility used, and damage dealt immediately. Don’t wait until you’re dead. Your team needs real-time info to rotate effectively.
Bad call: “They’re coming B!”
Good call: “Three B, one lit 40, they smoked CT and mollied site.”
When to Rotate vs. Hold
Don’t rotate too early. Fake executes are common. Wait for the bomb to be spotted or confirmed by teammates before leaving your site.
When to hold:
- Bomb not spotted
- Only utility thrown (could be fake)
- Your site is vulnerable to late-round lurks
When to rotate:
- Bomb confirmed on other site
- Multiple teammates dead
- IGL calls for rotation
Best Weapons for Anchoring
| Weapon | Cost | Best For |
| AK-47 | $2,700 | T-side anchors, long angles |
| M4A4 / M4A1-S | $3,100 / $2,900 | CT anchors, spray control |
| AWP | $4,750 | Long-range holds, passive play |
| MP9 / MAC-10 | $1,250 / $1,050 | Eco rounds, close quarters |
| P250 | $300 | Force buys, close angles |
Pro tip: Learn the M4A4 vs M4A1-S debate to choose your CT rifle wisely.
Map-Specific Anchor Strategies
Mirage B Site
Hold from Bench or Van for off-angles. Use a molly to delay Apartments pushes and smoke CT to block vision. Communicate with your mid player for rotation support.
Inferno Banana
Play Logs or Sandbags with an AWP. Molly the choke early, fall back to CT spawn if overwhelmed. Never overcommit—staying alive is priority.
Nuke A Site
Anchor from Heaven or Hut. Smoke Squeaky early to delay T pushes. If they execute Outside, fall back to Rafters and hold crossfire with your teammate.
Dust2 B Site
Hold Car or Closet with an M4A4. Molly Tunnel entrance and smoke Door. Use Dust2 smokes to cut off vision.
Common Anchor Mistakes to Avoid
1. Playing too aggressive: Don’t peek unnecessarily. Your job is to delay, not frag.
2. Wasting utility early: Save nades for the execute, not random spam.
3. Not calling info: Dead silence helps no one. Speak up.
4. Rotating too fast: Fake executes are designed to bait rotations. Be patient.
5. Poor crosshair placement: Always pre-aim head level at common angles.
How to Practice Anchoring
Use these methods to sharpen your anchor skills:
- Deathmatch servers: Practice holding angles under pressure. Try CS2 DM servers for realistic scenarios.
- Retake servers: Simulate post-plant situations where you’re outnumbered.
- Demo review: Watch pros like b1t and ropz anchor on CS2 maps.
- Custom games: Practice utility lineups with CS2 practice commands.
Conclusion
Mastering the anchor role in CS2 requires patience, discipline, and smart utility usage. The best CS2 anchors like b1t, ropz, and sh1ro prove that holding sites isn’t about flashy plays—it’s about consistency, communication, and clutch potential.
Focus on positioning, manage your grenades wisely, and always prioritize staying alive. Whether you’re grinding CS2 Premier or playing Faceit, these anchor fundamentals will help you dominate defensive rounds.
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