Ask a group of serious players where they queue, and many will say FACEIT. FACEIT CS2 matches run outside Valve's own matchmaking, on servers the platform controls. This guide explains what FACEIT is, how its levels and Elo work, and how it compares with Premier. For advice on playing there with friends, see our separate FACEIT tips guide.
What is FACEIT?
FACEIT is a competitive gaming platform founded in London in June 2012. It is now part of ESL FACEIT Group. In January 2022, Savvy Games Group, owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, agreed to buy FACEIT and ESL for a combined US$1.5 billion.
For CS2, FACEIT offers matchmaking, hubs, cups and leagues. You sign up, link your Steam account and install its client. Matches then run on FACEIT's own servers, not Valve's.
How do FACEIT CS2 levels work?
Every player has an Elo number, and that number puts you in one of ten skill levels. Elo starts at 100 and has no upper cap. Here are the ranges from FACEIT's support article:
| Level | Elo range |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | 100 to 500 |
| Level 2 | 501 to 750 |
| Level 3 | 751 to 900 |
| Level 4 | 901 to 1050 |
| Level 5 | 1051 to 1200 |
| Level 6 | 1201 to 1350 |
| Level 7 | 1351 to 1530 |
| Level 8 | 1531 to 1750 |
| Level 9 | 1751 to 2000 |
| Level 10 | 2001 and above |
| Challenger | Top 1,000 Level 10 players |
Levels 1 to 9 show your progress towards the next level. Level 10 players see their country and regional rankings. Challengers see the top player's Elo and how far behind they are.
How is starting Elo set?
According to FACEIT, eligible new users start with Elo converted from their latest CS2 Premier rating. To be eligible, you need Prime status and a minimum number of Premier wins. Everyone else starts at 1000 Elo, which sits in Level 4.
How does Elo change?
You gain Elo for wins and lose it for losses. The amount depends on how likely your team was to win before the match. Beating a stronger team gives more. Losing to a weaker team costs more.
FACEIT vs Premier
| Feature | FACEIT | Premier |
|---|---|---|
| Run by | ESL FACEIT Group | Valve |
| Rating | Elo and levels 1 to 10 | CS Rating |
| Servers | FACEIT servers | Valve servers |
| Anti-cheat | FACEIT's own client | VAC |
| Extras | Hubs, cups and leagues | Seasons and leaderboards |
Premier also uses its own map selection system. Since September 2026, Premier no longer uses the old pick and ban process. On FACEIT, map choice depends on the queue or hub rules. Read our guides to Premier mode and the Premier rating to compare.
Why do players use FACEIT?
- Anti-cheat: FACEIT requires its own anti-cheat client while you play. It runs alongside the game, separate from Valve's VAC.
- Community: hubs and cups make it easy to find teams and scrims.
- Clear progress: the level system shows exactly where you stand.
- Path to tournaments: many amateur events run on the platform. See our guide to CS2 amateur tournaments.
Free vs paid features
You can play FACEIT CS2 matches for free. Some extras need a paid plan. For example, FACEIT says advanced stats graphs need a Premium or FACEIT Plus subscription. Plans and prices change, so check FACEIT's site before you pay.
Common FACEIT myths
Some players think a high Premier rating guarantees a high FACEIT level. It does not. Your starting Elo may be based on Premier, but after that only your FACEIT results count. Others think Level 10 is the ceiling. In fact, Elo has no cap, so players keep climbing above 2001, and only the top 1,000 reach Challenger. Finally, a level is not a fixed badge. Lose enough matches and you can drop back down.
Getting started safely
- Sign up only on the official FACEIT website.
- Link your own Steam account and keep it secure.
- Install the anti-cheat client from FACEIT directly.
- Read the platform rules, especially on leaving matches and behaviour.
Your FACEIT level will move up and down as you learn. Focus on team play and good habits, and the Elo will follow.
Sources and checks
Levels, Elo rules and subscription notes were checked on 1 November 2026 against FACEIT's Elo and skill level article. Company history came from Wikipedia's FACEIT page. Platform rules change, so check FACEIT for current details.
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest FACEIT level in CS2?
Level 10, for 2001 Elo and above. The top 1,000 Level 10 players are shown as Challenger.
What Elo do new FACEIT players start with?
Eligible players start with Elo converted from their Premier rating. Others start at 1000 Elo.
Is FACEIT free for CS2?
You can play matches for free. Some extras, like advanced stats graphs, need a Premium or FACEIT Plus subscription.
