High risk and high reward, the infamous AWP is recognizable by its signature report and one-shot, one-kill policy.

The Accuracy International Arctic Warfare series is a series of sniper rifles manufactured by Accuracy International of United Kingdom. The Arctic Warfare Police (AWP) is the law enforcement variant of the series, commonly chambered for 7.62×51mm NATO. The Magnum Sniper Rifle depicted in Counter-Strike is based on the Arctic Warfare Magnum, chambered for .338 Lapua Magnum. The AWP in Global Offensive is based off the original Arctic Warfare.

In-game, the AWP is a high-powered bolt-action sniper rifle available to both teams, with a 10-round magazine capacity. The AWP is not available for the Counter-Terrorists to purchase in Assassination maps. They can, however, get them from fallen Terrorists.