I’m basing these off my experiences in Team Arena and Team Slayer, I’m not going to take in account people who have smurf accounts, boosting others, etc. I’m only talking about people who legitimately earned their rank.
Bronze (Halo 2 equivalent: 5)
A player completely new to FPS games in general.
These are the types of players who stand still while they shoot or don’t have the buttons memorized enough to do basic movements such as jumping or reloading.
Silver (Halo 2 equivalent: 10-12)
Someone who does not play FPS games often, but has some experience. They usually go negative in a game, but at least know the basics of the game.
Gold (Halo 2 equivalent: 18-22)
Someone who plays FPS games, but usually finishes, at best, slightly below average with some flashes of improvement here and there. But a noticeable skill gap above silver.
Platinum (Halo 2 equivalent: 25-27)
This is the standard in my opinion. An average player who can have a bad game or a good game. Experienced in FPS games and most likely Halo too.
Diamond (Halo 2 equivalent: 29-31)
Slightly above average, usually can handle platinum players with relative ease. Gold and Silver is out of their league. Competitive and experienced.
Onyx (Halo 2 equivalent: 32-35)
I’d think of them as “slightly better diamonds”. Most onyxes never see themselves ranked as platinum after the 10 placement games, usually start as mid-tier diamond and work their way up.
Champion (Halo 2 equivalent: 40-50)
In a league of their own. 90% always first on the leader boards after each game. Not only competitive and experienced, but also skilled.