Eternal Fire finalize international roster with Sergiy “DemQQ” Demchenko

<p>Eternal Fire have locked in their fifth starter by signing Ukrainian rifler Sergiy “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/demqq/" target="_self">DemQQ</a>” Demchenko, completing the move to an international core and setting up a February debut.</p><h2>Deal details and transition plan: lugseN to stand in until February 4</h2><p>Eternal Fire moved fast. On January 4, the organization benched Ömer “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/imorr/" target="_self">imoRR</a>” Karataş, Berat “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/jresy/" target="_self">jresy</a>” Özcan, and Baha “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/lugsen/" target="_self">lugseN</a>” Emir Şengül, then added Volodymyr “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/woro2k/" target="_self">Woro2k</a>” Veletniuk and Rigon “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/rigon/" target="_self">rigoN</a>” Gashi on January 6.&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/demqq/" target="_self">DemQQ</a>&nbsp;is the final addition, completing a roster that mixes two Turks with three imports.</p><p>The switch is not immediate. Eternal Fire told reporters that&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/lugsen/" target="_self">lugseN</a>&nbsp;will stand in until February 4, with&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/demqq/" target="_self">DemQQ</a>&nbsp;set to take over after that date.&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/lugsen/" target="_self">lugseN</a>&nbsp;carries a 0.98 rating across 151 recorded maps, while&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/demqq/" target="_self">DemQQ</a>&nbsp;arrives with a 1.00 rating over 1,404 maps. At the time of the signing, Eternal Fire were listed at No. 133 on the global team ranking.</p><h2>Why DemQQ: reunion with Woro2k and the path from Monte to Passion UA</h2><p><a href="https://csspot.org/players/demqq/" target="_self">DemQQ</a>&nbsp;makes sense because he already knows&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/woro2k/" target="_self">Woro2k</a>’s habits: when he wants to fight for space, when he saves, and how he sets up late-round hits. That timing was built on Monte from 2022 through 2024.</p><p>For a team mixing languages, that familiarity can cut down on messy mid-rounds.</p><ol><li>Nov 2023: Monte win ESL Challenger Jönköping, 2-0 over Eternal Fire.</li><li>May 2023: Paris Major quarterfinals end with a 0-2 loss to GamerLegion.</li><li>Apr 7, 2025:&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/demqq/" target="_self">DemQQ</a>&nbsp;joins Passion UA and later wins Galaxy Battle Phase 1.</li></ol><p>His last recorded official match was August 13, 2025: a 0-2 loss to Betclic (Ancient 3-13, Dust2 10-13), 22-30 K-D and a 0.74 rating. A long bench spell can make the next official feel loud.</p><h2>Updated Eternal Fire lineup and roles after the early-year changes</h2><p>The new five combines tier-two grind with proven top-level reps.&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/rigon/" target="_self">rigoN</a>&nbsp;arrives after a stint with ENCE in the second half of 2025, where he averaged a 0.98 rating and won Thunderpick World Championship European Series 2, while&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/woro2k/" target="_self">Woro2k</a>’s recent teams point to a natural AWP fit. Kadir “ElPrincipe” Sivri remains as coach.</p><figure class="table" style="float:left;width:100%;"><table class="ck-table-resized"><colgroup><col style="width:24.63%;"><col style="width:24.63%;"><col style="width:24.63%;"><col style="width:26.11%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Player</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Nationality</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Rating</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Expected focus</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Buğra “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/calyx/" target="_self">Calyx</a>” Arkın</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Turkey</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">1.07</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Anchor spots, late-round trading</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Emrecan “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/emstar/" target="_self">EMSTAR</a>” Çalışkan</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Turkey</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">0.93</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Space-taking rifler, secondary entry</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Volodymyr “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/woro2k/" target="_self">Woro2k</a>” Veletniuk</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Ukraine</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">1.12</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Primary AWP</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Rigon “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/rigon/" target="_self">rigoN</a>” Gashi</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Switzerland</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">1.01</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">First-contact rifler</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Sergiy “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/demqq/" target="_self">DemQQ</a>” Demchenko</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Ukraine</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">1.00</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Support rifle, utility and holds</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>The immediate priority is structure: replacing&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/maj3r/" target="_self">MAJ3R</a>’s calling, tightening communication in a mixed-language setup, and getting&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/demqq/" target="_self">DemQQ</a>&nbsp;match-ready by February 4 so results stop swinging from series to series.</p>

Falcons to Compete at BLAST Bounty Finals Without Coach zonic

<p>Team Falcons will play the BLAST Bounty 2026 Season 1 Finals in Malta without coach Danny “zonic” Sørensen, while a separate visa issue also forces a late player change. Keep reading for the full timeline and the key numbers behind it.</p><h2>What Falcons Announced and When the Absence Takes Effect</h2><p>Falcons confirmed on January 19 that zonic will miss BLAST Bounty 2026 Season 1 Finals, the team’s first LAN appearance of 2026. The event runs January 22 to 25 in Malta, has eight teams, and offers a $772,500 prize pool. The format is single elimination: best-of-three all the way until the best-of-five grand final, so one bad day can end a run fast.</p><p>The announcement landed right after Falcons qualified through the online stage with two straight wins. First came a clean 2-0 over ECSTATIC: 13-2 on Inferno, then 13-10 on Mirage. René “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/teses/" target="_self">TeSeS</a>” Madsen led the series with 32-20 for a 1.60 K/D and a 1.65 rating, plus 94.6 ADR. Ilya “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/monesy/" target="_self">m0NESY</a>” Osipov finished 31-18, and Maxim “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/kyousuke/" target="_self">kyousuke</a>” Lukin added 34 kills of his own in the sweep.</p><p>Falcons then locked their Malta spot by beating Monte 2-0, taking Nuke 13-10 and Mirage 13-7.&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/monesy/" target="_self">m0NESY</a>&nbsp;was the best performer, posting 42-25 for a 1.68 K/D, 102.5 ADR, and a 1.75 rating across the two maps.&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/teses/" target="_self">TeSeS</a>&nbsp;again showed up as the second punch at 33-22 with a 1.41 rating.</p><p>A quick snapshot of the two qualifying series is below.</p><figure class="table" style="float:left;width:100%;"><table class="ck-table-resized"><colgroup><col style="width:19.41%;"><col style="width:19.41%;"><col style="width:19.41%;"><col style="width:19.41%;"><col style="width:22.36%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Series</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Result</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Best player</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Best player K-D (K/D)</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Rating</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">vs ECSTATIC</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">2-0 (13-2 Inferno, 13-10 Mirage)</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/teses/" target="_self">TeSeS</a></td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">32-20 (1.60)</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">1.65</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">vs Monte</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">2-0 (13-10 Nuke, 13-7 Mirage)</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/monesy/" target="_self">m0NESY</a></td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">42-25 (1.68)</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">1.75</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>Those wins secured Falcons a seat at the Malta LAN, but the team will arrive missing two pieces.</p><h2>The Reason: zonic Leaves the Team After a Family Bereavement</h2><p>Coach Danny “zonic” Sørensen left Falcons right after their opener against ECSTATIC because of a family tragedy. The change is not about strategy or results; it is about him needing to be away from the team immediately.</p><ol><li>He learned about the sudden passing of his brother after the ECSTATIC match and flew home right away to be with family.</li><li>On X (Twitter), he called it “tough times,” said he would try to return as soon as possible, and added that he was proud the team qualified for Malta.</li><li>Falcons will play the BLAST Bounty 2026 Season 1 Finals without him while he is away.</li></ol><p>For CS2 players, this kind of absence hits the daily work more than the public sees. A coach helps set practice routines, prepares anti-strats, and keeps communication calm when rounds start slipping. Without that steady voice, the in-game leader and remaining staff usually take on extra prep, review more demos, and focus harder on staying organized under pressure, especially at a LAN where every mistake is punished fast.</p><h2>Falcons’ Updated Lineup in Malta: kyousuke Out, Academy Stand-in Steps In</h2><p>Falcons will also be without&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/kyousuke/" target="_self">kyousuke</a>&nbsp;in Malta due to “unresolved visa complications.” The organization will use Falcons Force academy player Matej “NucleonZ” Trajkoski as a stand-in.</p><p><a href="https://csspot.org/players/kyousuke/" target="_self">Kyousuke</a>’s absence is a real on-server loss based on the qualifiers alone. Across the ECSTATIC and Monte series, he totaled 66-48, including a 34-26 performance in the opener. In the same announcement context,&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/kyousuke/" target="_self">kyousuke</a>&nbsp;was listed at a 1.19 rating with 0.85 kills per round, while NucleonZ’s early sample showed a 1.01 rating with 0.81 kills per round. It is a tiny dataset for the academy player, but it underlines the jump in expectations when stepping into a top-tier event on short notice.</p><p>Falcons are expected to field the following five players at the BLAST Bounty Finals:</p><ul><li>Nikola “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/niko/" target="_self">NiKo</a>” Kovač;</li><li>René “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/teses/" target="_self">TeSeS</a>” Madsen;</li><li>Ilya “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/monesy/" target="_self">m0NESY</a>” Osipov;</li><li>Damjan “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/kyxsan/" target="_self">kyxsan</a>” Stoilkovski;</li><li>Matej “NucleonZ” Trajkoski.</li></ul><p>With zonic at home and&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/kyousuke/" target="_self">kyousuke</a>&nbsp;out, Falcons’ margin for error narrows, especially in a single-elimination bracket. The upside is clear from the qualifiers: if&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/monesy/" target="_self">m0NESY</a>&nbsp;stays in takeover mode and&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/teses/" target="_self">TeSeS</a>&nbsp;keeps winning the rifle duels, Falcons can still make noise in Malta.</p>

BLAST Bounty 2026 Season 1 Online Stage: Results, Bracket Recap, and LAN Finals Qualifiers

<p>The Online Stage is wrapped up, and the Malta tickets are stamped. Read on for a bracket recap, the series that shaped the story, and the eight teams that earned a shot at the BLAST Bounty Season 1 LAN Finals.</p><h2>Event overview: schedule, teams involved, and what was at stake</h2><p>BLAST Bounty 2026 Season 1 started with fast, high-pressure CS2 where teams had no time to ease in. It was played online from January 13 to 18, 2026, and every match could end a team’s run.</p><ul><li>Schedule: Online Stage ran January 13 to 18, 2026; the LAN Finals in Malta are set for January 22 to 25 at BLAST’s studio.</li><li>Teams: 32 teams entered the Online Stage.</li><li>What was at stake: A round-of-16 win meant a spot in Malta; one loss meant elimination.</li><li>Top teams that qualified: Only four top-10 teams made it through: Vitality, FURIA, Falcons, Spirit.</li><li>Big names eliminated early: Natus Vincere, MOUZ, G2, The MongolZ, FaZe, Virtus.pro, Astralis.</li></ul><p>For players watching the vetoes and early-round setups, the key point was simple: the Online Stage punished slow starts immediately.</p><h2>Format and Ranking Rules: Seeding, Best-of-3 Knockout Rounds, and How Placements Are Decided</h2><p>BLAST Bounty 2026 Season 1’s Online Stage used a strict knockout setup, so every series mattered right away. Teams were seeded ahead of time, and that seeding did more than just place names on a bracket.</p><ol><li>Match format: Every Online Stage matchup was a best-of-3 series, and it was single-elimination. One loss meant the team was out.</li><li>Bracket steps: The round of 32 cut the field in half. The round of 16 was the qualifier line: win there and the team earned a Malta LAN Finals spot.</li><li>Seeding twist: Lower seeds could choose which higher seed to face, which changed the usual “safe” early rounds. EYEBALLERS (seed 24) picked Vitality (seed 3), and FUT (seed 16) picked FURIA (seed 1).</li><li>Placements: The eight round-of-16 winners placed 1st to 8th and qualified; the eight round-of-16 losers placed 9th to 16th.</li><li>What comes next: The four lower-seeded qualifiers will pick quarterfinal opponents from the top four seeds in a live draft show on Wednesday at 20:00, with Liquid picking first.</li></ol><p>That structure rewards teams that start strong and punishes slow warm-ups, which is why early-round prep and veto plans mattered so much.</p><h2>Results Recap: Biggest Storylines, Key Matches, and Notable Eliminations</h2><p>The round of 16 was the make-or-break point. Win one best-of-3 and a team locked in a Malta trip. Lose once and the run ended immediately. The final day showed two different kinds of pressure: some squads survived close maps and messy moments, while others looked calm and ran away with it.</p><h3>Vitality get pushed hard, then ZywOo closes the door</h3><p>EYEBALLERS made their series against Vitality feel dangerous, even though it ended 2-0. On Anubis, Vitality had to grind through a long finish and won 19-16. Overpass was cleaner at 13-8, but the opener already did the damage to nerves.</p><p>Mathieu “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/zywoo/" target="_self">ZywOo</a>” Herbaut was the safety net the whole time. He finished the series 49-30, which is a 1.63 K/D ratio, with a 1.37 rating. When a map goes deep like that, one star winning a few late duels can decide everything.</p><h3>FURIA wobble, FUT punish, then molodoy carries the decider</h3><p>FURIA started strong by taking Ancient 13-5, but FUT did not fold. FUT stole Dust2 13-11 to force the third map, and that is where the series became a real fight instead of a routine qualifier.</p><p>On Nuke, FURIA held on to win 13-10 and take the series 2-1. Danil “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/molodoy/" target="_self">molodoy</a>” Golubenko was the biggest reason they survived: 63-40 overall, a 1.58 K/D ratio, and a 1.46 rating across all three maps. For CS2 players, that is the kind of stat line that usually means constant impact, not just a few highlight rounds.</p><h3>Spirit and Falcons look controlled, powered by huge star numbers</h3><p>Spirit moved through Inner Circle without letting the series turn chaotic, sweeping 2-0 and finishing Dust2 13-5. Danil “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/donk/" target="_self">donk</a>” Kryshkovets led with 42-25 overall (1.68 K/D) and a 1.80 rating. Dmitry “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/sh1ro/" target="_self">sh1ro</a>” Sokolov was almost as sharp at 41-20 with a 1.73 rating. When both are landing shots, it gets hard to take space, save weapons, or build confidence.</p><p>Falcons also advanced 2-0 over Monte on Nuke and Mirage. Ilya “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/monesy/" target="_self">m0NESY</a>” Osipov took over, ending 42-25 (1.68 K/D) with a 1.75 rating. Falcons also have a roster change coming into Malta: academy player Matej “NucleonZ” Trajkoski will play the LAN Finals instead of Maxim “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/kyousuke/" target="_self">kyousuke</a>” Lukin because of visa issues.</p><h3>The harsh exits: blowouts, overtime heartbreak, and the full qualifier snapshot</h3><p>Some teams did not just lose, they got shut down. PARIVISION crushed Astralis 13-1 on Dust2 and finished Ancient 13-8 for a 2-0, led by Ivan “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/zweih/" target="_self">zweih</a>” Gogin at 36-15 (2.40 K/D) with a 1.92 rating. HEROIC beat paiN 2-0, but Mirage went to overtime and ended 16-14, with Linus “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/nilo/" target="_self">nilo</a>” Bergman posting 44-28 (1.57 K/D) and a 1.48 rating.</p><p>Here is the full round-of-16 qualifier summary, with the key scores available and the best performer from each series:</p><figure class="table" style="float:left;width:100%;"><table class="ck-table-resized"><colgroup><col style="width:24.27%;"><col style="width:24.27%;"><col style="width:24.27%;"><col style="width:27.19%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Qualifier match (winner)</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Series</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Map results</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Best performer (K-D, K/D, rating)</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Vitality vs EYEBALLERS</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">2-0</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Anubis 19-16, Overpass 13-8</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/zywoo/" target="_self">ZywOo</a>&nbsp;(49-30, 1.63, 1.37)</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">FURIA vs FUT</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">2-1</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Ancient 13-5, Dust2 11-13, Nuke 13-10</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/molodoy/" target="_self">molodoy</a>&nbsp;(63-40, 1.58, 1.46)</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Falcons vs Monte</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">2-0</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Nuke, Mirage</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/monesy/" target="_self">m0NESY</a>&nbsp;(42-25, 1.68, 1.75)</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Spirit vs Inner Circle</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">2-0</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Ancient, Dust2 13-5</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/donk/" target="_self">donk</a>&nbsp;(42-25, 1.68, 1.80)</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Liquid vs Gentle Mates</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">2-1</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Nuke 13-3</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/ultimate/" target="_self">ultimate</a>&nbsp;(42-32, 1.31, 1.25)</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">PARIVISION vs Astralis</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">2-0</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Dust2 13-1, Ancient 13-8</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/zweih/" target="_self">zweih</a>&nbsp;(36-15, 2.40, 1.92)</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">GamerLegion vs Aurora</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">2-1</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Mirage 13-5</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/hypex/" target="_self">hypex</a>&nbsp;(55-37, 1.49, 1.33)</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">HEROIC vs paiN</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">2-0</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Mirage 16-14 (OT)</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/nilo/" target="_self">nilo</a>&nbsp;(44-28, 1.57, 1.48)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>The eliminated teams at this final step were EYEBALLERS, FUT, Inner Circle, Monte, Gentle Mates, Astralis, Aurora, and paiN. Liquid, GamerLegion, HEROIC, and PARIVISION all found a way through, with Liquid ending their series on a one-sided 13-3 Nuke, GamerLegion winning the decider Mirage 13-5, and HEROIC surviving overtime to finish the job.</p><h2>Final placements and next steps: the eight LAN Finals teams and what happens in the Finals stage</h2><p>The confirmed LAN Finals field is: Vitality, FURIA, Falcons, Spirit, Liquid, PARIVISION, GamerLegion, and HEROIC.</p><p>Online Stage placements, grouped by the round teams reached:</p><ul><li>1st-8th (qualified): Vitality, FURIA, Falcons, Spirit, Liquid, PARIVISION, GamerLegion, HEROIC</li><li>9th-16th (round of 16 exits): EYEBALLERS, Inner Circle, Astralis, Monte, FUT, Aurora, Gentle Mates, paiN</li></ul><p>Next on the calendar is the live draft show on Wednesday at 20:00, where the four lower-seeded qualifiers pick opponents from the top four seeds, with Liquid selecting first. After that, it is all LAN in Malta, with Falcons expected to adjust their roster because of&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/kyousuke/" target="_self">kyousuke</a>’s visa situation.</p>

CS2 Rostermania 2026: Key Transfers and the VRS Domino Effect

<p>First things first: CS2’s early-2026 shuffle is less about “winning the offseason” and more about surviving the new invite economy. The moves below show how teams are chasing results, protecting VRS cores, and sometimes accepting short-term pain for long-term access. Stick around and follow the dominoes to see who set themselves up for the first big tests of 2026.</p><h2>Why teams are rebuilding now: the VRS era, invites, and “core” value</h2><p>Teams are rebuilding now because Valve’s Regional Standings (VRS) changed what matters. It’s not only about fixing a bad LAN anymore. Invitations to many events are strongly tied to ranking math, so steady results matter more, and frequent roster swaps can hurt a team’s position over time.</p><p>Here’s the simple way to think about it:</p><ul><li>Invites follow VRS: Better ranking usually means easier access to bigger tournaments.</li><li>Consistency is rewarded: Beating good teams and placing well repeatedly helps more than random hot streaks.</li><li>Timing matters: Teams make changes earlier so they don’t miss the next invite window.</li><li>Opponent strength counts: Wins mean more when they come against stronger opponents.</li><li>“Core” value is huge: Keeping three players together can protect a team’s ranking identity, while changing too many at once can push them into tough qualifiers.</li></ul><p>For CS2 players, this is why some moves look careful and others look drastic. Teams are trying to improve without losing the ranking stability that keeps their season on track.</p><h2>100 Thieves start from scratch: device confirmed, plus poiii and sirah additions</h2><p>100 Thieves finished their new CS2 roster by signing Nicolai “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/device/" target="_self">device</a>” Reedtz, after already adding Alex “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/poiii/" target="_self">poiii</a>” Nyholm Sundgren, André “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/ag1l/" target="_self">Ag1l</a>” Gil, and William “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/sirah/" target="_self">sirah</a>” Kjærsgaard.<br>They also listed Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander as head coach and kept Håvard “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/rain/" target="_self">rain</a>” Nygaard as the other veteran piece.<br>The key detail is the plan: this group is expected to start from zero and grind their way to a VRS ranking through open LANs and lower-tier tournaments, instead of buying a ready-made VRS core.</p><figure class="table" style="float:left;width:100%;"><table class="ck-table-resized"><colgroup><col style="width:48.54%;"><col style="width:51.46%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Person</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Confirmed status</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/device/" target="_self">device</a></td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Signed, completes the roster</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/rain/" target="_self">rain</a></td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Veteran player on the roster</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/ag1l/" target="_self">Ag1l</a></td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Recent signing</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/poiii/" target="_self">poiii</a></td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Recent signing</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/sirah/" target="_self">sirah</a></td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Recent signing</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/gla1ve/" target="_self">gla1ve</a></td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Listed as coach</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>This “from scratch” route usually means tighter schedules, more must-win matches, and less room for slow starts, because every result is part of building ranking credibility.</p><h3>The early test for device and the new squad</h3><p><a href="https://csspot.org/players/device/" target="_self">device</a>&nbsp;joins after a harsh reminder of how fast top-tier CS2 punishes mistakes: Liquid beat Astralis 2-0 at StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Stage 2, winning Nuke 13-7 and Mirage 13-9.<br>Roland “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/ultimate/" target="_self">ultimate</a>” Tomkowiak was the best player with 39-20 K-D and a 1.54 rating, while&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/device/" target="_self">device</a>&nbsp;went 6-18 on Mirage (0.33 K/D on the map).</p><p>For CS2 players watching this project, the first months should be judged on spacing, trades, and late-round clarity, not on highlight clips.</p><h2>Astralis pivot international after stavn’s exit: phzy and ryu signed</h2><p>Astralis moved on from Martin “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/stavn/" target="_self">stavn</a>” Lund after his hiatus ended and he departed the org, then they immediately looked outside Denmark to refresh the roster.<br>They signed Love “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/phzy/" target="_self">phzy</a>” Smidebrant and Gytis “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/ryu/" target="_self">ryu</a>” Glušauskas, which signals a switch to an international setup.</p><ul><li>New signings:&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/phzy/" target="_self">phzy</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/ryu/" target="_self">ryu</a>&nbsp;join Astralis.</li><li>Why it’s “international”: Astralis are moving to English communication while keeping their Danish core in place.</li><li>Where they stood in VRS: in Valve’s global standings dated 2026-01-05, Astralis were #15 with 1,592 points.</li><li>Quick stat snapshot:&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/ryu/" target="_self">ryu</a>&nbsp;is listed at 1.06 Rating 1.0, 0.72 KPR, 0.66 DPR (620 maps);&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/hooxi/" target="_self">HooXi</a>&nbsp;at 0.85 Rating 1.0, 0.57 KPR, 0.69 DPR (1,195 maps).</li></ul><p>For CS2 players, the main takeaway is the risk-reward balance. Astralis are trying to upgrade firepower without throwing away ranking stability that can decide invites versus grinding qualifiers.</p><p>If&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/phzy/" target="_self">phzy</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/ryu/" target="_self">ryu</a>&nbsp;settle fast, the team keeps its VRS position and raises its ceiling; if the fit is slow, opponents punish the gaps long before the standings show mercy.</p><h2>The blameF chain reaction: fnatic’s maden pickup and BIG’s new IGL with faveN back</h2><p>When Benjamin “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/blamef/" target="_self">blameF</a>” Bremer left fnatic, it triggered two quick changes. fnatic sold&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/blamef/" target="_self">blameF</a>&nbsp;and signed Pavle “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/maden/" target="_self">Maden</a>” Bošković as his replacement.<br>BIG then signed&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/blamef/" target="_self">blameF</a>&nbsp;as their in-game leader, and shortly after brought Josef “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/faven/" target="_self">faveN</a>” Baumann back to finish the roster plan for 2026.</p><figure class="table" style="float:left;width:100%;"><table class="ck-table-resized"><colgroup><col style="width:32.34%;"><col style="width:32.34%;"><col style="width:35.32%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Team</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">What changed</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Ranking shown in the announcement</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">fnatic</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/blamef/" target="_self">blameF</a>&nbsp;transferred out;&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/maden/" target="_self">Maden</a>&nbsp;signed to replace him</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">#29</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">BIG</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/blamef/" target="_self">blameF</a>&nbsp;signed as IGL; tiziaN added as assistant coach; later&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/faven/" target="_self">faveN</a>&nbsp;returned and replaced prosus</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">#57</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>These swaps are more than names changing jerseys. They change who calls mid-rounds, who takes space first, and how the team trades in tight executes.</p><h3>What CS2 players should notice</h3><p>BIG explicitly brought&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/blamef/" target="_self">blameF</a>&nbsp;in as the in-game leader, replacing Lukas “FreeZe” Hegmann in that role.<br>His BIG debut was expected at CCT Season 3 Europe Series 13 starting January 18, while&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/maden/" target="_self">Maden</a>’s fnatic debut was set for BLAST Bounty S1 with the online stage starting January 12.</p><p>On the server, a new IGL often changes pace: defaults, late-round calls, and who gets the “go first” jobs. In the invite era, those early results matter fast, because one rough month can push a team into harder qualifier routes.</p><h2>BC.Game land SAW’s Portuguese trio and inherit a #22 global VRS core</h2><p>BC.Game’s move is all about protecting ranking value in the VRS era by keeping a proven “core” together. SAW were #22 in Valve’s global standings on January 5, 2026, with 1,438 points, so taking a trio from that system comes with real competitive “credit.”</p><ol><li>What happened: BC.Game secured SAW’s Portuguese trio, keeping three players together instead of building from scratch.</li><li>Why it matters for VRS: A three-player core can carry over the team’s results profile, which helps with invites and seeding compared to a full rebuild.</li><li>What the numbers suggest: João “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/story/" target="_self">story</a>” Vieira is listed at 1.04 Rating 1.0, 0.69 KPR, 0.61 DPR across 869 maps; Luka “emi” Vuković at 0.91 Rating 1.0 across 1,521 maps.</li></ol><p>For CS2 players, the practical takeaway is simple: teams that keep a strong trio often start the season with more stability in roles, protocols, and ranking momentum. Big rebuilds can work, but they usually mean tougher qualifier routes until results stack up again.</p><h2>TYLOO fill the Attacker vacancy with Zero</h2><p>TYLOO’s change is a reminder that VRS pressure doesn’t only hit European teams with packed calendars. Roster continuity matters globally, and every region feels the weight of staying relevant as invites tighten.</p><p>On the January 5, 2026 Valve table, TYLOO were #55 with 1,345 Valve points.<br>That’s a workable platform, but it’s not a cushion. One bad month can drop a team into a bracket where every qualifier match feels like a final.</p><p>The organization moved to fill the gap by adding&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/zero/" target="_self">Zero</a>.<br>The short-term question is role fit: replacing a long-time piece isn’t only about aim, it’s about who takes the uncomfortable spots on CT and who keeps composure when the default gets shut down. The long-term question is simpler and colder: how quickly TYLOO can produce results that keep their VRS profile alive.</p><h2>paiN finalize their 2026 lineup with vsm and piriajr (loan)</h2><p>paiN’s final touches are classic “win-now without burning the structure.” The team sat high enough to care deeply about invite stability: on the January 5, 2026 global list, paiN were #18 with 1,525 Valve points.</p><p>The organization completed its 2026 plan by signing Vinicius “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/vsm/" target="_self">vsm</a>” Moreira and bringing in Guilherme “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/piriajr/" target="_self">piriajr</a>” Barbosa on loan.<br>Loan deals are especially telling in the VRS era. They are a way to patch a role without permanently rewriting the roster’s identity, and they allow a team to test synergy under real pressure rather than scrims and hopeful statements.</p><p>This is the kind of move that looks quiet on paper and feels loud on server. A supportive piece arriving on loan often plays with a particular edge: every map is a job interview, every overtime is a highlight reel opportunity, every mistake is remembered.</p><h2>VRS impact tracker: where these moves leave the standings heading into early-2026 events</h2><p>The cleanest way to read rostermania now is to track points and cores, not only names. The January 5, 2026 Valve global snapshot puts several of these stories on the same scoreboard: Astralis #15 (1,589), paiN #18 (1,525), SAW #22 (1,438), TYLOO #55 (1,345), and BC.Game #92 (1,266).</p><p>Here’s a quick tracker built from the confirmed moves and the standings snapshot:</p><figure class="table" style="float:left;width:100%;"><table class="ck-table-resized"><colgroup><col style="width:32.34%;"><col style="width:32.34%;"><col style="width:35.32%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Team</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Key confirmed move</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">VRS / ranking snapshot context</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Astralis</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/phzy/" target="_self">phzy</a>&nbsp;+&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/ryu/" target="_self">ryu</a>&nbsp;added</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">#15, 1,589 Valve points (Jan 5, 2026)</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">100 Thieves</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/device/" target="_self">device</a>&nbsp;signed;&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/poiii/" target="_self">poiii</a>&nbsp;+&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/sirah/" target="_self">sirah</a>&nbsp;previously added;&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/gla1ve/" target="_self">gla1ve</a>&nbsp;listed as coach</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">No active world rank shown on team page at the time</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">fnatic</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/maden/" target="_self">Maden</a>&nbsp;in,&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/blamef/" target="_self">blameF</a>&nbsp;out (sold)</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">#29 on HLTV listing tied to the announcement</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">BIG</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/blamef/" target="_self">blameF</a>&nbsp;signed;&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/faven/" target="_self">faveN</a>&nbsp;return completes plan</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">#57 on HLTV listing tied to the announcement</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">BC.Game</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">SAW trio secured</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">SAW’s VRS position is #22 (core value in play)</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">TYLOO</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/zero/" target="_self">Zero</a>&nbsp;added</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">#55, 1,345 Valve points (Jan 5, 2026)</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">paiN</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/vsm/" target="_self">vsm</a>&nbsp;signed;&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/piriajr/" target="_self">piriajr</a>&nbsp;on loan</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">#18, 1,525 Valve points (Jan 5, 2026)</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>Teams near the top are protecting invite value, while lower-ranked squads need early wins fast or they risk getting pushed into tougher qualifier paths.</p><h3>How VRS points are built (prize money, opponent strength, head-to-head) — and why “core retention” matters</h3><p>The broad idea is simple: teams earn ranking credit through results, and those results are weighted by context. Public explainers consistently summarize the inputs as prize-money driven performance with adjustments tied to opponent strength and match outcomes, with recency and quality shaping how much each result matters.<br>HLTV’s reporting around Valve’s updates reinforces the same message: the model exists to better match competitive reality, which is why teams care about what they play and who they beat, not only how often they post wins.</p><p>“Core retention” matters because it protects continuity in the eyes of the system and, practically, in the eyes of tournament organizers using those standings for invites. That’s why BC.Game targeting pieces from a #22-ranked SAW is more than a talent play, and why 100 Thieves openly accepting a “start from scratch” path is a real strategic choice rather than a slogan.</p><h3>What to watch next: invite cutoffs, qualifier paths, and the first big LAN tests for rebuilt rosters</h3><p>Early 2026 will judge these projects fast. The key checkpoints are straightforward:</p><ul><li>Invite cutoffs: Teams near the middle of the table, like TYLOO at #55, need immediate results to avoid sliding into harder qualifier routes.</li><li>First role stress tests: New rosters don’t usually break on aim, they break on decision-making when a default stalls and somebody has to force the issue without feeding.&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/device/" target="_self">device</a>’s recent Mirage stat line (6-18 vs Liquid) shows how quickly a map can get away when the margins are thin.</li><li>LAN pressure: Moves that look neat in announcements become messy under stage pacing, timeouts, and crowd energy, especially for teams relying on a protected core to keep their ranking identity.</li></ul><p>Rostermania 2026 is already telling its main story: in the VRS era, transfers are not only about upgrading players. They’re about upgrading access.</p>

Astralis reboot begins as device and Magisk exit

<p>At last, the reset is official. Astralis have confirmed that Nicolai “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/device/" target="_self">device</a>” Reedtz and Emil “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/magisk/" target="_self">Magisk</a>” Reif are leaving, and the club is already talking about a rebuild that runs through 2026. Get the full breakdown and the stats that explain why this reboot was unavoidable.</p><h2>Confirmed changes: device’s transfer plans (reported 100 Thieves link) and Magisk’s contract expiry</h2><p>Astralis announced on December 28, 2025 that&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/device/" target="_self">device</a>&nbsp;will transfer to a new team, while&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/magisk/" target="_self">Magisk</a>&nbsp;departs after his contract expired. The organization said it is exploring a “potential new, international outlook,” and will not limit recruitment to one market as it rebuilds through 2026 with “quality and the overall direction of new additions” as the priority.</p><p>HLTV has also reported where&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/device/" target="_self">device</a>&nbsp;is headed next: a 100 Thieves project that is expected to include Håvard “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/rain/" target="_self">rain</a>” Nygaard and head coach Lukas “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/gla1ve/" target="_self">gla1ve</a>” Rossander.&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/device/" target="_self">Device</a>&nbsp;called the decision difficult in Astralis’ statement, but said he has been “hungry to try something new,” and stressed that he leaves on good terms.</p><h2>Why these moves matter: results from device’s second stint and Magisk’s stand-in return</h2><p>Astralis are resetting after two key players left:&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/device/" target="_self">device</a>&nbsp;is preparing a transfer, and&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/magisk/" target="_self">Magisk</a>&nbsp;departed when his contract expired. Their recent results show a team that could reach big stages, but did not secure a title.</p><p>Key matches from&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/device/" target="_self">device</a>’s second stint and&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/magisk/" target="_self">Magisk</a>’s stand-in return:</p><figure class="table" style="float:left;width:100%;"><table class="ck-table-resized"><colgroup><col style="width:19.41%;"><col style="width:19.41%;"><col style="width:19.41%;"><col style="width:19.41%;"><col style="width:22.36%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Match</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Astralis result</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Top performer</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/device/" target="_self">device</a></td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/magisk/" target="_self">Magisk</a></td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">PGL Astana 2025 final vs Spirit</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Lost 1-3 (Dust2 5-13, Nuke 10-13, Mirage 13-5, Train 13-16 overtime)</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/donk/" target="_self">donk</a>&nbsp;86-58, 1.51</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">49-54, 0.89</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Not played</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">FISSURE Playground 1 final vs TYLOO</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Lost 1-3 (Inferno 13-10, Nuke 4-13, Mirage 14-16, Ancient 10-13)</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/jamyoung/" target="_self">JamYoung</a>&nbsp;90-56, 1.49</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">65-63, 1.00</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Not played</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">FISSURE Playground 2 Swiss round 5 vs GamerLegion (Sept 17)</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Won 2-0 (Overpass 13-9, Nuke 13-10)</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/staehr/" target="_self">Staehr</a>&nbsp;42-28, 1.50</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">37-27, 1.11</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">31-28, 1.11</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>Two finals ended 1-3, so Astralis were close but could not finish.&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/device/" target="_self">Device</a>&nbsp;struggled in the Astana final, then steadied against TYLOO, but neither run ended with a trophy.</p><p><a href="https://csspot.org/players/magisk/" target="_self">Magisk</a>’s short return helped in a Swiss elimination match where one bad half can end the event. With&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/magisk/" target="_self">Magisk</a>&nbsp;free after his deal expired and&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/device/" target="_self">device</a>&nbsp;leaving, Astralis need a new AWPer and a plan for the 2026 rebuild.</p><h2>What comes next for Astralis: “international outlook” recruitment and 2026 rebuild direction</h2><p>Two roles open up at once: a new main AWPer and a rifler who can handle&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/magisk/" target="_self">Magisk</a>’s mix of anchoring and calm late-round decisions. Astralis’ stated “international outlook” suggests the club is ready to widen the search, accept the growing pains that come with language and system changes, and pick players who fit the plan rather than the passport.</p><p>With the rebuild said to continue through 2026, expect a phased approach: fill the gaps, test under pressure, then commit once the chemistry holds. Return for&nbsp;<a target="_self">stavn</a>&nbsp;is unlikely, putting even more weight on the next two signings.</p><h3>Where the team stands today: remaining roster snapshot, bench situation</h3><p>Astralis are currently down to three active players, with one notable name benched. The roster situation is:</p><ul><li>Victor “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/staehr/" target="_self">Staehr</a>” Staehr;</li><li>Rasmus “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/hooxi/" target="_self">HooXi</a>” Nielsen;</li><li>Jakob “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/jabbi/" target="_self">jabbi</a>” Nygaard;</li><li>Casper “ruggah” Due (coach);</li><li>Martin “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/stavn/" target="_self">stavn</a>” Lund (benched).</li></ul><p>Two additions will decide whether this reboot becomes a fast patch or the start of Astralis’ 2026 identity.</p>

Aurora’s 2026 roster reset: jottAAA benched as soulfly joins

<p>Aurora have opened 2026 with a roster tweak, benching Samet “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/jottaaa/" target="_self">jottAAA</a>” Köklü and signing Caner “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/soulfly/" target="_self">soulfly</a>” Kesici from Fire Flux. Dig into the announcement, the key 2025 results that shaped it, and what&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/soulfly/" target="_self">soulfly</a>&nbsp;adds when officials go live.</p><h2>The move in context: what changed in Aurora’s lineup</h2><p>Aurora confirmed the change on December 27, 2025:&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/soulfly/" target="_self">soulfly</a>&nbsp;(21) joins as a rifler,&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/jottaaa/" target="_self">jottAAA</a>&nbsp;moves to the bench. The rest of the five stays intact, with Sezgin “Fabre” Kalaycı remaining as coach.</p><p>Current Aurora roster:</p><ul><li>Engin “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/maj3r/" target="_self">MAJ3R</a>” Küpeli (IGL);</li><li>Ismailcan “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/xantares/" target="_self">XANTARES</a>” Dörtkardeş;</li><li>Özgür “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/woxic/" target="_self">woxic</a>” Eker (AWP);</li><li>Ali “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/wicadia/" target="_self">Wicadia</a>” Haydar Yalçın;</li><li>Caner “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/soulfly/" target="_self">soulfly</a>” Kesici;</li><li>Coach: Sezgin “Fabre” Kalaycı.</li></ul><p>The clock is already ticking toward the debut. BLAST Bounty 2026 Season 1 starts online on January 12, 2026, with the main stage running through January 17, so scrim time is limited and early roles need to be clear.</p><h2>Why Aurora made a switch after their 2025 season</h2><p>Aurora’s 2025 felt largely disappointing, even with regular playoff runs. Against trophy teams like Vitality, Falcons, and MOUZ, Aurora often could not close the biggest matches.</p><p>Winning PGL Masters Bucharest was the peak, but the event also pointed to a need for steadier rifle impact behind the carry pieces in pressure games.</p><figure class="table" style="float:left;width:100%;"><table class="ck-table-resized"><colgroup><col style="width:24.25%;"><col style="width:24.25%;"><col style="width:24.25%;"><col style="width:27.25%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Match (Bucharest 2025)</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Scoreline</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Key stats</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Note</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Final vs Legacy (Nov 1)</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">3-2: Dust2 13-11, Mirage 13-8, Train 17-19, Inferno 8-13, Nuke 13-11</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/xantares/" target="_self">XANTARES</a>&nbsp;103-83, 1.36 (POTM);&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/jottaaa/" target="_self">jottAAA</a>&nbsp;85-92</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Close maps, support negative</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">vs Astralis, Swiss R5 (Oct 30)</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">2-1: Nuke 10-13, Train 13-8, Mirage 13-10</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/woxic/" target="_self">woxic</a>&nbsp;54-38, 1.29 (POTM);&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/jottaaa/" target="_self">jottAAA</a>&nbsp;38-45, 0.91</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">AWP carried, rifles uneven</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>At Bucharest,&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/xantares/" target="_self">XANTARES</a>&nbsp;averaged a 1.27 rating across 23 maps and led the final with a +4.08% round swing. Those numbers show Aurora can win titles when their stars heat up.</p><p>But margins were tiny, including two 13-11 maps and a 13-11 decider on Nuke. In CS2, that is where extra trades, better spacing, and one more multi-kill from riflers flips a series. Aurora benched&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/jottaaa/" target="_self">jottAAA</a>&nbsp;and signed&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/soulfly/" target="_self">soulfly</a>&nbsp;to raise that baseline and make close rounds easier to finish cleanly.</p><h2>Who is soulfly: career path, recent team, and what he brings</h2><p><a href="https://csspot.org/players/soulfly/" target="_self">soulfly</a>&nbsp;arrives with a clear resume arc. He spent over two years with Sangal, then moved to Fire Flux, where he posted a 1.15 rating across nearly 400 maps and earned #38 on HLTV’s Prospect Report.</p><p>The attraction is his trend line and his comfort taking fights without freezing the round. In a tight mid-round, that can look like a fast trade on Train’s Ivy crunch or a confident lurk timing that turns a 2v2 into a plant and a clean post-plant. Aurora do not need a total rebuild, just a sharper edge in the rounds that decide trophies.</p>

Gla1ve is a New 100 Thieves Head Coach: What the Move Means

<p>100 Thieves has hired Lukas “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/gla1ve/" target="_self">gla1ve</a>” Rossander as its new head coach for Counter-Strike 2. He is known for leading top teams in the past, and now his job is to help build a strong plan, keep the players organized, and prepare them for big matches as the team returns to competition.</p><p>Keep reading to see what this hire says about 100 Thieves’ direction and what it could mean for their results.</p><h2>The Announcement: Appointment Details and Team Direction</h2><p>First, the news: 100 Thieves officially named Lukas “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/gla1ve/" target="_self">gla1ve</a>” Rossander as head coach on December 19, 2025, after a report earlier on December 3. It is his first coaching job since stepping away from playing. For CS2 players, that matters because a head coach sets the team’s system: how they practice, how they prep maps, and how they fix mistakes between matches.</p><p>Right now, the roster is only partly known:</p><ul><li>Confirmed: Håvard “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/rain/" target="_self">rain</a>” Nygaard as in-game leader, and&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/gla1ve/" target="_self">gla1ve</a>&nbsp;as head coach</li><li>Close to happening: Nicolai “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/device/" target="_self">device</a>” Reedtz joining, which would reunite him with&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/gla1ve/" target="_self">gla1ve</a></li><li>Not announced yet: the other three players and the first tournament schedule</li></ul><p>The plan is Europe-based, competing as “100 Thieves Roobet” and building around a planned training facility in Serbia. The next signings will decide if this becomes a fast climb or a slower rebuild.</p><h2>Why gla1ve: Background, Leadership Profile, and What He Brings to the Role</h2><p>100 Thieves picked Lukas “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/gla1ve/" target="_self">gla1ve</a>” Rossander because he has a long record of leading teams with clear rules and calm mid-round calls. He is also moving into coaching at the right time: he retired from playing after a five-month spell on ENCE’s bench and said he has “something extraordinary to offer” as a coach. For CS2 players, that points to sharper practice, cleaner defaults, and fewer rounds thrown by timing mistakes.</p><h3>Major titles that shaped his leadership</h3><p>His biggest trophies came during Astralis’ peak:</p><ol><li>ELEAGUE Major: Atlanta 2017</li><li>FACEIT Major: London 2018</li><li>IEM Katowice Major 2019</li><li>StarLadder Berlin Major 2019</li></ol><p>Since he is no longer worrying about his own crosshair every round, he can put that attention into prep: anti-strats, mid-round options, and the small rules that keep a team from over-peeking or leaving gaps in a smoke wall.</p><p>A recent series shows the kind of pressure he has seen up close. On July 10, 2025, ENCE lost 1-2 to ROSY at Exort The Proving Grounds Season 2: Anubis 13-7 to ENCE, Ancient 6-13, Dust II 10-13. Across the match,&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/gla1ve/" target="_self">gla1ve</a>&nbsp;finished 39-49 with a 0.80 rating, while ROSY’s byek led at 55-38, 89.4 ADR, and a 1.72 rating. Losses like that often push a coach toward simple, repeatable plans that still work when comms get loud.</p><h2>Competitive Impact: Upcoming Goals, How Team Rankings Work, and What This Could Change</h2><p>100 Thieves is returning to Counter-Strike after more than five years away, and the current circuit rewards teams that stack real results quickly. During its previous CS run, 100 Thieves placed second at IEM Beijing in 2019, then exited the game in 2020. The comeback is starting in a very different ecosystem, with tighter calendars and less patience for slow starts.</p><p>For invites and long-term positioning, the Valve Regional Standings matter. These standings influence seeding and connect to Major qualification pathways, using a public, results-driven system that weighs opponent strength, event performance, and consistency.</p><p>A simplified view of what usually moves the needle looks like this:</p><figure class="table" style="float:left;width:100%;"><table class="ck-table-resized"><colgroup><col style="width:49.26%;"><col style="width:50.74%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Ranking driver</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">What it rewards in practice</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Opponent strength</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Beating teams with strong recent form</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Event placement</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Deep runs across multiple series</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">LAN performance</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Showing the system holds under pressure</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Consistency</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Regular official matches without long gaps</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>That context makes the&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/gla1ve/" target="_self">gla1ve</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/rain/" target="_self">rain</a>&nbsp;pairing logical. With&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/rain/" target="_self">rain</a>&nbsp;calling in the server and&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/gla1ve/" target="_self">gla1ve</a>&nbsp;handling preparation and review, the early goal is to cut the unforced errors that bleed rounds, then turn a rough first month into stable progress.</p><p>If&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/device/" target="_self">device</a>&nbsp;joins, the upside is obvious: elite AWP pedigree plus a long-standing connection that can speed up cohesion. If that signing does not happen, the head coach appointment still signals a process-first build, and the next player announcements will determine how quickly the plan turns into wins.</p>

Spirit’s roster reshuffle: magixx & zont1x return, chopper & zweih moved to the bench

<p><span style="background-color:transparent;">Team Spirit is changing its CS2 team right before 2026 begins. Boris “</span><a href="https://csspot.org/players/magixx/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">magixx</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;">” Vorobiev and Myroslav “</span><a href="https://csspot.org/players/zont1x/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">zont1x</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;">” Plakhotia are back in the starting five. Leonid “</span><a href="https://csspot.org/players/chopper/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">chopper</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;">” Vishnyakov and Ivan “</span><a href="https://csspot.org/players/zweih/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">zweih</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;">” Gogin are moving to the bench, meaning they will not play in official matches for now.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;">This also affects leadership, since Spirit will have a new in-game captain with&nbsp;</span><a href="https://csspot.org/players/chopper/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">chopper</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;">&nbsp;out. Keep reading for the full breakdown, the reasons behind the change, and what to expect in Spirit’s first events of 2026.</span></p><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;">Roster change breakdown: who’s back, who’s benched, and what roles change</span></h2><p><span style="background-color:transparent;">Spirit confirmed on December 18 that Boris “</span><a href="https://csspot.org/players/magixx/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">magixx</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;">” Vorobiev and Myroslav “</span><a href="https://csspot.org/players/zont1x/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">zont1x</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;">” Plakhotia are returning to the active roster. They take the places of Leonid “</span><a href="https://csspot.org/players/chopper/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">chopper</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;">” Vishnyakov and Ivan “</span><a href="https://csspot.org/players/zweih/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">zweih</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;">” Gogin, who move to the bench and won’t play official matches for now. The coaching staff said that by May it was already clear changes were needed because of psychological problems and physical health issues inside the team.</span></p><h3><span style="background-color:transparent;">What changes in the server</span></h3><p><span style="background-color:transparent;">With&nbsp;</span><a href="https://csspot.org/players/chopper/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">chopper</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;">&nbsp;out,&nbsp;</span><a href="https://csspot.org/players/magixx/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">magixx</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;">&nbsp;becomes the new captain and in-game leader, meaning he calls rounds while still rifling. Coach Sergey “hally” Shavaev said&nbsp;</span><a href="https://csspot.org/players/magixx/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">magixx</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;">&nbsp;has to learn the role, but has the ability to become one of the best at it. After stepping away in September for personal reasons,&nbsp;</span><a href="https://csspot.org/players/zont1x/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">zont1x</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;">&nbsp;is back; Spirit added Andrii “</span><a href="https://csspot.org/players/tn1r/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">tN1R</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;">” Tatarinov during that period, and hally said&nbsp;</span><a href="https://csspot.org/players/zont1x/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">zont1x</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;">&nbsp;will return to his old positions.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;">For&nbsp;</span><a href="https://csspot.org/players/chopper/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">chopper</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;">, this is his second benching since joining Spirit in 2019. He was also put on the transfer list in late 2021, then returned a few months later.</span></p><figure class="table" style="float:left;width:100%;"><table class="ck-table-resized"><colgroup><col style="width:32.82%;"><col style="width:32.82%;"><col style="width:34.36%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><span style="background-color:transparent;">Status</span></td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><span style="background-color:transparent;">Player</span></td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><span style="background-color:transparent;">Primary role</span></td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><span style="background-color:transparent;">Active roster</span></td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/donk/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">donk</span></a></td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><span style="background-color:transparent;">entry rifler, main space-taker</span></td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><span style="background-color:transparent;">Active roster</span></td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/sh1ro/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">sh1ro</span></a></td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><span style="background-color:transparent;">AWPer, late-round closer</span></td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><span style="background-color:transparent;">Active roster</span></td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/tn1r/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">tN1R</span></a></td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><span style="background-color:transparent;">rifler, flexible roles</span></td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><span style="background-color:transparent;">Active roster</span></td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/magixx/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">magixx</span></a></td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><span style="background-color:transparent;">rifler, new captain and IGL</span></td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><span style="background-color:transparent;">Active roster</span></td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/zont1x/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">zont1x</span></a></td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><span style="background-color:transparent;">rifler, returning to previous positions</span></td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><span style="background-color:transparent;">Benched</span></td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/chopper/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">chopper</span></a></td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><span style="background-color:transparent;">former captain and IGL</span></td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><span style="background-color:transparent;">Benched</span></td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/zweih/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">zweih</span></a></td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><span style="background-color:transparent;">rifler, joined in summer 2025</span></td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p><a href="https://csspot.org/players/zweih/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">Zweih</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;">&nbsp;joined in summer 2025. hally praised his talent and called the decision painful, but said&nbsp;</span><a href="https://csspot.org/players/zweih/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">zweih</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;">’s preferred roles don’t match what Spirit needs right now, and that he still has room to grow at the top level. It should also simplify roles and calls.</span></p><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;">Why Spirit “pulled the trigger”: the team’s late-2025 trajectory and coach hally’s explanation</span></h2><p><span style="background-color:transparent;">Spirit actually performed well after the last roster change, even winning big events. Still, coach Sergey “hally” Shavaev said the team had deeper problems, and by May it was already clear changes were needed because of psychological issues and physical health issues. Spirit kept playing top tournaments to test the roster under pressure, then made the decision at the end of the year.</span></p><ol><li><span style="background-color:transparent;">IEM Cologne (Aug 3): Spirit swept MOUZ 3-0 in the final: Mirage 13-7, Ancient 13-11, Nuke 13-6. Danil “</span><a href="https://csspot.org/players/donk/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">donk</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;">” Kryshkovets led the series with 62-41 (1.51 K/D) and a 1.60 rating.</span></li><li><span style="background-color:transparent;">BLAST Bounty Season 2 Finals (Aug 17): Spirit beat The MongolZ 3-0: Nuke 13-11, Mirage 16-13, Ancient 13-5.&nbsp;</span><a href="https://csspot.org/players/donk/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">donk</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;">&nbsp;again topped Spirit at 65-48 (1.35 K/D), and Dmitry “</span><a href="https://csspot.org/players/sh1ro/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">sh1ro</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;">” Sokolov went 60-38 (1.58 K/D).</span></li><li><span style="background-color:transparent;">Budapest Major semi-final (Dec 13): Spirit finished 3-4th after losing to Vitality. Mirage was lost 17-19 after a 12-6 lead, then Dust II ended 8-13.&nbsp;</span><a href="https://csspot.org/players/donk/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">donk</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;">&nbsp;led Spirit at 47-40 (1.18 K/D) with a 1.33 rating, while Robin “ropz” Kool earned player of the match at 46-31 (1.48 K/D) and a 1.34 rating.&nbsp;</span><a href="https://csspot.org/players/chopper/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">chopper</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;">&nbsp;posted 23-39 (0.59 K/D) and&nbsp;</span><a href="https://csspot.org/players/zweih/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">zweih</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;">&nbsp;27-44 (0.61 K/D).</span></li></ol><p><span style="background-color:transparent;">Those results show why the decision was tough: trophies were there, but the staff still wanted a healthier setup and clearer roles going into 2026.</span></p><h2><span style="background-color:transparent;">What happens next: Spirit’s first matches of 2026 and the short-term expectations</span></h2><p><span style="background-color:transparent;">Spirit’s new five is set to debut at BLAST Bounty 2026 Season 1. The tournament starts January 12 with a 32-team online stage and ends with the Finals in Malta on January 23-25. The prize pool is $1,150,000, and several top teams declined invites, changing the early bracket dynamics.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;">Short term, the spotlight is on&nbsp;</span><a href="https://csspot.org/players/magixx/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">magixx</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;">’s transition to full-time IGL. The simplest blueprint stays intact:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://csspot.org/players/donk/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">donk</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;">&nbsp;takes space,&nbsp;</span><a href="https://csspot.org/players/sh1ro/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">sh1ro</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;">&nbsp;closes, and the rest keep trades clean.&nbsp;</span><a href="https://csspot.org/players/zont1x/" target="_self"><span style="background-color:transparent;">zont1x</span></a><span style="background-color:transparent;">&nbsp;returning to his previous positions should cut down on hesitation and speed up mid-round decisions, especially on maps where Spirit’s spacing relies on crisp timing.</span></p><p><span style="background-color:transparent;">Expect a few swings early as the calling structure settles. Online matches can reward confidence, but Malta games punish messy mid-rounds. If Spirit looks calmer in tight halves than it did in Budapest, this reshuffle will start paying off quickly.</span></p>

StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Winners: Champions, Final Standings, and Highlights

<p>Vitality are the CS2 StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 champions after beating FaZe 3-1 in the grand final.</p><p>The match swung hard after the opening map, with Vitality taking control and closing the series with confident CS. This article breaks down every map score, the final standings, and the top individual awards, including the best performers.</p><h2>Who won the Major: champion, finalist, and key moments from the grand final</h2><p>Vitality lifted the CS2 StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 trophy on December 14, closing the event as back-to-back Major champions, the first repeat winners since Astralis in 2019.</p><p>The first-ever best-of-five Major final opened with a shock. FaZe’s Nuke pick was one-sided, a 13-6 win where&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/zywoo/" target="_self">ZywOo</a>&nbsp;looked unusually off his timing, and Finn “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/karrigan/" target="_self">karrigan</a>” Andersen topped FaZe’s defense with a 2.90 CT rating and 158 ADR.</p><p>Then the reset hit. On Dust2, Vitality flipped the pace, punished FaZe’s early info moves, and sprinted to a 9-1 lead before sealing a 13-3 stomp.</p><p>Inferno was tighter on paper at 13-9, but it still felt like Vitality were steering the wheel.&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/mezii/" target="_self">Mezii</a>&nbsp;stacked clutch after clutch and finished the map with a 23-8 K-D, 2.00 rating, and seven multi-kills, stopping every late FaZe push from turning into real momentum.</p><p>Overpass was the finishing blow: Vitality ran up an 11-1 T half and closed 13-2.&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/ropz/" target="_self">Ropz</a>, facing his former team, produced the series’ signature highlight with a 22-7 K-D, 144.1 ADR, and a 2.89 rating on the decider.</p><p>Grand final map scores (Bo5):</p><figure class="table" style="float:left;width:100%;"><table class="ck-table-resized"><colgroup><col style="width:32.82%;"><col style="width:32.82%;"><col style="width:34.36%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Map</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Winner</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Score</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Nuke</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">FaZe</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">13-6</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Dust2</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Vitality</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">13-3</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Inferno</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Vitality</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">13-9</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Overpass</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Vitality</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">13-2</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>After dropping the opener, Vitality won three straight and never let the series reach Mirage.</p><h2>Final placement overview: how teams are ranked and what each position means</h2><p>StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 ran from December 4 to December 14 in Budapest, Hungary, with 16 teams and a $1,170,000 prize pool.</p><p>In this format, the top eight are the playoff teams, with quarter-finals deciding who enters the “real trophy zone” of top four. Top 11 still pays out, but it usually reads like a missed chance because one bad day can turn a good Swiss run into an early exit.</p><figure class="table" style="float:left;width:100%;"><table class="ck-table-resized"><colgroup><col style="width:32.82%;"><col style="width:32.82%;"><col style="width:34.36%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Placement</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Teams</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Prize</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">1st</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Vitality</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">$500,000</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">2nd</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">FaZe</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">$170,000</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">3rd-4th</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Natus Vincere, Spirit</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">$80,000 each</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">5th-8th</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">FURIA, MOUZ, The MongolZ, Falcons</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">$45,000 each</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">9th-11th</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">G2, Passion UA, B8</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">$20,000 each</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">12th-14th</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">3DMAX, Imperial, paiN</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">$20,000 each</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">15th-16th</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">PARIVISION, Liquid</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">$20,000 each</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>Those placements also reflect the playoff bracket: Vitality beat Spirit in the semis, while FaZe defeated Natus Vincere to reach the final.</p><h2>Awards and takeaways: MVP, best performers, and main highlights</h2><p><a href="https://csspot.org/players/zywoo/" target="_self">ZywOo</a>&nbsp;earned the Major MVP award, giving him a historic third Major MVP medal and making him the only player with three.</p><p>The grand final stats tell a clean story: Vitality had multiple stars online at once.&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/mezii/" target="_self">Mezii</a>&nbsp;was the series’ most efficient closer at 54-33 (1.64 K/D) with a 1.41 rating, while&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/ropz/" target="_self">ropz</a>&nbsp;piled on the damage at 60-46 (1.30 K/D) with a 1.39 rating.&nbsp;<a href="https://csspot.org/players/zywoo/" target="_self">ZywOo</a>&nbsp;still posted 58-39 (1.49 K/D) and a 1.23 rating even after that rough Nuke opener.</p><p>FaZe’s best overall performer was David “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/frozen/" target="_self">frozen</a>” Čerňanský, ending 53-47 (1.13 K/D) with a 1.16 rating, but the series slipped away once Vitality started chaining late-round hits and clutches.</p><h3>Key player lines (grand final totals)</h3><p>Here are the most telling individual numbers from the grand final, showing who consistently won duels and who delivered the biggest impact across the series. The stats below combine total K-D, K/D ratio, and Rating 3.0 for quick comparison.</p><figure class="table" style="float:left;width:100%;"><table class="ck-table-resized"><colgroup><col style="width:19.7%;"><col style="width:19.7%;"><col style="width:19.7%;"><col style="width:19.7%;"><col style="width:21.2%;"></colgroup><tbody><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Player</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Team</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">K-D</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">K/D</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Rating 3.0</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/mezii/" target="_self">mezii</a></td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Vitality</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">54-33</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">1.64</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">1.41</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/ropz/" target="_self">ropz</a></td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Vitality</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">60-46</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">1.30</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">1.39</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/zywoo/" target="_self">ZywOo</a></td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">Vitality</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">58-39</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">1.49</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">1.23</td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;"><a href="https://csspot.org/players/frozen/" target="_self">frozen</a></td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">FaZe</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">53-47</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">1.13</td><td style="border:0.5pt solid #000000;padding:5pt;vertical-align:top;">1.16</td></tr></tbody></table></figure><p>One more storyline landed in the background: ropz has now played in every CS2 Major final and added a third Major trophy to his cabinet.</p><p>Two final takeaways stuck after the confetti. First, Vitality’s calling was the difference maker, turning FaZe’s trademark chaos into predictable rotations across Dust2, Inferno, and Overpass.</p><p>Second, FaZe’s run still had that “how are they still alive” feeling. They were reported to be 0.4 seconds from elimination against RED Canids earlier in the tournament, and they still reached the final, with rookie Jakub “<a href="https://csspot.org/players/jcobbb/" target="_self">jcobbb</a>” Pietruszewski growing into the stage as the event went on.</p><p>Anyone who has watched a Major from the last row of the arena knows that kind of escape creates belief, right up until a team like Vitality slams the door.</p>

Results of the First Day of StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 (Stage 1)

<p>The first day of Stage 1 was intense: 16 teams played their opening BO1 matches, determining who starts the tournament with momentum and who will already have to fight for survival tomorrow.</p><h2>Key Matches and Highlights</h2><p>– Imperial opened the tournament confidently:&nbsp;<a href="/en/players/chelo" target="_self">chelo</a>&nbsp;delivered a decisive round with four frags from the Galil, securing a victory against Rare Atom.<br>– In the PARIVISION vs The Huns match,&nbsp;<a href="/en/players/xielo" target="_self">xiELO</a>&nbsp;scored an ace, becoming one of the day’s main highlights.<br>–&nbsp;<a href="/en/players/krimz" target="_self">KRIMZ</a>&nbsp;from fnatic achieved the first Major ace since Boston 2018 — a play that helped fnatic turn the match against RED Canids.</p><h3>Tournament Issues</h3><p>The day wasn’t without problems: during the fnatic match there were delays and pauses due to equipment issues, disrupting the pace of the game. Some teams also pointed out organizational and scheduling inconveniences.</p><h3>What to Expect Tomorrow</h3><p>On the second day:<br>– FlyQuest, M80, Fluxo, and NRG will play their 2-0 matches for qualification to the next stage.<br>– In the 0-2 matches, RareAtom, The Huns, GamerLegion, and LynnVision will fight for survival.<br>Tomorrow promises to be intense: the first teams will be eliminated, while others may secure the earliest spots in Stage 2.</p>

Player	Nationality	Rating	Expected focus
Buğra “Calyx” Arkın	Turkey	1.07	Anchor spots, late-round trading
Emrecan “EMSTAR” Çalışkan	Turkey	0.93	Space-taking rifler, secondary entry
Volodymyr “Woro2k” Veletniuk	Ukraine	1.12	Primary AWP
Rigon “rigoN” Gashi	Switzerland	1.01	First-contact rifler
Sergiy “DemQQ” Demchenko	Ukraine	1.00	Support rifle, utility and holds