Luminosity Return to CS2 With Monte Core and Brazilian IGL lux

Luminosity have returned to Counter-Strike 2, signing four Monte players alongside Brazilian in-game leader Lucas “lux” Meneghini and re-entering the scene seven years after releasing their last lineup. The Canadian organisation confirmed the roster in an official announcement on 1 July 2026, closing a week of speculation over its move for the Monte core.

WE’RE BACK IN COUNTER STRIKE!

📰 https://t.co/p8hWYlNGul pic.twitter.com/biPMXU3ZMU

— Luminosity Gaming (@Luminosity) July 1, 2026

Aurimas “Bymas” Pipiras, Aurelien “afro” Drapier, Oscar “AZUWU” Bell, and Aleks “Rainwaker” Petrov make the jump from Monte, with lux drafted in as the fifth. The one Monte name not making the move is captain Jack “Gizmy” von Spreckelsen, who is expected to join 100 Thieves.

Luminosity’s New CS2 Roster

The five-man lineup pairs the bulk of the Monte project with a new leader. lux, who previously captained Legacy, replaces Gizmy at the in-game lead position, marking his first time running an English-speaking roster.

Bymas, afro, and AZUWU joined on free transfers after their Monte contracts expired, while Rainwaker had to be bought out of his deal. Alexander “kakafu” Szymanczyk stays on with the team, though Luminosity have not named a permanent coach.

How the Monte Core Deal Came Together

Monte’s management tried to negotiate contract extensions with the trio before the IEM Cologne Major, but after the team was eliminated the players told the organisation they intended to move on. Gizmy confirmed the split in a post on X, saying the core told him they were leaving for Luminosity and had signed contracts before the Major. “Pretty sad ending for a team I’ve led since the beginning, but that’s how it goes sometimes,” he wrote.

Because the deal brings Monte’s competitive points with it, Luminosity enter the Valve Regional Standings already inside the top 20 despite being a brand-new lineup. A Major-winning organisation in 2016 with Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo and company, the Canadian club now competes as a European combine.

Steve Maida’s Buyback and Luminosity’s Return

Founder Steve Maida reacquired the Luminosity brand from Vertiqal Studios for CAD $300,000, roughly $212,000, in January 2026. He had originally sold the company to Aquilini GameCo Inc. in a 2019 deal worth CAD 21.5 million, over $16 million at the time.

Maida framed the return as a long-held goal, saying he always wanted to buy the brand back and put it “where it all started, Counter-Strike.” On the timing of the roster move, he pointed to the chance to sign the group as free agents: “We believe fully in this team and their success at Cologne proved we bet right.”

Luminosity’s Debut at XSE Pro League

Luminosity’s new roster will make its competitive debut at XSE Pro League in Guangzhou, China. The lineup dropped its opening best-of-one against Nemesis on Inferno, a competitive showing despite the loss, and moves into the 0-1 pool as its tournament run continues.