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Aurora Gaming has made headlines by signing just eight-year-old Adil “ShaLun” Sovetov to their Counter-Strike 2 training programme. This move positions ShaLun as one of the youngest players ever affiliated with a professional esports organisation.

A Star in the Making

ShaLun first picked up Counter-Strike at the age of five and a half, guided by his father. His early matches quickly gained attention online, with highlights featured on ESL and FACEIT social channels. While he won’t immediately compete in official tournaments, Aurora Gaming will focus on mentoring him, providing access to resources, and developing skills beyond gameplay, including media training and discipline.

Adalyat Mamedov, CEO of Aurora Gaming, commented, “ShaLun is the best example that age isn’t important in esports. We’re giving him a team, mentors, and the right environment. From there, who knows – maybe he’ll be the guy lifting a Major trophy and blowing up the internet.”

Breaking Records and Facing Controversy

While Aurora is championing ShaLun’s potential, his journey hasn’t been without obstacles. In February 2025, ShaLun received a FACEIT ban until 2032 for violating age restrictions, sparking debate across social media. Some fans celebrated the prodigy’s skills, while others questioned the ethics of signing such a young player, citing concerns over child labour, education, and wellbeing.

Community reactions varied widely. Some praised Aurora for investing in future talent, while others expressed scepticism, asking whether proper pedagogical and psychological support is in place.

Age in Esports: New Frontiers

ShaLun isn’t alone in breaking age norms. In 2020, Team 33 signed eight-year-old Joseph “Gosu” Deen for Fortnite, and young talents like 16-year-old Metizport rifler Liam “MaiL09” Tügel are already climbing CS2 leaderboards. Meanwhile, seasoned pros in their 30s, such as FaZe Clan’s Finn “Karrigan” Andersen and FURIA’s Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo, continue to compete at the highest level.

ShaLun’s signing raises important questions about age restrictions, ethics, and balancing professional esports with childhood. Whether he will become a household name or spark further debate remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the next generation of esports talent is arriving sooner than expected.