The MongolZ have officially parted ways with Unudelger “controlez” Baasanjargal, bringing an end to his short but impactful spell as the team’s stand-in. The announcement was shared on the organisation’s social media channels, thanking the veteran player for stepping up when the team needed him most.

You stepped in. You delivered.

Thank you for the energy, the laughs, and the impact.
One heck of a stand-in.

Respect always ❤️ pic.twitter.com/b2EB2IqnYi

— The MongolZ (@1mongolz) December 27, 2025

“You stepped in. You delivered,” the message read. “Thank you for the energy, the laughs, and the impact. One heck of a stand-in. Respect always.”

A Short Stint That Exceeded Expectations

Controlez joined The MongolZ on October 23, 2025, as an emergency replacement while the team navigated roster uncertainty. At 28 years old, he was brought in to cover for star rifler Azbayar “Senzu” Munkhbold and quickly proved his value.

Across three events, controlez helped The MongolZ reach the playoffs twice, including strong runs at Intel Extreme Masters Chengdu and the StarLadder Budapest Major. Statistically, he delivered an above-average 1.05 rating overall, outperforming expectations for a last-minute stand-in.

His most eye-catching performance came during Stage 3 of the Budapest Major, where he averaged a 1.23 rating before struggling in his first Major playoff appearance, which ultimately became his final match with the team.

Event Results With controlez

During his time wearing The MongolZ jersey, controlez competed in three major international tournaments:

• IEM Chengdu 2025, 5th–6th place, $12,500
• BLAST Rivals Fall 2025, 7th–8th place, $10,000
• StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, 5th–8th place, $45,000

While the team did not secure a trophy, the results were widely seen as respectable given the circumstances and the sudden roster changes.

The MongolZ Roster Situation Moving Forward

With controlez departing, The MongolZ are once again down to four active players. Head coach Erdenedalai “maaRaa” Bayanbat now has several options on the table, including promoting young talent Anarbileg “cobrazera” Uuganbayar or potentially recalling Senzu from inactivity.

The current lineup stands as:

• Garidmagnai “bLitz” Byambasuren
• Sodbayar “Techno” Munkhbold
• Ayush “mzinho” Batbold
• Usukhbayar “910” Banzragch

Coach: Erdenedalai “maaRaa” Bayanbat
Inactive: Azbayar “Senzu” Munkhbold

What’s Next for controlez?

Controlez has not yet commented publicly on his future plans for 2026. He is currently listed as inactive on Chinggis Warriors, the organisation he represented earlier in his career and where he made his first Major appearance in 2025.

Whether he returns to the Chinggis Warriors lineup or explores new opportunities elsewhere remains to be seen, but his composed showing with The MongolZ has likely kept him firmly on the radar.

The post The MongolZ Officially Say Goodbye to controlez After Stand-In Run appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The MongolZ has officially announced that Unudelger “Controlez” Baasanjargal will remain in the team’s starting lineup for the rest of the 2025 Counter-Strike 2 season, including the upcoming StarLadder Budapest Major.

Controlez to Close Out 2025 with The MongolZ

The 28-year-old veteran has been serving as a stand-in since late October, following the surprise benching of Azbayar “Senzu” Munkhbold. Now, The MongolZ has confirmed via Telegram that Controlez will compete in the team’s final three events of the year, IEM Chengdu, BLAST Rivals Fall, and the Budapest Major.

Image Credit: The MongolZ

This will be Controlez’s second Major appearance in 2025, having previously represented Chinggis Warriors at the BLAST.tv Austin Major earlier in June. The rifler will get another chance to shine on the international stage as part of Asia’s top-ranked CS2 roster.

Experience Over Firepower

Controlez brings a wealth of experience to The MongolZ lineup, having first played for the organisation back in 2017 when he began his Counter-Strike career. Despite his experience, his overall 2025 rating of 1.06 leaves a notable gap compared to Senzu’s higher fragging output.

Mongolian commentator Khatanbold “KEi” Batbayar, who spoke with Senzu following his benching, revealed burnout as the main reason for the roster change. With no time to trial academy players before the season’s end, The MongolZ opted for a proven, experienced stand-in to ensure stability heading into the final stretch.

Community Reactions

The announcement sparked plenty of debate across the CS2 community. On HLTV and social media, fans were divided between optimism and concern.

Some supporters praised the move, pointing out Controlez’s solid showing at the Austin Major and his years of experience in Mongolian Counter-Strike. One fan wrote, “With such an experienced player, The MongolZ will still be a massive threat to all teams.”

Others, however, expressed doubts about his firepower compared to Senzu. “Because it’s hard to imagine anyone replacing Senzu,” one user commented, “people are more disappointed about losing a title contender rather than thinking the team’s fallen off.”

Many fans also voiced sympathy for Senzu, with several pointing out that burnout at such a young age isn’t uncommon in esports. As one commenter put it, “It’s okay to be burnt out at 19, we’ve seen this happen before — hope he comes back stronger.”

Still, there’s no shortage of optimism. Comments like “MongolZ soon with the Major trophy under control ez” and “Get ready for Controlez Major MVP” show that the faith in Mongolia’s top team remains strong.

The MongolZ’s 2025 Run

It’s been a landmark year for The MongolZ, who have cemented themselves as one of the best teams in the world. Their 2025 achievements include winning the Esports World Cup and finishing runners-up at the BLAST.tv Austin Major, BLAST Bounty Season 2, and FISSURE Playground 2.

The MongolZ also recently topped the October Valve Regional Standings, entering November as the world’s highest-ranked CS2 team. Despite the shake-up, many fans still see them as a major threat heading into the Budapest Major, though others remain cautious about how the lineup will perform without Senzu’s firepower.

Full Roster and Upcoming Events

The MongolZ’s current roster now features:

• Garidmagnai “bLitz” Byambasuren
• Sodbayar “Techno” Munkhbold
• Usukhbayar “910” Banzragch
• Ayush “mzinho” Batbold
• Unudelger “Controlez” Baasanjargal (stand-in)
• Erdenedalai “maaRaa” Bayanbat (coach)

The team’s next test comes at IEM Chengdu 2025, running from November 3rd to 9th, where they’ll compete for a share of the $300,000 USD prize pool. The event serves as a crucial warm-up before the StarLadder Budapest Major, which begins on November 24th.

With Controlez stepping in and the team looking to maintain their top form, all eyes will be on whether The MongolZ can continue their strong year or if the late-season roster change will shake their momentum.

The post The MongolZ Confirms Controlez for StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

A Surprise Move After Two Years of Stability

In a move that stunned the Counter-Strike 2 community, The MongolZ have benched their star rifler Azbayar “Senzu” Munkhbold, ending a two-year run that helped define Mongolia’s rise in global esports. The decision marks the organisation’s first roster change since 2023, when Senzu joined from Team NKT and transformed The MongolZ from underdogs into serious contenders.

Today, we made the difficult decision to move Senzu to the bench.

Over the past years, Senzu and the boys have together written a new chapter in Mongolian esports, showcasing world class talent, dedication, and determination.

This decision was made after careful discussions… pic.twitter.com/3Aogr7nXAy

— The MongolZ (@1mongolz) October 22, 2025

The team confirmed the move on social media, describing it as a “difficult decision” made after “careful discussions between players and management.” The statement praised Senzu’s contributions, noting that he and the squad had “written a new chapter in Mongolian esports, showcasing world-class talent, dedication, and determination.”

From Underdogs to World Champions

Senzu’s journey with The MongolZ began in September 2023, when the team sat outside the world’s top 30 rankings. Since then, the young rifler has become one of the faces of Mongolian Counter-Strike. Under his leadership, the squad lifted the Esports World Cup trophy, finished as runners-up at both BLAST Bounty and FISSURE Playground 2, and consistently impressed on the international stage.

Statistically, Senzu was one of The MongolZ’s most consistent players, averaging a 1.11 rating since the summer break. His individual brilliance was on full display during the team’s EWC triumph earlier this year, where he topped the scoreboard in the grand final.

“It feels like I’m leaving my home,” Senzu shared on X. “We made a lot of memories together. I wish all the best things for my beloved ones. My apologies to the ones who support us, sorry for bad news.”

Why Bench Your Best Player?

The timing of the decision has sparked widespread debate among fans and analysts alike. Many questioned why The MongolZ would part ways with one of their best players just weeks before IEM Chengdu and the StarLadder Budapest Major.

Some community members believe the decision might have been influenced by internal pressures or fan criticism. One teammate, Ayush “mzinho” Batbold, posted on Instagram that he respected Senzu’s decision, suggesting the move may have been mutual. “From talking about making our own stickers to becoming Major finalists, we’ve achieved so much. I respect my brother’s decision. Love you, my friend.”

Others, however, speculate that the pressure from Mongolian fans may have played a role. Comments on HLTV pointed to how vocal and sometimes harsh sections of the community can be when the team falls short in key matches. Still, many dismiss this idea, saying such criticism exists in every fanbase.

What’s Next for The MongolZ?

The team, currently ranked first in the global Valve Regional Standings (VRS), has yet to announce Senzu’s replacement. Rumours suggest that Russian-Buryat player nocries could be the frontrunner to join the lineup, though nothing has been confirmed.

The MongolZ are preparing for a packed schedule ahead, including IEM Chengdu 2025 from November 3rd to 9th, followed by BLAST Rivals Fall 2025 in Hong Kong, and the StarLadder Budapest Major later in the month.

The current roster now stands as:

• Garidmagnai “bLitz” Byambasuren
• Sodbayar “Techno” Munkhbold
• Usukhbayar “910” Banzragch
• Ayush “mzinho” Batbold
• Erdenedalai “maaRaa” Bayanbat (coach)

Azbayar “Senzu” Munkhbold will remain on the bench while considering his next move. Whether he seeks a new home or waits for another opportunity with The MongolZ, his next step will be closely watched by fans across the CS2 scene.

A Legacy That Won’t Be Forgotten

Regardless of the reasons, Senzu’s impact on The MongolZ and Mongolian esports as a whole can’t be understated. From breakout performances to helping his team capture international trophies, he played a major role in putting Mongolia on the Counter-Strike map.

As the team pushes forward into the final stretch of the 2025 season, all eyes will be on whether The MongolZ can maintain their momentum, or if this roster shuffle will cost them dearly on the road to Budapest.

The post Senzu Benched by The MongolZ in Shock Roster Move Ahead of IEM Chengdu appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The MongolZ are branching out once again, this time moving into PUBG Mobile with the signing of the former Team GGs roster.

THE MONGOLZ PUBG MOBILE ROSTER

Dessert
Jiro
Fearless
Hopeless
Noah

We will participate in the upcoming PUBG Mobile Super League – Central & South Asia Fall 2025. pic.twitter.com/Q6Djs83icW

— The MongolZ (@1mongolz) September 11, 2025

The Mongolian organisation, best known for its world-class Counter-Strike 2 lineup, announced the move on 11 September. The PUBG Mobile team consists of Dessert, Jiro, Fearless, Hopeless, and Noah, who will debut in the upcoming PUBG Mobile Super League, Central and South Asia Fall 2025.

The league kicks off on 18 September and will feature 20 teams from across the region battling it out for a share of the $200,000 prize pool. For The MongolZ, it’s a chance to prove themselves in another competitive scene, with the top three teams also securing a coveted spot at the PUBG Mobile Global Championship later this year.

Building on Team GGs’ Success

The MongolZ haven’t just signed any roster. Dessert, Jiro, and Fearless already made waves earlier in 2025, finishing second at the PUBG Mobile National Championship Mongolia. That result earned them one of just two spots available for Mongolian teams in the Central and South Asia Fall league.

With Hopeless and Noah joining the trio, the lineup is looking to cement itself among the best in Asia and carry on the momentum under the MongolZ banner.

Expanding Beyond CS2

This isn’t the organisation’s first move outside Counter-Strike. The MongolZ also field rosters in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Dota 2, further expanding their presence across multiple esports. PUBG Mobile is the latest step in that journey, tapping into a scene that has been growing rapidly throughout 2025.

The battle royale has seen big moves this year, including a $6m content creator initiative, a partnership with British carmaker Lotus to bring two vehicles into the game, and a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Esports Federation to help boost the title’s ecosystem in the Middle East.

For The MongolZ, the timing couldn’t be better. PUBG Mobile continues to pull in strong viewership numbers and bigger sponsors, making it an attractive arena for organisations looking to grow their brand.

With a proven roster and the backing of one of Mongolia’s most respected esports names, The MongolZ are set to make their mark on the PUBG Mobile Super League. Fans won’t have to wait long to see how they perform, with the first matches just days away.

The post The MongolZ Step Into PUBG Mobile With Former Team GGs Roster appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Valve has stripped the upcoming MESA Nomadic Masters Fall 2025 of its ranked VRS status after the Mongolian tournament organiser was caught breaching the Tournament Operation Requirements (TOR).

The controversy comes after it was revealed that some teams had advanced access to the sign-up process for the supposed “open” qualifier stage of the event, which directly violated Section 3.5 of Valve’s rules.

What Went Wrong

The LAN, set to run in Ulaanbaatar from October 15–19, was already under scrutiny after reports surfaced that MESA had been trying to shift the dates to September 23–28. The move would have slotted the event just before the October 6 ranking cutoff for the StarLadder Budapest Major invites.

On top of that, HLTV revealed that MESA was seeking a non-refundable $10,000 registration fee per team for the 32-team “open” LAN qualifier, accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Complexity GM Graham “messioso” Pitt publicly shared an email showing this arrangement, with ENCE’s Joona “natu” Leppänen and Partizan’s coach Dejan “BAXACHA” Atanacković later confirming they’d received similar offers.

Valve weighed in directly, stating:

“Some teams had advance access to the sign-up process for a first-come-first-served open event, which violates 3.5 of the TOR.”

For context, Rule 3.5 of the TOR clearly says:

For Open Qualifiers, Tournament Operator can use any criteria that in good faith are reasonable and transparent, and do not specifically target individual rosters.

MESA’s Response

After the backlash, MESA released a statement on X taking “full responsibility” for what they called an “oversight.” The organiser admitted that while no teams had officially registered yet, they had shared updated tournament details with select organisations before the announcement was made public.

Official Statement pic.twitter.com/uAPmjbEQGT

— MESA (@MESA_HQ) August 20, 2025

“We now understand that it unintentionally compromised the fairness and accessibility required for ranked events,” MESA said.
“Our commitment to integrity, transparency, and international best practices remains unchanged.”

They also claimed their original plan involved two separate LAN qualifiers, one for eight European teams and another for 24 Mongolian teams, both with free registration, but logistical changes pushed them into murky waters.

More Problems Piling Up

This isn’t the first red flag around the Nomadic Masters Fall. The tournament had already:

• Cut its prize pool from $250,000 down to $100,000.
• Tried to reschedule its event dates.
• Been accused of not paying talent.

Australian caster Jordan “Elfishguy” Mays went as far as calling it “unreal behaviour from a TO that is ghosting their unpaid talent.”

Community reactions weren’t much kinder. One fan crunched the numbers, pointing out:

“Prize pool = $100k, sign-up fees = $320k. Nt MESA.”

Others thanked messioso for exposing the emails, calling Valve’s decision a “huge W” for enforcing its own rules.

What Happens Next?

With its ranked status gone, Nomadic Masters Fall will no longer count towards the Valve Regional Standings (VRS). That means teams attending won’t gain points needed for Major qualification, which could heavily affect turnout.

For MESA, the focus is now on whether they can actually revise the event structure and still host in time before the Budapest Major invites are finalised.

Smaller organisers like Fragadelphia and Birch Cup have been benefitting from the VRS system lately, attracting big-name teams chasing Major spots. MESA’s misstep shows just how crucial transparency is if you want Valve to recognise your event.

Right now, Nomadic Masters Fall feels less like a showcase for Mongolian Counter-Strike and more like a cautionary tale.

The post MESA Nomadic Masters Loses Valve Ranking Over Sign-Up Scandal appeared first on Shane the Gamer.