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.

Team Spirit have officially announced significant changes to their Counter-Strike 2 roster following the StarLadder Budapest Major and a full review of their 2025 season. The Russian organisation confirmed that long-time captain Leonid “chopper” Vishnyakov and rifler Ivan “zweih” Gogin have both been removed from the starting lineup with immediate effect.

Сhanges in the Team Spirit CS2 roster

Following the StarLadder Budapest Major and after reviewing the results of the current season, we’ve made a decision to alter our main CS2 roster.

Starting from today, Leonid @chopperis Vishnyakov and Ivan @zweih1437 Gogin are out of the… pic.twitter.com/2HzBrao4F1

— Team Spirit CS2 (@Team__Spirit) December 18, 2025

The decision marks a major turning point for Spirit as they look to reset heading into the 2026 competitive calendar.

chopper and zweih Move to the Bench

According to the organisation, the roster changes were made after analysing the team’s results across the season, particularly after their semi-final exit at the Budapest Major. Spirit were eliminated 0–2 by eventual champions Vitality, despite throwing away a commanding 12–6 lead on Mirage in the opening map.

While zweih and chopper both remain under contract, they will no longer feature in the active lineup. Head coach Sergey “hally” Shavaev described the decision as difficult, especially in zweih’s case, praising the young player’s talent while admitting he does not currently fit the team’s role structure at the highest level.

magixx Takes Over as In-Game Leader

One of the most notable changes sees Boris “magixx” Vorobiev stepping into the in-game leader role. Spirit have publicly backed magixx to handle the responsibility, saying they have full confidence in his ability to adapt quickly.

The move is not a complete surprise. magixx previously stated on HLTV Confirmed that he was open to becoming an IGL, and the organisation believes his experience makes him a strong fit to lead the refreshed roster into the new season.

zont1x Returns After Time Away

Myroslav “zont1x” Plakhotia also returns to the active roster, resuming his original positions after spending time on the bench due to personal reasons. Spirit confirmed that zont1x has taken the time he needed to rest, address personal matters, and is now fully refreshed and eager to compete again.

Coach hally explained that this planned rotation allowed the team to both reset mentally and evaluate newer players at tier-one level, giving Spirit clearer direction heading into 2026.

A Mixed but Successful 2025 Season

Despite a disappointing end to the year, Spirit’s 2025 campaign included several major highlights. The team lifted trophies at IEM Cologne 2025 and PGL Astana 2025, while also winning both the BLAST Bounty Spring and Fall events.

However, consistency proved elusive. Spirit struggled in the final quarter of the year and recorded early exits at events such as ESL Pro League Seasons 21 and 22, IEM Chengdu 2025, and the Esports World Cup. Those results ultimately pushed management to make bold changes.

It is also the second time chopper has been benched since joining Spirit in 2019. The veteran IGL famously returned stronger after a previous benching in 2021, later guiding the team to a Major victory in 2024 and finishing runner-up for IGL of the Year at the HLTV Awards.

Team Spirit’s New CS2 Lineup

Following the announcement, Spirit’s updated roster now looks like this:

• Danil “donk” Kryshkovets
• Dmitry “sh1ro” Sokolov
• Andrey “tN1R” Tatarinovich
• Boris “magixx” Vorobiev (IGL)
• Myroslav “zont1x” Plakhotia

Coach: Sergey “hally” Shavaev
Benched: Leonid “chopper” Vishnyakov, Ivan “zweih” Gogin

Eyes on BLAST Bounty 2026

The new-look Spirit squad is expected to make its debut in early 2026, starting with BLAST Bounty Season 1, which kicks off on January 12 with an online stage featuring 32 teams.

With magixx leading and zont1x back in form, Spirit are betting that stability and renewed motivation will help them regain consistency and remain a top contender in CS2 next year.

The post magixx and zont1x Returns in Team Spirit CS2 Roster Changes appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

A Difficult Start to December for Astralis

Astralis, one of Counter-Strike’s most recognised organisations, has confirmed that both players and staff did not receive their salaries at the beginning of December. The news arrives at a challenging moment for the Danish team, who are currently fighting to stay alive at the StarLadder Budapest Major.

CEO Jonas Gundersen acknowledged the delay in a written statement to Danish outlet Ekstra Bladet, saying the timing is “far from ideal” for everyone involved.

Payments Delayed by 14 Days

Employees and CS2 players were expecting their pay on 1 December, but salaries did not arrive. Instead, Astralis informed their workers on the same day that they would need to wait around 14 days for the payment to be processed, creating uncertainty during the holiday season.

To compensate for the delay, Gundersen confirmed that all employees and players will receive an additional ten percent on top of their salary once payment goes through.

Ownership Transition Behind the Issue

Astralis was acquired two months ago by Fusion Esports Group, led by co-founder Jakob Lund Kristensen and Gundersen. The takeover was positioned as a fresh start, with new energy and a new direction for the organisation.

Gundersen said the delayed salaries stem from “challenges” inherited during the acquisition, although he did not elaborate. Financial filings show that the holding company behind Astralis has 8.4 million Danish kroner in equity, yet wages remain outstanding.

Both Kristensen and Gundersen have declined further interviews during the Major due to tournament commitments.

Pressure Mounts During the Budapest Major

The timing is tough for Astralis’ CS2 squad, who finally returned to a Major after missing five consecutive events. Their qualification was boosted by the signing of Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen as IGL earlier this year, but their campaign in Budapest has been rocky.

As of now, Astralis are facing a must-win match against Turkish side Aurora. Superstar AWPer Nicolai “dev1ce” Reedtz is competing under significant pressure, playing while still awaiting his salary.

If Astralis exit early, they stand to earn only €10,000 in prize money, a small portion of the event’s multi-million euro pool.

The organisation is expected to receive financial support through sticker sales and participation revenue, but that won’t provide immediate relief to employees currently waiting to be paid.

Astralis to Discuss the Situation After the Event

Gundersen has stated that Astralis will address the situation more openly once the Budapest Major concludes. For now, the team remains focused on its decisive match, while staff and players wait for payment to finally land.

The post Astralis Players Haven’t Received Their Salaries as Budapest Major Intensifies appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

As 2025 draws to a close, Counter-Strike fans are getting ready for one of the biggest events of the year. The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 begins on 24 November, and Valve has rolled out a major CS2 update to celebrate. From fresh team stickers and player autographs to new Pick’Em challenges and gameplay fixes, this is one of the most stacked pre-Major updates we have seen in years.

Below is a full breakdown of everything coming to CS2 and what players can expect once the Major begins in Hungary.

The Budapest Major Begins Soon

The StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 will run from 24 November to 14 December at MTK Sportpark in Hungary. All three stages of the tournament will be played in front of a live audience, with a massive prize pool of $1.25 million on the line.

For the first time in Counter-Strike Major history, the Grand Final will be a best of five. This means the two finalists will need to win three maps from the Active Duty map pool, adding more strategy and endurance than ever before.

Budapest 2025 Viewer Pass and Pick’Em Challenge

Valve has released the official Budapest 2025 Viewer Pass, giving fans new ways to support their favourite teams across the event.

Image Credit: Valve

What the Viewer Pass Includes

Players who activate the pass unlock:

• A Budapest 2025 Coin that can be upgraded through the Pick’Em Challenge
• Unlimited team graffiti for the entire duration of the Major
• Souvenir Tokens that can be earned or purchased
• Exclusive Playoff Souvenir Charms featuring highlights from iconic matches

The Pick’Em Challenge for Stage 1 is already live. Fans can predict the eight teams advancing to Stage 2, and choose which two teams will exit the event without picking up a single win. Pass holders also appear on the Active Pass Leaderboard, letting friends compare their Pick’Em performance.

Image Credit: Valve

New Stickers and Sticker Slabs Arrive

Stickers are a massive part of the Counter-Strike economy, and Valve has released full sets of team logos and player signatures for all 32 squads taking part in the Major. Teams include FaZe Clan, Fnatic, NRG, Team Vitality, TYLOO, MOUZ, FURIA, Falcons, G2 Esports, and the rest of the 2025 roster.

Image Credit: Valve

Players can pick these up through new sticker capsules. As always, teams and players receive a share of the sticker revenue, with many organisations splitting profits 50/50 with their rosters.

Introducing Sticker Slabs

A brand new item type makes its debut: Sticker Slabs.
Slabs let players display a sticker on their weapon without permanently applying it. When you want the sticker back, simply crack the slab and return it to your inventory. It is a no-commitment way to show off rare drops.

Gameplay Fixes and Quality of Life Updates

Beyond the Major content, Valve’s 12 November update introduces a number of fixes and improvements for CS2.

Key Gameplay Changes

• Fixed client issues where jump button presses and jump apexes were incorrectly predicted
• Increased the maximum effective sv_maxvelocity to 16,384 units per second
• Fixed a skybox bug on Inferno that caused certain grenades to be blocked
• Improved default bullet decal rendering distance
• Updated glove animations in menus to match in-game models
• Improved colour scheme for CS items in the Steam Market
• General performance optimisations

These updates aim to polish gameplay ahead of a huge tournament, ensuring matches run smoothly for both pros and spectators.

A Packed Month for CS2 Fans

With the Major right around the corner, the new Hub, stickers, Viewer Pass, and gameplay upgrades give fans plenty to engage with. Whether you are grinding Pick’Ems, collecting new autographs, or preparing to watch world-class Counter-Strike on stage, the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 is shaping up to close out the year with a bang.

The post StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 Brings New Stickers, Pick’Ems, and CS2 Updates Ahead of Kick Off 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.

German esports organisation GamerLegion has announced a brand-new partnership with online casino and sportsbook LEON.Bet, marking an exciting new chapter for both brands in the world of competitive gaming.

We’re thrilled to team up with @LeonBet_Esports as the Official Sportsbook Partner of GamerLegion.
Get ready for exclusive content, fresh activations and an unforgettable season together. pic.twitter.com/dgACqaTXvT

— GamerLegion (@GamerLegion) October 23, 2025

A Major Partnership Announcement

Officially unveiled on October 23rd, 2025, the collaboration will see GamerLegion and LEON.Bet work together on a range of exclusive content, fresh activations, and fan-focused experiences throughout the upcoming season.

While financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, the partnership highlights GamerLegion’s continued effort to strengthen its brand presence through strategic collaborations with major global companies. LEON.Bet now joins GamerLegion’s growing roster of partners, which already includes names like Skin.Club and Shikenso Analytics.

In an official post, GamerLegion shared their excitement, saying they’re “thrilled to team up with LEON.Bet Esports as the Official Sportsbook Partner,” promising fans “an unforgettable season together.”

Expanding LEON.Bet’s Esports Footprint

For LEON.Bet, this partnership represents yet another step in its expanding involvement within the esports industry. The sportsbook has been steadily building its presence across multiple regions, with previous partnerships including Swedish organisation 9INE, Portugal’s SAW, Australia’s FlyQuest, and Brazil’s NFA.

Operating under its esports arm LEON Esports, the brand has become known for supporting professional teams and hosting its own tournaments across popular titles such as Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, Free Fire, and Deadlock.

Through its collaboration with GamerLegion, LEON aims to deliver exclusive betting markets, social media giveaways, and special fan events, engaging both gaming enthusiasts and sports bettors in new ways.

GamerLegion’s Rising Momentum

GamerLegion, based in Germany, has earned its place among the top esports organisations in Europe. Best known for its Counter-Strike 2 roster, the team currently sits at 15th place in Valve’s October Regional Standings and has qualified for the upcoming StarLadder Budapest Major, set to take place from November 24th to December 14th, 2025.

The organisation also fields teams in other titles, including Age of Empires, where it famously won the World Desert Championship 2 in 2021. This cross-genre success showcases GamerLegion’s commitment to excellence across multiple competitive fronts.

Betting Meets Esports: A Growing Trend

This deal also underscores a broader industry shift in 2025, as more betting companies move into the esports scene.

Earlier this year, Team Vitality announced a seven-figure partnership with Stake, while HEROIC teamed up with Razed to support both its main and academy CS2 squads. In parallel, betting technology providers like BEBTY have expanded their coverage of esports titles, giving fans more ways to engage with their favourite games.

With LEON.Bet’s entry into GamerLegion’s ecosystem, fans can expect innovative campaigns that bridge competitive gaming and betting entertainment, blending the thrill of esports with the excitement of wagering.

The Future Looks Bright

Both GamerLegion and LEON.Bet are poised to make a major impact on the 2025–2026 esports season. As the partnership unfolds, fans can look forward to new content, giveaways, and special opportunities that will further connect the two communities.

Whether you’re a dedicated CS2 follower or an esports betting enthusiast, this collaboration promises to deliver a new level of engagement and entertainment.

The post GamerLegion Teams Up with LEON.Bet 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.

Liquid End Their Shanghai Run on a High

Team Liquid have wrapped up their CS Asia Championships 2025 campaign with a confident 2–0 sweep over Heroic, clinching third place in Shanghai. The North American–European mix looked sharp from start to finish, marking their second consecutive third-place finish since the addition of Jonathan “EliGE” Jablonowski.

Liquid finish third at CAC 🥉 pic.twitter.com/2wCAMGmNge

— HLTV.org (@HLTVorg) October 19, 2025

Liquid’s campaign began strong, marching through the group stage unbeaten with victories over GamerLegion, MIBR, and Legacy. However, their shot at the grand final slipped away after a close 1–2 loss to 3DMAX in the semi-finals. The team quickly regrouped for the third-place decider, taking down Heroic in style and adding another bronze finish to their growing list of top-tier results — following a similar showing at the recent Birch Cup.

EliGE and Siuhy Lead the Charge

The series opened on Mirage, where Liquid’s mix of experience and youthful aggression proved too much for Heroic. A tied 4–4 early game soon spiralled into a dominant 13–4 victory thanks to stellar performances from EliGE and in-game leader Kamil “siuhy” Szkaradek, whose leadership continues to earn praise across the scene.

Heroic’s pick of Dust2 offered little relief. Despite a few promising rounds from Linus “LNZ” Holtäng’s squad, Liquid controlled the tempo and closed out the map 13–5, sealing the series 2–0.

EliGE once again stood tall on the scoreboard with a 1.41 rating and 99.7 ADR, while siuhy, Roland “ultimate” Tomkowiak, and Keith “NAF” Markovic also delivered high-impact performances. Heroic’s temporary AWPer Olek “hades” Miskiewicz struggled to find his rhythm, finishing with a 0.68 rating as the team faltered against Liquid’s well-drilled play.

Three Straight Podium Finishes for Liquid

This third-place finish marks Liquid’s third straight top-four placement, following their strong showings at both the Birch Cup and Fissure tournaments. It’s a clear sign that the current roster, now stabilised around siuhy’s leadership, is building consistency heading into the crucial months of the season.

The team will now return to Europe to prepare for PGL Masters Bucharest, their final event before the StarLadder Budapest Major campaign begins. With EliGE in excellent form and the team’s chemistry improving, Liquid look ready to challenge for a title soon.

For Heroic, the Shanghai run was a mixed bag. The team showed promise with hades standing in, but their collapse in the decider highlights how far they still have to go to regain their former strength.

What’s Next for Liquid

Liquid’s Shanghai campaign may not have ended with a trophy, but their recent string of podium finishes paints a promising picture. If siuhy’s leadership and EliGE’s resurgence continue at this pace, fans could be witnessing the rise of a revitalised Liquid, one capable of reclaiming its spot among Counter-Strike’s elite.

The post Team Liquid Secure Third Place at CS Asia Championships After Dominant Win Over Heroic appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

North American esports organisation M80 is turning back the clock with a major visual refresh, bringing back its original “firecracker” logo that fans first fell in love with. The return to the classic emblem signals a renewed focus on the brand’s roots and community, marking another chapter in what’s been a turbulent but exciting year for the organisation.

We’re back #TheFuseIsLit pic.twitter.com/Z5uvuMUA4r

— M80 💣 (@M80gg) October 13, 2025

Back to the Beginning

M80 announced its rebrand on social media on October 14, 2025, showcasing the return of its classic firecracker-style logo, which was first used when the organisation was founded on December 18, 2022.

The logo, which resembles the shape of a smoke grenade, was part of M80’s early identity before being replaced by a new design in September 2024 as part of a broader refresh. That modernised version has now been retired, with the organisation deciding to embrace the visual style that originally made it stand out.

Fans quickly reacted with excitement, flooding M80’s posts with nostalgia, memes, and design ideas. “We’re back,” the org declared in a short teaser captioned #TheFuseIsLit, which quickly went viral across X (formerly Twitter).

Fans Help Shape the New Look

M80 has turned the rebrand into a full community moment. The org has already begun teasing a new line of merchandise, asking fans what they’d like to see next.

what merch should we cook up? 👀

— M80 💣 (@M80gg) October 13, 2025

From hoodies and beanies to more creative suggestions like mousepads, bottles shaped like the M80 logo, and even crossover ideas with other esports brands, fans were quick to jump in with enthusiasm. One fan commented, “Make a M80 Hall of Fame collection and release a Zander jersey,” while another added, “Hoodies with the new logo and caps, please.”

The organisation’s playful tone in responding to fans, complete with plenty of emojis and inside jokes, reinforces M80’s identity as a fan-driven brand that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

A Strong Year for M80 Esports

Despite a few setbacks, 2025 has been a busy and defining year for M80. Its Counter-Strike 2 roster continues to shine, currently ranked 37th in the Valve Regional Standings (VRS). The team is set to compete at the StarLadder Budapest Major this November, their second Major appearance after debuting at BLAST.tv Austin 2025 earlier in the year.

Meanwhile, M80’s Rainbow Six roster is preparing for the BLAST R6 Major Munich 2025, with a spot at the Six Invitational 2026 on the line.

Earlier this year, M80 also partnered with AI coaching platform Omnic.AI, integrating cutting-edge data analysis tools to enhance player performance across its teams.

What’s Next for M80

Alongside its return to the classic logo, M80’s Vice President of Esports has hinted that the organisation may soon re-enter the VALORANT competitive scene, after exiting the Challengers ecosystem earlier this year.

If true, it could mark a major comeback for one of North America’s most talked-about esports brands.

A Nostalgic Refresh That Feels Right

With the classic logo back and the community rallying behind the rebrand, M80 seems to have reignited the same spark that helped launch its success in 2022.

As the team gears up for multiple Major appearances and potential new ventures, the timing couldn’t be better for M80 to remind everyone that its fuse is, once again, lit.

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Fnatic are back on top of the Counter-Strike world after a massive win at Fragadelphia Blocktober 2025. The European powerhouse battled through a tense playoff run in the United States, ultimately taking down 9INE in a best-of-five grand final to lift the trophy and lock in their spot for the upcoming StarLadder Budapest Major.

WE ARE YOUR FRAG BLOCKTOBER CHAMPIONS! 🏆

MAJOR QUALIFICATION SECURED, SEE YOU IN BUDAPEST! 🧡#FNCWIN pic.twitter.com/Ab7EYLFctU

— FNATIC CS (@FNATICCS2) October 6, 2025

The win marks a crucial moment for Fnatic, who bounced back from a disappointing quarter-final finish at the Birch Cup in Gdansk. With their Major dreams on the line, Benjamin “blameF” Bremer and his squad made the trip across the Atlantic for one last shot at qualification, and they didn’t waste it.

A Gritty Playoff Run

Fnatic’s path to the championship was anything but easy. The team kicked things off with a clean 2–0 sweep over Metizport, before edging past BIG in a nerve-wracking three-map series. From there, they faced OG, the reigning DraculaN Season 2 champions, and closed out a convincing 2–0 to reach the grand final.

The decider against 9INE was a marathon. Each team traded their map picks, forcing the series to a fifth and final map on Train. After an even 6–6 first half, Fnatic turned up the heat on their offensive side, closing out the map 13–9 to seal the series 3–2 and their ticket to Budapest.

Image via HLTV.org

blameF Leads the Charge

Danish rifler Benjamin “blameF” Bremer led from the front, putting up a 1.12 rating across the final and 86 kills to his name. British entry Cai “CYPHER” Watson also impressed with consistent fragging and relentless pressure, proving vital in Fnatic’s climb to the title.

WHAT A PERFORMANCE. @blameFFFFF is your @BetifyOfficial MVP for the Frag Blocktober Grand Finals! 👑 pic.twitter.com/E2soZcZZ2p

— FNATIC CS (@FNATICCS2) October 6, 2025

Despite 9INE’s Tobias “kraghen” Jensen putting up standout numbers, including an event-best 1.27 rating in the grand final, it wasn’t enough to stop the orange-and-black.

Major Bound

The win doesn’t just hand Fnatic another LAN trophy, it cements their place among Europe’s top 16 ahead of the VRS invitation deadline for the StarLadder Budapest Major. For fans, it’s a return to form that many have been waiting for, as the organisation looks to reignite its legacy in Counter-Strike 2’s first Major year.

The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans flooded social media with celebration posts, from simple “WOOOOOOO”s to “LFG FNATIC” chants echoing across timelines. “Good, would have been crazy if the best player wasn’t at the Major,” one comment read, capturing the sentiment perfectly.

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