CS2 Winter Rostermania — All 2025–2026 Roster Changes

The beginning of the winter transfer period in CS2 has brought major roster decisions that will impact the competitive landscape of next year. Organizations are rebuilding lineups for the Major season, while fans follow every new move on the scene with great attention. In this article, we track all official changes and provide context on why they happened.

B8

The Ukrainian organization have finalized a key roster change by turning to their academy as they prepare for their first LAN of the year.

IN:

Mykhailo-Nazarii “segukawa” Bybel — promoted from B8 Academy as AWPer.
The young sniper earns his spot in the main lineup after joining the academy project at the end of October. segukawa spent one season competing in ESEA Advanced, where the academy roster finished the regular season with a 7–5 record and reached the playoffs. His promotion signals B8’s commitment to internal development rather than an external signing.

OUT / CONTEXT:

Daniil “headtr1ck” Valitov — moved to inactivity and placed on the transfer list.
B8 confirmed that headtr1ck remains under contract but is available for transfer, with the organization open to discussions with interested teams while exploring the best next step for his career.

Updated B8 roster:

• Andrii “npl” Kukharskyi
• Dmytro “esenthial” Tsvir
• Alexey “alex666” Yarmoshchuk
• Artem “kensizor” Kapran
• Mykhailo-Nazarii “segukawa” Bybel
• Coach: Ivan “maddened” Iordanidi

Summary

By promoting segukawa from their academy and placing headtr1ck on the transfer list, B8 opt for continuity and long-term development over a short-term fix. IEM Kraków will provide an immediate test of whether the young AWPer is ready to make the jump to top-level competition.

Imperial Female

With previous contracts expiring, the squad move into 2026 with a refreshed core and an open call for organizational backing.

IN:

Wiktoria “vicu” Janicka — joins the core as AWPer. One of the standout performers of 2025, vicu arrives after finishing second in the Women’s Player of the Year voting and helping BIG EQUIPA secure the WTOTY award. The Polish sniper posted a 1.16 rating across the year and starred during ESL Impact Season 8 with a 1.25 rating, bringing proven firepower and experience at the top of the women’s scene.

OUT / CONTEXT:

Ana “ANa” Dumbravă — departs the squad. A three-time Women’s Player of the Year, ANa leaves as the team enter a new chapter. She stated her intention to take time to reset, continue grinding, and pursue long-term goals of transitioning toward mixed teams and academy competition.

Current lineup:

• Victoria “tory” Kazieva — IGL
• Alexandra “twenty3” Timonina — Rifler
• Katarína “Kat” Vašková — Rifler
• Narmina “wieenN” Gasanova — Rifler
• Wiktoria “vicu” Janicka — AWPer

Summary

By adding vicu and reshaping the core, the Valkyries project take a step toward renewed competitiveness heading into 2026. With a strong individual core in place but no organization attached, securing long-term backing now becomes the key objective as the team look to re-establish themselves on the international stage.

Inner Circle

Inner Circle finalize roster for BLAST Bounty after key departures. The Ukrainian organization have moved quickly to stabilize their lineup ahead of the new season, adding two players to replace outgoing pieces while clarifying the future of their former star.

IN:

Eduard “zeRRoFIX” Petrovskyi — joins Inner Circle. The rifler signs full-time after a stand-in period with the team following nifee’s benching. zeRRoFIX had been without an organization since leaving Passion UA in April and spent much of late 2025 competing alongside the former Bad News Eagles core, keeping active in high-volume competition.

Arseniy “cptkurtka023” Derevinskiy — joins from kONO. One of the most productive performers in the Ukrainian online scene, cptkurtka023 averaged a 1.17 rating across 225 maps in 2025. He adds firepower and consistency as Inner Circle look to reset after losing key pieces.

OUT / CONTEXT:

Artem “cairne” Mushynskyi — departs Inner Circle. Following his exit, CEO Alexander Kharchenko confirmed that cairne has joined Ninjas in Pyjamas, with the move reportedly agreed while the player was still under his previous TNL contract.

Dmytro “nifee” Tediashvili — remains benched. The rifler was temporarily sidelined in October due to personal reasons and is still inactive.

Updated Inner Circle roster:

• Viktor “onic” Babii
• David “Dawy” Bibik
• Artem “Flierax” Khioara
• Eduard “zeRRoFIX” Petrovskyi
• Arseniy “cptkurtka023” Derevinskiy
• Coach: Dmytro “jR” Chervak
• Benched: Dmytro “nifee” Tediashvili

Summary

After parting with their best player, Inner Circle respond with decisive roster moves, prioritizing stability and readiness over long-term experiments. With zeRRoFIX and cptkurtka023 onboard, the team enter BLAST Bounty Season 1 aiming to quickly re-establish competitive footing despite a turbulent off-season.

paiN

paiN enter 2026 with a refreshed roster, finalizing key changes aimed at elevating consistency and competitiveness. After a season defined by growth and lessons learned, the Brazilian organization double down on evolution by blending proven experience with emerging domestic talent.

IN:

Vinicius “vsm” Moreira — joins paiN. A veteran presence with sustained domestic excellence, vsm arrives after a standout year with Keyd Stars, where he posted a 1.29 rating across 253 maps. He brings experience, competitive maturity, and immediate firepower to a lineup seeking greater stability.

Guilherme “piriajr” Barbosa — joins on loan from Bounty Hunters. One of Brazil’s most promising next-generation riflers, piriajr follows a strong 2025 split between Fluxo and Bounty Hunters, averaging a 1.21 rating. The move gives him his first extended opportunity to prove himself on an international stage.

OUT / CONTEXT:

David “dav1deuS” Tapia Maldonado and Franco “dgt” Garcia — moved to the bench. The changes follow a period of inconsistent results, with paiN opting to reset roles and direction rather than continue incremental tweaks. paiN were initially linked with vsm and Michel “ewjerkz” Pinto, but pivoted to piriajr after talks with the Portuguese rifler fell through.

Updated paiN roster for 2026:

• Rodrigo “biguzera” Bittencourt
• Lucas “nqz” Soares
• João “snow” Vinicius
• Vinicius “vsm” Moreira
• Guilherme “piriajr” Barbosa
• Coach: Henrique “rikz” Waku

Benched:

• David “dav1deuS” Tapia Maldonado
• Franco “dgt” Garcia

Summary

By adding vsm’s experience and piriajr’s upside, paiN signal a clear commitment to evolution rather than stagnation. The mix of maturity and youth aligns with the organization’s ambition to establish itself as a reference point for Brazilian Counter-Strike heading into the 2026 season.

BIG

BIG enter 2026 with a fully finalized roster, completing a leadership-driven rebuild focused on long-term stability and competitiveness.
The German organization have reshaped both their lineup and staff, appointing a new in-game leader, reinforcing the coaching structure, and rounding out the squad with a familiar face.

IN:

Benjamin “blameF” Bremer — joins BIG from fnatic as Team Captain and IGL. A former HLTV Top 20 No.6 (2020), four-time Top 20 player (2020–2023), and Pinnacle Cup Championship 2022 MVP, blameF brings elite experience and a clear vision for structured Counter-Strike. He assumes full responsibility for calling and leadership.

Tizian “tiziaN” Feldbusch — returns as Assistant Coach. A long-time BIG figure, tiziaN adds cultural continuity and a strong player-first perspective alongside head coach Sebastian “xenn” Hoch.

Josef “faveN” Baumann — returns to BIG to complete the roster. Known for his team-first mentality and composure under pressure, faveN adds stability and firepower after gaining experience across multiple teams and roles.

OUT / CONTEXT:

blameF takes over the IGL role following BIG’s brief experiment with Lukas “FreeZe” Hegmann, restoring a clear leadership hierarchy and freeing tabseN from primary calling duties. The move maintains BIG’s identity while selectively integrating international experience.

Updated BIG roster for 2026:

• Benjamin “blameF” Bremer — Team Captain / IGL
• Johannes “tabseN” Wodarz
• Jon “JDC” de Castro
• Josef “faveN” Baumann
• Gleb “gr1ks” Gazin
• Sebastian “xenn” Hoch — Head Coach
• Tizian “tiziaN” Feldbusch — Assistant Coach

Summary

With blameF leading in-game, tiziaN returning to the staff, and faveN completing the lineup, BIG finalize a coherent rebuild built on leadership, structure, and continuity — setting a clear foundation for sustained competitiveness in 2026.

fnatic 

fnatic enter 2026 with a reshaped lineup, confirming a stylistic pivot ahead of the new Major cycle. The organization parts ways with Benjamin “blameF” Bremer and brings in Pavle “Maden” Bošković to emphasize a more proactive, entry-focused approach.

IN:

Pavle “Maden” Bošković — joins fnatic. The Montenegrin rifler arrives after an eight-month stint with Zero Tenacity, where he averaged a 1.08 rating across online competitions. Known as an aggressive space-taker, Maden is expected to change the team’s tempo rather than directly replicate blameF’s roles.

OUT / CONTEXT:

Benjamin “blameF” Bremer — transferred to another organization. fnatic thanked the Dane for his professionalism and impact. Despite being the team’s highest-rated player in 2025, the organization opted for a system shift toward faster, entry-driven rifling, making the move a strategic reset rather than a like-for-like replacement.

Updated team roster:

• Rodion “fEAR” Smyk
• Dmytro “jambo” Semera
• Freddy “KRIMZ” Johansson
• Nikita “jackasmo” Skyba
• Pavle “Maden” Bošković
• Coach: Miks “Independent” Siliņš

Summary

By replacing blameF with Maden, fnatic commit to a clear identity shift for 2026. The move prioritizes aggression and initiative over a resource-heavy style, with BLAST Bounty serving as the first test of whether the new approach can translate into results against top-tier opposition.

Betclic

Betclic Apogee enter 2026 with a revamped lineup, announcing three new additions as part of a fresh start after a turbulent 2025. The organization keeps a small core intact while adding experience and firepower to stabilize the project.

IN:

Olek hades Miskiewicz — joins as AWPer. The standout signing of the rebuild, hades returns to regular competition after being benched by Inner Circle in September. He most recently impressed during a stand-in stint with HEROIC at the CS Asia Championship, helping the team to a fourth-place finish with a 1.10 rating.

Adrian Dr3nquu Wrześniewski — joins Betclic. Dr3nquu already featured for the team in November at Red Bull GIBAWAY JOURNEY 2025 and Galaxy Battle 2025 Phase 5, a period that allowed Betclic to preserve their VRS ranking heading into the new season.

Bartosz eskyy Tomaszewski — joins from TNC. The rifler averaged a 1.16 rating across 10 maps with TNC and adds another aggressive element to the lineup.

OUT / CONTEXT:

Following months of instability in 2025 — during which nine different players represented the team — Prism and Demho remain as the only holdovers from the previous roster.

Upcoming debut

The new-look Betclic Apogee are expected to debut at Roman Imperium Cup IV, which kicks off on January 15.

Updated team roster:

• Wojciech “Prism” Zięba
• Patryk “Demho” Tomaszewski
• Olek “hades” Miskiewicz
• Adrian “Dr3nquu” Wrześniewski
• Bartosz “eskyy” Tomaszewski
• Coach: Jędrzej “Bogdan” Rokita

Summary

By adding hades, Dr3nquu, and eskyy, Betclic Apogee signal a clear reset for 2026. The mix of proven experience and recent form aims to restore stability and competitiveness, with Roman Imperium Cup IV set to provide the first real test of the new roster.

TYLOO

TYLOO have completed their roster by signing Su Zero Jingshen, filling the vacancy left by YuanZhang Attacker Sheng’s retirement and transition into a coaching role. The move restores TYLOO to full strength as the organization enters a new chapter with a renewed focus on domestic talent.

IN:

Zero — joins TYLOO. The young rifler arrives from Change The Game, where he played 53 HLTV maps over the past year and impressed with a 1.29 average rating. TYLOO highlighted Zero’s consistent individual output, proactive playstyle, and strong growth potential, labeling him one of the most promising talents of the new generation of Chinese Counter-Strike players.

OUT / CONTEXT:

Attacker — retired from active play, moved to assistant coach. The long-time TYLOO player stepped away from competition earlier this month, prompting the organization to look internally within the Chinese scene for a long-term replacement.

Tournament outlook

Despite finalizing the roster, TYLOO will not debut Zero immediately, having declined an invitation to BLAST Bounty Season 1. The team are expected to introduce the new lineup at a later date as they prioritize integration and development.

Updated team roster:

• Yi “JamYoung” Yang
• Qianhao “Moseyuh” Chen
• Dongkai “Jee” Ji
• Jingxiang “Mercury” Wang
• Su “Zero” Jingshen
• WeiJie “zhokiNg” Zhong (coach)
• YuanZhang “Attacker” Sheng (assistant coach)

Summary

By adding Zero, TYLOO double down on their commitment to developing Chinese talent. While immediate results may take time, the organization views this signing as an investment in long-term growth, aiming to shape the next core of the national scene around a new generation of players.

Monte

Monte have officially announced that Gytis ryu Glušauskas is leaving the organization to join Astralis, closing an important chapter in Monte’s recent history. The Lithuanian rifler departs after growing from a promising prospect into a key piece of Monte’s main roster, playing a central role during the team’s most successful LAN run.

OUT:

ryu — transfers to Astralis. ryu joined Monte’s academy setup in late 2023 and earned promotion to the main roster in 2024. Over the past year, he became a consistent contributor and helped Monte secure a long-awaited LAN title, leaving a strong impression with his impact rounds and energy.

Monte publicly thanked the player for his contribution, highlighting his clutch moments, work ethic, and importance to the team’s breakthrough success.

IN:

— No replacement announced yet. Monte are expected to evaluate their options following ryu’s departure as they look to stabilize the roster for the upcoming season.

Remaining Monte lineup:

• Gizmy
• afro
• AZUWU
• Bymas
• kakafu — head coach

Summary

ryu’s move to Astralis marks a significant step forward in his career and a notable loss for Monte. With a proven LAN performer now gone, Monte face an important transitional period as they look to rebuild momentum and redefine their structure heading into 2026.

Heroic

Heroic are in a roster-renewal phase with a clear focus on youth. The team has been building a new core for some time following a generational change and is now moving on to fine-tuning roles.

IN:

susp — young rifler from Sweden (21 years old), rating ~1.09.
The player joins the roster as a resource rifler with the potential to transition into entry/space-creator roles. He has a background in young lineups with high mechanical activity.

OUT:

yxngstxr — moved to the bench.
The decision looks expected in the context of competition for a place in the starting lineup and the need to increase the squad’s firepower.

Updated team roster:

• Yasin “xfl0ud” Koç
• Linus “nilo” Bergman
• Christoffer “Chr1zN” Storgaard
• Alimzhan “Alkaren” Bitimbay
• Tim “susp” Ångström
• Tobias “TOBIZ” Theo (coach)

Heroic are betting on youth and gradual stabilization, increasing the individual skill level of the roster without dismantling the newly formed structure.

ENCE

ENCE have finalized their roster ahead of Spring 2026 with the signings of Maciej F1KU Miklas and Szymon kRaSnaL Mrozek. The move follows a difficult 2025 and signals a reset aimed at returning to Major contention and the Tier-1 LAN circuit.

IN:

1. F1KU — joins ENCE. The 22-year-old Pole arrives after a short stint with Wildcard at the end of 2025, having previously been a long-time OG mainstay (May 2022–July 2025). He slots in as an anchor/lurker, bringing structure and experience.
2. kRaSnaL — joins ENCE. Also 22, the Polish rifler reunites with former teammate sdy after their successful time together at Monte, including a win at ESL Challenger Jönköping 2023. He adds an aggressive rifling profile to the lineup.

OUT:

1. Ville “myltsi” Vilkman — contract expired. A cornerstone of the ENCE Academy since July 2022, myltsi departs after a half-season with the main roster.
2. Rigon “rigoN” Gashi — contract terminated by mutual agreement. rigoN leaves after six months with the team.

Updated team roster:

• Viktor “sdy” Orudzhev
• Paavo “podi” Heiskanen
• Ryan “Neityu” Aubry
• Maciej “F1KU” Miklas
• Szymon “kRaSnaL” Mrozek
• Coach: Niclas “enkay J” Krumhorn

Summary

By adding F1KU and kRaSnaL, ENCE prioritize role clarity and proven experience. The immediate test comes at BLAST Bounty, where the rebuilt roster will look to translate a fresh start into tangible progress in 2026.

Eternal Fire

Eternal Fire have taken a decisive step toward an international rebuild, announcing the signings of Volodymyr Woro2k Veletniuk and Rigon rigoN Gashi. The moves are the organization’s first additions since benching three players earlier this week and mark a clear shift away from an all-Turkish lineup.

IN:

1. Woro2k — joins Eternal Fire. The Ukrainian AWPer brings extensive tier-two experience alongside appearances at top-tier events. After leaving Monte in mid-2024, he featured for DRILLAS and Passion UA, enjoying a productive 2025 with Passion UA that included titles at Galaxy Battle Phase 1 and Glitched Masters, before his form dipped late in the year.
2. rigoN — joins Eternal Fire. The Swiss rifler arrives after a stint with ENCE in the second half of 2025, where he averaged a 0.98 rating. With prior experience at Bad News Eagles and BIG, rigoN adds international pedigree despite ENCE’s inconsistency, and his contract was terminated by mutual agreement at the start of 2026.

Context: international pivot

Eternal Fire previously experimented with a majority-Polish roster in 2025 before reverting to a Turkish core. The signings of Woro2k and rigoN signal a renewed commitment to a mixed roster built around experience across multiple competitive tiers.

Updated team roster:

• Buğra “Calyx” Arkın
• Emrecan “EMSTAR” Çalışkan
• Volodymyr “Woro2k” Veletniuk
• Rigon “rigoN” Gashi
• Coach: Kadir “ElPrincipe” Sivri

Summary

By adding Woro2k and rigoN, Eternal Fire commit to an international direction aimed at stabilizing results after recent upheaval. The success of this reset will hinge on how quickly the mixed roster can find cohesion and translate its combined experience into consistent performances in 2026.

The Huns

The Huns have finalized their roster for the upcoming season with the signing of Unudelger controlez Baasanjargal. The move comes after controlez spent the final months of 2025 as a stand-in for The MongolZ, gaining valuable Tier-1 experience.

IN:

controlez — joins The Huns. The 28-year-old represented The MongolZ across three events late in 2025, averaging a 1.05 rating. During that stint, he helped the team reach the playoffs at IEM Chengdu and the StarLadder Major Budapest, operating across multiple roles and providing stability during a transitional period.

OUT / CONTEXT:

— No departures announced. controlez fills the open spot following cobrazera’s move to The MongolZ, completing The Huns’ lineup ahead of the new season.

Updated team roster:

• Yesuntumur “nin9” Gantulga
• Tengis “sk0R” Batjargal
• Baatarkhuu “Bart4k” Batbold
• Munkhtogtokh “xerolte” Enkhbat
• Unudelger “controlez” Baasanjargal
• Coach: Badral “Carnage” Purevkhuu

Summary

With controlez added to the roster, The Huns lock in continuity and experience heading into 2026. The signing rewards a strong stand-in showing at the end of last year and signals the organization’s ambition to convert domestic stability into deeper international runs in the new season.

BOSS

BOSS have announced a significant roster update ahead of the 2026 season, bringing in veteran leadership and proven NA experience. The changes come just days before the team’s scheduled debut at fl0m’s Mythical LAN in Las Vegas.

IN:

1. Peter “stanislaw” Jarguz — joins as in-game leader. The Canadian veteran returns to active competition after an inconsistent second half of 2025 with Wildcard. On BOSS, stanislaw is tasked with leading a young lineup and shaping the team’s identity from the ground up.
2. Justin “FaNg” Coakley — joins the roster. Known for his time with Extra Salt and Complexity (2021–2023), FaNg brings firepower and experience after stepping away from Getting Info midway through last year.

OUT / ROLE CHANGE:

1. Matthew “d4rty” Paplawskas — released. The move ends his seven-month stint with the team.
2. Ben “ben1337” Smith — moves to coach. Previously an active player, ben1337 transitions into a leadership role behind the scenes.

Updated team roster:

• Brendan “Bwills” Williams
• Gavin “Fruitcupx” Norman
• Keller “SLIGHT” Nilan
• Peter “stanislaw” Jarguz
• Justin “FaNg” Coakley
• Coach: Ben “ben1337” Smith

Summary

By pairing stanislaw’s leadership with FaNg’s experience, BOSS are signaling ambition rather than experimentation. With little time to prepare before Mythical LAN, the tournament will serve as an immediate litmus test for whether this rebuilt roster can quickly translate potential into results.

100 Thieves

100 Thieves continue to assemble their new Counter-Strike roster, confirming the signing of André Ag1l Gil from SAW. The move further shapes the lineup being built around Håvard rain Nygaard, with Lukas gla1ve Rossander leading the project from the sidelines.

IN:

1. Ag1l — joins from SAW. The 22-year-old Portuguese anchor-lurker is the third player announced for the new roster, following poiii and sirah. Ag1l rose to prominence in the second half of 2025, playing a key role in SAW’s top-four finishes at FISSURE Playground 1 and PGL Masters Bucharest, where he delivered strong performances against teams like FURIA, Aurora, and Liquid.
2. device — joins 100 Thieves. The four-time Major winner and nine-time HLTV Top 20 player adds veteran experience alongside rain. Despite a statistical decline in recent years with Astralis, device remains one of the most decorated players in Counter-Strike history and a key leadership presence for the new project.

OUT: — No departures announced.

Roster status

The roster is now complete and expected to begin its climb through open events and lower-tier competitions to establish a VRS ranking.

Updated team roster:

• Håvard “rain” Nygaard
• Alex “poiii” Nyholm Sundgren
• William “sirah” Kjærsgaard
• André “Ag1l” Gil
• Nicolai “device” Reedtz
• Coach: Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander

Summary

With device officially onboard, 100 Thieves complete a roster that blends young talent with championship pedigree. The success of the project will depend less on immediate results and more on whether this veteran-led lineup can steadily rebuild toward Tier-1 relevance throughout 2026.

FlyQuest

FlyQuest have made their first roster move heading into the new season, opting to bench their AWPer Iulian regali Harjău and place him on the transfer list. The decision was described as mutual and signals another attempt by the organization to reset after an underwhelming 2025.

OUT:

regali — benched and listed for transfer. The 23-year-old Romanian spent a full year with FlyQuest after joining at the end of 2024. While he averaged a 1.11 rating overall, his numbers dropped to 0.98 against top-20 opposition, mirroring FlyQuest’s broader struggles to compete consistently at the highest level. The team ended 2025 without a single notable playoff run.

IN:

— No official signing announced yet. However, João “story” Vieira is widely expected to take over the AWP role following reports from RTP Arena and SAW’s confirmation that their entire roster has been sold.

Updated team roster:

• Joshua “INS” Potter
• Declan “Vexite” Portelli
• Corey “nettik” Browne
• Justin “jks” Savage
• Aaron “AZR” Ward (coach)

Benched:

Iulian “regali” Harjău

Summary

Benching regali marks another turning point for FlyQuest’s CS2 project. With an AWP change imminent and story heavily linked as a replacement, the organization appears ready to reshape its core once again in hopes of finally breaking into consistent top-tier contention in 2026.

SAW

SAW have officially announced their new lineup just days after selling the previous roster. The organization signed four players from EXSAD as part of “Project Genesis”, an initiative aimed at developing Portuguese talent. The move marks an immediate restart rather than a prolonged pause, with SAW committing to a domestic rebuild following their international sell-off.

OUT:

Entire starting lineup — sold. SAW have confirmed the transfer of all five active players after external interest materialized across multiple international projects.

1. João “story” Vieira — linked with FlyQuest, where he is expected to replace regali.
2. André “Ag1l” Gil — reported target for 100 Thieves, led by rain with gla1ve as head coach.
3. Christopher “MUTiRiS” Fernandes, Adones “krazy” Nobre, António “aragornN” Barbosa — targeted as a trio by BC.Game.

IN:

Daniel “tuxa” Esteves, Dinis “Moretz” Jalles, Alexandre “blaze” Alves, Rodrigo “jERK0z” Costa — signed from EXSAD. The quartet form the core of SAW’s new roster and recently competed at Roman Imperium Cup III, where they took a map off SAW before being eliminated by Gentle Mates in the quarter-finals.

SAW also confirmed that Tiago “mowzassa” Rodrigues will remain as head coach, while analyst Tiago “SYDOX” Fonseca stays with the project and is expected to stand in at Roman Imperium Cup IV as the organization evaluates the final roster slot.

Context: BC.Game move

Sources indicate that BC.Game are pursuing SAW’s three-man core to pair them with Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev and Denis “electroNic” Sharipov. Acquiring the Portuguese trio would significantly boost BC.Game’s Valve Regional Standings (VRS) position, as SAW’s lineup currently sits No. 22 in the world rankings.

Updated team roster:

• Daniel “tuxa” Esteves
• Dinis “Moretz” Jalles
• Alexandre “blaze” Alves
• Rodrigo “jERK0z” Costa
• Coach: Tiago “mowzassa” Rodrigues

Summary

SAW’s announcement confirms a complete teardown rather than a rebuild. With their roster sold amid strong international demand, the organization closes a successful chapter while multiple Tier-1 and Tier-2 projects stand to benefit. The next steps for SAW — whether a new lineup or a pause in CS2 — remain to be seen.

ECSTATIC

ECSTATIC have closed the 2025 season with a notable roster change and a quick response on the transfer market. The team parted ways with their AWPer Frederik acoR Gyldstrand, who opted not to extend his short-term contract, before immediately reshaping the lineup ahead of BLAST Bounty 2026.

OUT:

1. acoR — leaves ECSTATIC. The 28-year-old sniper joined the team in September and averaged a 1.04 rating. With acoR, ECSTATIC reached the final of DraculaN Season 3 and placed 4th at Fragadelphia Blocktober 2025. After joining on a short contract with an extension option, acoR chose to enter free agency for 2026.
2. sirah — transferred to another organization. The young prospect was bought out following growing interest after a strong second half of the year.

IN:

1. Christian “Buzz” Andersen — joins from OG bench. The rifler spent a year with OG, averaging a 1.05 rating, before being benched in July 2025.
2. Nico “nicoodoz” Tamjidi — joins from OG bench. The experienced AWPer averaged a 1.11 rating during his time with OG before going inactive in October.

Updated team roster:

• Thomas “TMB” Bundsbæk
• Nico “nicoodoz” Tamjidi
• Anton “Anlelele” Huynh
• Christian “Buzz” Andersen
• Martin “nut nut” Holm Vestergaard

Summary

ECSTATIC move into 2026 with a clear reset rather than a rebuild. Replacing acoR and sirah with Buzz and nicoodoz gives the Danish lineup more experience and immediate stability. Ranked 34th in the Global VRS, the team now looks to solidify its position at BLAST Bounty 2026 Season 1, which begins with the online stage on January 12.

MIBR 

After a short and difficult international experiment, Aleksei Qikert Golubev has officially ended his loan stint with MIBR. The Brazilian project did not deliver the expected results, and both sides are now moving on. Qikert has made it clear that this chapter is closed and that his next step will be a return to the IGL role.

IN:

— No new players announced. MIBR continue to evaluate their roster following recent departures and an inconsistent end to the 2025 season.

OUT:

Qikert — leaves MIBR (end of loan). The 26-year-old Major winner averaged a 0.94 rating during his three-month stint. His time with the team ended after a last-place finish at Stage 2 of the StarLadder Budapest Major. Despite the results, Qikert stressed that the season did not reflect his true level. Qikert returns to the inactive roster of PARIVISION and openly enters the 2026 transfer market as an IGL. He confirmed readiness to lead again, stated that his tactical system is prepared, and emphasized openness to international offers, supported by valid Schengen and U.S. visas.

Summary

This move marks a reset rather than an exit. Qikert positions himself not as a struggling rifler, but as a captain looking for the right environment. His focus is long-term structure, leadership, and a return to Tier-1 competition — making his next destination one of the more interesting offseason storylines in CS2.

AM Gaming

AM Gaming have finalized their roster ahead of the 2026 season by committing to a clearer identity. After months of instability and frequent roster changes, the organization is now building around a German core, aiming for structure and continuity rather than short-term fixes.

IN:

kyuubii — joins AM Gaming from BIG Academy. The 20-year-old rifler spent the last six months in BIG’s academy system after being moved down from the main roster. During that period, he posted a 1.14 average rating in European online competitions and impressed AM during internal evaluations, earning a permanent spot for 2026.

OUT:

— No departures announced. The signing of kyuubii completes the active lineup.

Updated team roster:

• Nils “k1to” Gruhne
• Alexander “Altekz” Givskov
• Jonathan “delle” Ahlstedt
• Pascal “pxsl” Schneider
• Can “kyuubii” Ali
• Jonathan “MusambaN1” Torrent (coach)

Team direction

With kyuubii joining k1to and pxsl, AM Gaming now field a clear German trio at the core of the roster. This move signals a shift away from constant experimentation — ten different players have represented AM since the team’s creation — toward long-term cohesion and defined roles.

Currently ranked No. 60 in the VRS, AM Gaming sit just outside consistent invite territory. A strong start to the 2026 season could quickly change that.

Summary

AM Gaming are no longer simply testing options. By locking in kyuubii and committing to a German backbone, the organization is prioritizing stability, internal synergy, and gradual progress — a necessary step for a team looking to finally establish itself in the European CS2 landscape.

PARIVISION

PARIVISION continue to refine a young, development-focused project after their breakthrough run in 2025. Reaching Stage 3 of the StarLadder Budapest Major validated the roster’s potential, but the organization is now making a targeted change ahead of the 2026 season to raise the team’s ceiling.

IN:

Ivan “zweih” Gogin — joins from Spirit.
The 18-year-old talent arrives after a short but intense Tier-1 stint, bringing experience from top events and clear long-term upside. PARIVISION view zweih as a growth investment who can develop further under a structured system.

OUT:

Andrey “AW” Anisimov — leaves the roster.
AW was part of PARIVISION’s 2025 rise and contributed to the team’s Major campaign. The organization thanked him publicly for his role in building the identity of the lineup.

Updated team roster:

• Dzhami “Jame” Ali
• Andrey “BELCHONOKK” Yasinskiy
• Vladislav “xiELO” Lysov
• Emil “nota” Moskvitin
• Ivan “zweih” Gogin
• Coach: Dastan “dastan” Akbayev

PARIVISION are not opting for a reset, but for a precise upgrade. The move from AW to zweih signals a continued belief in youth development, guided by experienced leadership, with the focus firmly on long-term progress rather than short-term fixes.

Astralis

Current state of the team
Astralis have entered a phase of deep rebuilding. The team finished the year outside the zone of a stable top 10 and has now simultaneously lost two key stars — device and Magisk. The club is clearly moving into a new roster-building cycle.

IN:

1. Love “phzy” Smidebrant — signed from 9INE.
   The Swedish AWPer fills the primary sniper role following device’s departure and represents a key pillar of Astralis’ new international setup.
2. Gytis “ryu” Glušauskas — close to joining (from Monte).
   Astralis have already agreed on personal terms with the 21-year-old Lithuanian rifler and are currently negotiating a transfer fee with Monte to secure him before his contract expires on March 1. ryu enjoyed a breakout 2025 season, averaging a 1.13 rating, and recently climbed to No. 22 in HLTV’s Prospect Report.
3. Max “MiGHTYMAX” Heath — expected to join (assistant coach).
   Sources indicate Astralis have reached an agreement with the former Endpoint captain to strengthen the coaching staff alongside ruggah.

OUT:

1. device — leaves Astralis.
   The 30-year-old AWPer with a rating of around 1.17 ends his cooperation with the club. This is a massive change for the team’s structure.
2. Magisk — also leaves the roster.
   The former Major champion and key rifler departs the team after a short return to the Danish organization.

Updated team roster:

• Victor “Staehr” Staehr
• Jakob “jabbi” Nygaard
• Rasmus “HooXi” Nielsen
• Love “phzy” Smidebrant
• Gytis “ryu” Glušauskas (pending transfer)
• Casper “ruggah” Due (coach)
• Max “MiGHTYMAX” Heath (assistant coach)

Astralis is undergoing a complete restructuring: the team is rebuilding its core, searching for new leadership, and laying the groundwork for next season instead of focusing on short-term results.

Aurora

Aurora remains in the top 10 of the world ranking and is in a phase of targeted reinforcement without a full roster rebuild. The team is keeping its experienced core around XANTARES/woxic, and the latest roster moves are aimed at increasing individual stability.

IN:

soulfly — a versatile rifler with a focus on aggressive roles (entry/space-creator), joining from Fire Flux. He has experience with Turkish tags and a stable rating of around ~1.07.

OUT:

jottAAA — moved to the bench. The decision appears logical in light of the arrival of a new aggressive rifler and the need for a fresh in-game impulse.

Updated team roster:

• Engin “MAJ3R” Küpeli
• Ali Haydar “Wicadia” Yalçın
• Özgür “woxic” Eker
• Ismailcan “XANTARES” Dörtkardeş
• Caner “soulfly” Kesici
• Sezgin “Fabre” Kalaycı (coach)

Aurora is carrying out a controlled roster rotation with the goal of stabilizing results and strengthening the aggressive component of play, preparing for the next stage of the season at tier-1 level.

The MongolZ

The MongolZ have concluded a short-term chapter following a turbulent stretch that required an emergency solution. The team opted not to extend the stand-in arrangement, signaling a transition toward defining their next long-term roster direction.

OUT:

Unudelger Baasanjargal (controlez) — departs after a three-event stand-in stint. The 28-year-old exceeded expectations, helping the team reach playoffs at IEM Chengdu and the Budapest Major while providing stability during Senzu’s absence.

INACTIVE:

Azbayar Munkhbold (Senzu) — remains inactive, with his future status still undecided.

Updated team roster:

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

The MongolZ now face a familiar crossroads: reinstating Senzu, promoting young talent, or exploring external options as they look to stabilize the roster ahead of the next competitive phase.

NRG

NRG are in a phase of a soft rebuild following an unstable season without clear progress in the world rankings. The current changes are more an attempt to restore organizational order and assemble a highly focused roster than an aggressive reset.

IN:

oSee — the main AWP player with extensive experience at Tier-1 and Tier-2 levels in North America. He returns to the active roster after a period on the bench and is expected to provide the team with defensive stability.

OUT:

XotiC — leaves the active roster on his own initiative. The decision is linked to the fact that professional CS play interfered with his ability to focus on managing his business.

Updated team roster:

• Nick “nitr0” Cannella
• Aran “Sonic” Groesbeek
• Josh “oSee” Ohm
• Alexander “br0” Bro
• Jeorge “Jeorge” Endicott
• Damian “daps” Steele (coach)

NRG are moving toward roster stabilization with an emphasis on discipline, focus, and laying the groundwork for the next season rather than chasing immediate results.

Legacy

Legacy enter the offseason at a turning point after several years of continuity behind the scenes. While the team experienced periods of stability and growth, recent results and the evolving demands of the CS2 scene prompted the organization to reassess its long-term coaching structure.

OUT:

Olavo “chucky” Napoleão — departs as head coach after a long tenure with the organization. Chucky was with Legacy from the early stages of the project, guiding the team through both difficult rebuilding phases and its most successful stretches.

IN:

Bruno “R1VAS” Rivetti (expected) — according to Dust2 Brasil, R1VAS is set to take over as Legacy’s new head coach. He is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the team’s preparation and structure, as Legacy look to adapt to the current competitive landscape while maintaining their Brazilian core.

Coaching update:

The change signals a shift toward renewal rather than a full rebuild. By moving on from a long-standing coach, Legacy aim to refresh their approach, modernize their systems, and reset expectations heading into the next competitive cycle.

Legacy’s current direction suggests a controlled transition — one that respects the past while opening the door to structural evolution and long-term stability under new leadership.

Team Spirit

Team Spirit closed the season with mixed results. Despite deep playoff runs, the second half of the year exposed recurring issues in pressure situations, late-round decision-making, and overall roster balance, prompting the organization to reassess its long-term structure.

IN:

1. Boris “magixx” Vorobiev — returns to the active roster and takes over the in-game leader role following chopper’s removal from the starting lineup. Spirit view magixx as a long-term structural piece, trusting his game sense and understanding of team dynamics to stabilize leadership and mid-round calling.
2. Myroslav “zont1x” Plakhotia — rejoins the lineup after a break taken due to personal reasons. Fully refreshed, zont1x returns to his original roles, where Spirit previously looked most balanced.

OUT:

1. Leonid “chopper” Vishnyakov — moved to the bench after several years as Spirit’s captain. While he led the team through its most successful era, including a Major title in 2024, the organization opted for a leadership change to address structural and psychological issues late in the season.
2. Ivan “zweih” Gogin — benched after a brief stint in the starting lineup. Spirit acknowledged his talent and work ethic but concluded that his role preferences and current level of development did not fully align with the team’s immediate needs.

Updated team roster:

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

Coach: Sergey “hally” Shavaev

Team Spirit’s current direction signals a controlled reset focused on leadership stability, role clarity, and long-term consistency rather than short-term experimentation.

M80

M80 hovered in the top 20–25 range for several months, but the Major clearly exposed the limits of the current roster — a lack of consistency against structured European teams and recurring problems in the late stages of matches.

IN:

Josh “JBa” Barutt — M80 are set to sign the 21-year-old American rifler as a replacement for HexT. According to sources close to HLTV and Dust2.us, the deal is in its final stages and expected to be announced shortly.

OUT:

HexT — leaves the active roster after the Major. His time on the team brought M80 tempo and mid-round aggression, but inconsistency in key matches and Bo3 series made this decision expected.

Updated team roster:

• Mason “Lake” Sanderson
• Elias “s1n” Stein
• Michael “Swisher” Schmid
• Fritz “slaxz-” Dietrich
• Josh “JBa” Barutt

Coach: Rory “dephh” Jackson

M80’s current direction is a cautious rebuild aimed at stabilizing the team structure and preparing for the next season, rather than chasing short-term results at any cost.

BC.Game

BC.Game spent most of 2025 in constant transition, cycling through multiple lineups and high-profile additions without ever finding long-term stability. Despite ambitious moves and star power on paper, the team failed to establish a clear identity, struggling for consistency and falling down the rankings as the season progressed.

IN:

Christopher “MUTiRiS” Fernandes, Adones “krazy” Nobre, António “aragornN” Barbosa — signed from SAW. BC.Game have officially completed the signing of SAW’s core, ending a long-running off-season saga. The Portuguese trio join s1mple and electroNic, with MUTiRiS confirmed as in-game leader. The move secures BC.Game an immediate VRS boost, as SAW were ranked No. 22 globally, and provides the team with a ready-made structure after a year of instability.

OUT:

1. Nemanja “nexa” Isaković — leaves the active roster after his contract expired, with both sides mutually agreeing not to extend.
2. Luka “emi” Vuković — departs the coaching position following the end of his short-term trial contract.

Aleksandar “CacaNito” Kjulukoski — moved to the bench as BC.Game’s third off-season change, leaving the organization with just three active players. The Macedonian rifler first joined BC.Game in June 2024 and was the longest-serving member of the roster despite a previous stint on the bench earlier this year.

BC.Game active roster:

• Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev
• Denis “electroNic” Sharipov
• Christopher “MUTiRiS” Fernandes (IGL)
• Adones “krazy” Nobre
• António “aragornN” Barbosa

Benched:

• Andreas “aNdu” Maasing
• Joakim “jkaem” Myrbostad
• Luca “pr1metapz” Voigt
• Aleksandar “CacaNito” Kjulukoski

Coach — vacant

BC.Game now face a defining off-season. With no confirmed in-game leader or head coach and just three players left on the active roster, the organization is entering a full reset. After a year of ambitious moves and constant instability, BC.Game must choose between another short-term gamble or a structured rebuild aimed at restoring competitiveness in 2026.

GamerLegion

GamerLegion have entered a corrective phase after a turbulent end to the season, marked by declining results, staff changes, and uncertainty around the team’s long-term direction. The organization has opted for a familiar solution, bringing back an experienced leader to stabilize the project and reset the competitive structure.

IN:

Janusz “Snax” Pogorzelski — returns to GamerLegion as in-game leader. This marks his second stint with the organization after leading the team throughout 2023–2024, a period highlighted by qualification for the PGL Major Copenhagen.

OUT:

Erik “ztr” Gustafsson — moved to the bench. Despite being brought in as Snax’s successor, the Swedish IGL struggled to halt the team’s gradual decline, and the project failed to regain consistency under his leadership.

Updated team roster:

• Sebastian “Tauson” Tauson Lindelof
• Oldřich “PR” Nový
• Fredrik “REZ” Sterner
• Milan “hypex” Polowiec
• Janusz “Snax” Pogorzelski
• Jeremy “Kursy” Gast (benched)
• Erik “ztr” Gustafsson (benched)
• Ashley “ash” Battye (inactive, coach)

The move signals a clear attempt at damage control and structural reset. After slipping from the VRS top 10 to around 25th and exiting the Budapest Major in Stage 1 with a 1–3 record, GamerLegion are turning back to a proven leader rather than continuing experimentation. Snax’s return brings experience, authority, and institutional memory — qualities the team hopes will restore stability and redefine their trajectory heading into the next competitive cycle.

Venom

The team is in a phase of adjustment after an unstable stretch: results have been inconsistent, the roster has been searching for balance for several months, and the changes appear to be part of a planned rebuild ahead of the next stage of the season.

IN:

There are no official new signings yet. Venom are keeping the slot open and, judging by the timing, are not rushing a decision, instead evaluating the market and internal options.

OUT:

hfah — leaves the team after a short period on the roster. His departure looks logical given inconsistent individual performances and the lack of clear progress within the team structure.

Updated team roster:

• Paweł “innocent” Mocek
• Kamil “Sobol” Sobolewski
• Alan “flayy” Krupa
• Konrad “Qlocuu” Klocek
• Grzegorz “SZPERO” Dziamałek (coach)

Venom are moving toward a cautious rebuild: minimal drastic moves, a focus on preserving the core, and preparation for targeted reinforcements ahead of the next season.

Ninjas in Pyjamas

NiP are trying to rethink roles and game tempo after a disastrous stretch at major LAN events, including StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, where the lineup never managed to find stability.

IN:

cairne — a young rifler joining the roster as a long-term project. His signing looks like an attempt to add more aggression and initiative in mid-round situations, something NiP clearly lacked in recent matches.

OUT:

ewjerkz — moved to the bench after a period that never turned into a breakthrough. Despite some solid individual moments, he failed to become a consistent impact player, and his role within the NiP system remained unclear.

Updated team roster:

• Fredrik “REZ” Sterner
• Ludvig “Brollan” Brolin
• Danyyl “r1nkle” Kryshkovets
• Kamil “xKacpersky” Kacperski
• Artem “cairne” Mushynskyi
• Richard “Xizt” Landström (coach)

NiP are clearly moving down a rebuilding path with an eye on the next season: fewer compromises, more room for young players to develop, and an attempt to reassemble the team’s identity, even at the cost of short-term results.

paiN

paiN remain among the top teams in the global rankings, but the results of recent tournaments and the current roster form have pushed the organization toward targeted roster decisions without dismantling the core lineup.

IN:

No new signings at the moment. paiN are keeping the window open and, judging by their moves, are not rushing into immediate replacements.

OUT:

1. David “dav1deuS” Tapia Maldonado — moved to the bench after nearly a year with the roster. The decision looks logical given his inconsistent impact and the team’s need for more reliable execution in key rounds.
2. Franco “dgt” Garcia — also moved to the bench. His departure signals paiN’s desire to change role dynamics and game tempo, especially in the late stages of maps.

Updated team roster:

• Rodrigo “biguzera” Bittencourt
• Lucas “nqz” Soares
• João “snow” Vinicius
• Henrique “rikz” Waku (coach)

paiN are choosing a path of cautious rebuilding without radical decisions — focusing on preserving the core while preparing for the next season, with the possibility of targeted reinforcements.

9INE

The team are entering a full-scale rebuilding phase after an unstable season. The changes do not look like minor tweaks but rather systemic moves: 9INE are clearly rebuilding their core with a focus on a new in-game balance and a longer development cycle, rather than chasing quick results here and now.

IN:

1. Bartosz “bnox” Niebisz — a rifler with experience on the tier-2 scene, who has shown consistent individual form in recent months along with strong numbers in trading and utility usage.
2. Love “phzy” Smidebrant — an AWPer with a strong background in international lineups and experience performing under pressure.

OUT:

1. Mădălin-Andrei “MoDo” Mirea — leaves the team after a period that never became a breakthrough, either for him personally or for 9INE.
2. Josef “faveN” Baumann — moved to the bench after a short but controversial stint.

Updated team roster:

• Kamil “Sobol” Sobolewski
• Konrad “Qlocuu” Klocek
• Paweł “innocent” Mocek
• Alan “flayy” Krupa
• Grzegorz “SZPERO” Dziamałek (coach)

9INE are clearly signaling a shift in course: a focus on reworking roles, searching for stability, and laying a foundation for the next season, rather than making cosmetic adjustments to the old model.

Core rebuild

Winter Rostermania has only just begun, but one trend is already clear — top organizations are focusing on strengthening the core rather than making short-term changes. Teams are looking not just for strong fraggers, but for players with the right role profile and mentality to handle pressure at major tournaments.

Ahead lies the 2026 Major season, where every roster decision may cost millions — while the right transfer could bring a club back into the elite. The changes happening now will define the competitive balance for the coming months.