The French-Spanish team Gentle Mates has become one of the biggest surprises in European CS2. After receiving a last-minute invite to ESL Pro League Season 22, the squad made the most of the opportunity. They finished Stage 1 with a 3-1 record, collected 1425 VRS points, and climbed to 16th place in Valve’s global ranking. This is the last position that secures a direct invite to PGL Major Budapest 2025. For the young roster, it could be their first-ever world championship. However, their future no longer depends on them.
They Took Their Chance, but Can’t Play Anymore
Gentle Mates have already finished their official matches before the qualification cutoff. Their score is locked, and they cannot improve it further.
Now, their fate depends on rivals chasing the same Major slots. Virtus.pro, 9INE, fnatic, and SAW all sit within a few dozen points. These teams will still play LAN events that can shift the rankings.
Who Could End the Gentle Mates’ Dream?
- Virtus.pro (1416 points, 17th place)
The Russian-Kazakh lineup is only 9 points behind. A single strong showing at Fragadelphia Blocktober could push them past Gentle Mates. With the experience of FL1T, Perfecto, and fame, this scenario looks realistic.
- 9INE (1389 points, 18th place)
The Poles remain in contention but need a deep run to qualify. Their aggressive playstyle often produces upsets, but inconsistency holds them back.
- fnatic (1389 points, 19th place)
The legendary brand with KRIMZ and blameF is still fighting for a comeback. Securing a spot at the Budapest Major would mark an emotional return after a run of failures. Their motivation is at its peak.
- SAW (1384 points, 20th place)
The Portuguese team trails further behind. Still, a deep Blocktober run could give them a theoretical shot at the top 16.
Why This Moment Matters
Gentle Mates were seen as a second-tier team not long ago. Qualifying for the Major would be the highlight of their year. Veterans like alex and mopoz provide experience, while younger talents sausol, dav1g, and MartinezSa already proved they can shine on the big stage.
The squad represents a new wave of Spanish Counter-Strike. If they hold their position, their story will be one of the season’s most emotional highlights. If not, it will still show how one tournament can change everything — and how fragile an advantage in the VRS ranking can be.
What’s Next?
The final answer will come at Fragadelphia Blocktober, where the last European slots will be decided. For fans, the coming weeks mean only one thing: waiting. Every win or loss from rival teams could either bury or confirm the Gentle Mates’ Major dream.
