In the latest episode of HLTV’s “FUT Fans Come Here”, Harry and NohtE were joined by Dempz to analyze why FUT have suddenly become one of the most intriguing young teams on the scene. After their strong BLAST Bounty showing — including a close series against FURIA — and a promising run at IEM Kraków, FUT are no longer just “a good academy core.” The discussion focused on what makes them dangerous — and what could ultimately cap their ceiling.
“Coach first”: everything starts with Kulio
Harry described FUT as one of the clearest examples of a coach-driven team in the current tier-two/tier-one crossover space:
You can tell this is very much a coach-led team… it’s coach first.
NohtE, referencing his recent interview with Kulio, explained how much of the team’s identity comes from the coach:
Almost all the tactics and strategies are actually all done by Kulio… and then Krabeni is doing more of like the mid-rounding stuff.
In other words, FUT operate with a strong structural backbone. Kulio builds the system; Krabeni runs it inside the server. For such a young roster, that balance appears to be crucial.
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Krabeni and the mid-round problem
While FUT are well-drilled and prepared, Dempz pointed out that things get shaky when the initial plan falls apart:
When plan A doesn’t come off… they would get lost.
In those moments, it often falls on the 20-year-old IGL to salvage the round:
It felt like Krabeni was the guy who was taking a lot of rounds by the scruff of the neck.
The concern isn’t that Krabeni lacks talent — it’s that too much mid-round responsibility currently sits on his shoulders. For FUT to reach the next level, that initiative likely needs to spread across the roster.
dem0n — the mechanical engine
The biggest praise in the episode was reserved for dem0n. According to Dempz, FUT clearly design rounds around enabling him:
It was 100% coming across… that Demon was the guy they would actively try and set up the most.
His impact often shows up in explosive sequences:
If there was a multi-kill that swung the round, it would be Demon… his mechanical ability is insane.
The panel highlighted his strong “fast multi-kill” numbers — rapid double kills that deny trades and directly swing rounds. dem0n already looks like a player with potential beyond this lineup.
A better team on LAN
Another key point: FUT looked more confident on LAN than online. Dempz noted the emotional intensity and visible energy in Kraków:
They were getting really involved… that LAN energy really communicated across the board.
Considering some of the players have limited LAN experience, their improvement in that environment is an encouraging sign.
The AWP issue: cmtry under the microscope
The most critical segment centered around cmtry. The discussion wasn’t about him being a bad player overall — but about whether he’s a natural AWPer.
He’s not even a bad player… I think he’s just a bad AWPer.
Dempz explained the discomfort he sees in high-pressure situations:
He misses and then… he tries to cross over… that route of escape is never going to work.
And perhaps the most telling observation:
You can feel it watching his POV… he’s so uncomfortable here.
If FUT want to take the next step toward consistent top-level contention, upgrading the AWP role was described as the clearest pathway. However, the current AWP market is thin — and a risky move could damage the synergy they’ve built.
Ceiling or breakout?
The panel acknowledged that if FUT plateau without breaking into the top tier, bigger teams could start circling — especially around dem0n. Still, Dempz ended on an optimistic note:
Shout out to FUT… I hope they do stay together… they’re a lot of fun to watch.
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Final takeaway
HLTV’s verdict is clear: FUT have structure, identity, and serious mechanical talent. But to turn promise into permanence, they’ll need either stronger mid-round depth — or a solution to the AWP question. nFor now, FUT are one of the most entertaining young projects in CS2. And that alone makes them worth watching.
