The Asian CS2 scene has been shaken by breaking news. The MongolZ have benched their star player Senzu, marking the team’s first roster change since 2023. Even more shocking, this decision came less than a month before the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025.
Official Statement
The MongolZ announced the roster update on social media. According to the team, the move followed careful discussions between players and management.
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 organization thanked Senzu for his contribution to Mongolian CS2. They emphasized that he remains “an exceptional player” with huge potential for the future.
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Current The MongolZ Lineup
- mzinho
- 910
- bLitz
- Techno
- Senzu (benched)
- maaRaa (coach)
Team and Community Reaction
The decision sparked an instant wave of reactions from fans and analysts. Commentator ThourCS2 wrote:
Senzu benched right before the Major?? What is MongolZ doing? W or L move guys?
Later, captain mzinho clarified that it was Senzu’s personal decision, and the team fully supports him.
We’ve come a long way together — made our sticker, reached Major finals, and achieved success. He’s my lifelong friend. I respect his decision. Love you, brother — we’ve been together since day one.
This confirmed earlier rumors about emotional burnout. Senzu had played an intense year with no breaks. The MongolZ attended more than ten LAN tournaments worldwide, leaving little room for rest.
“Despair”: New Username and Social Media Silence
Soon after the announcement, Senzu changed his Instagram name to “despairr999,” which translates to “despair.” He deleted all posts and unfollowed teammates and other pros, leaving his profile empty. Fans saw this as a clear sign of mental exhaustion.
Looks like the guy just burned out, wrote users in Telegram chats.
According to sources close to the team, the weeks leading up to the Major were extremely stressful. Therefore, Senzu’s decision to step down may have been a way to protect his mental health.
Possible Replacement: Nocries — The Young Talent Cleared by FACEIT
In the wake of Senzu’s benching, reports suggest that The MongolZ may bring in Nocries as a replacement. The Mongolian player recently became the focus of a major FACEIT investigation after his rapid climb to the #1 position in North America.
His sudden rise sparked doubts about possible boosting or cheating. However, FACEIT launched a detailed three-stage review that included a full account audit, nine monitored matches in New York, and an identity interview. The platform later confirmed that Nocries had passed all checks successfully.
FACEIT Review Results:
- No signs of cheating or multi-accounting
- Player identity officially verified
- IP changes explained and documented (relocation to the U.S. in 2024)
After the review, Nocries received a permanent FPL invite. He said his next goal is to join a professional roster and compete at LAN events. As a result, his debut with The MongolZ looks increasingly realistic.
Context and Consequences
For years, The MongolZ have been the pride of Asian Counter-Strike. They consistently represented the region on the international stage and inspired a new generation of players. However, losing Senzu — their emotional leader and tactical core — could strongly affect their performance at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025. Senzu’s individual numbers speak for themselves. With a 1.15+ LAN rating and crucial clutches in key matches, he was one of the brightest young stars in the region.
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What’s Next?
It is still unclear whether Senzu will return after the Major or take a longer break. Meanwhile, the possible arrival of Nocries, a young but verified Mongolian talent, could mark the start of a new era for The MongolZ. One thing is certain: this story has already become one of the most emotional and dramatic moments of the 2025 Asian CS2 season.
