It’s an announcement no one saw coming. Just a few months after lifting the Esports World Cup trophy and reaching world #1 in both the VRS and HLTV rankings, The Mongolz shocked their fans by announcing the benching of one of their brightest stars and key pillars of their recent success: Senzu.
The 19-year-old had been part of the team since the early days of the modern Mongolz project, the one that turned Mongolian Counter-Strike from a regional curiosity into a global powerhouse.
From the shadows to the spotlight
After showing early promise as IHC, The Mongolz finally found the perfect balance in late 2023. No roster changes for more than two years, constant progress, an explosive style, and an unbreakable collective. Step by step, Garidmagnai “bLitz” Byambasuren’s men climbed the global ladder. From the #50 spot in late 2023 to the top 20, then the top 10 after reaching the playoffs of the Shanghai Major 2024. Since then, deep runs have become the norm: IEM Katowice, EPL S21, IEM Melbourne, IEM Dallas, and even a Grand Final at the BLAST Austin Major 2025.
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And a few months later, they confirmed their rise by winning the Esports World Cup, cementing themselves as one of the world’s elite teams. Everything seemed perfect: five players from the same country, young, united, hard-working, and sharing a rare mentality. But now, the first crack has appeared.
What happened?
Officially, The Mongolz gave little detail beyond saying the decision was made “after careful discussions between players and management.” Senzu himself thanked his teammates “for everything we achieved together” adding that “it wasn’t a sudden decision” and apologizing to fans.
While it’s too early to draw conclusions, it’s clear this is not a performance issue. Senzu was statistically one of the team’s best players, boasting a 1.29 rating at the BLAST Austin Major. It would take major disagreements, health concerns, or off-server issues to justify cutting your top performer.
Unfortunately, there’s a precedent. In 2023, BnTeT publicly mentioned that Senzu had struggled with gambling addiction during his time in NKT. There’s no confirmation that this is related, but the timing, right as the team hit its peak, inevitably raises questions.
What’s next?
The timing makes things complicated. With major events ahead, The Mongolz face strict roster-lock rules: they can’t sign players from The Huns, the country’s second-best team, nor anyone already qualified for the Major. That leaves a narrow list of options, but a few clear scenarios emerge.
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The logical choice: an Academy player
The most straightforward move. The Mongolz launched their Academy roster earlier this year, and promoting a young player would fit perfectly with the team’s philosophy. No buyout, no negotiation, no delay, just internal development and continuity. It would send a strong message of trust in their own system, just as they’ve done before.
The safe bet: a Chinggis Warriors player
With The Huns off-limits, Chinggis Warriors, the third force in Mongolian CS, could be a natural pool to draw from. The team has several experienced players who could step in temporarily and help The Mongolz stay competitive. Players like Yalalt “yAmi” Oyunbileg or Tugs-Erdene “efire” Erdenebold (currently benched but with Major experience) fit the profile. They could step in temporarily at least, giving the team time to plan a long-term solution, while trying their best to fill Senzu shoes.
The experienced option: ANNIHILATION or hasteka
Two familiar faces, two reliable options. ANNIHILATION has not played for about a year, but he knows the team’s environment and previously proved his level with ATOX. Bringing him back would require role adjustments, but he could adapt quickly and use this as an unexpected second chance. Hasteka, currently with NomadS, could bring stability even if his recent form hasn’t been particularly impressive. A default choice, but a safe one.
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The elephant in the room: nocries
The Russo-Mongolian prodigy turning heads in North America. He speaks the language, recently trialed with FACEIT to prove it’s worth, and clearly has the mechanics to compete at a good level. Enough? Who knows. But questions remain about his current situation, his long-term plans, and especially his integration into a tight-knit roster like The Mongolz. A dream story on paper, but a complicated one to realize.
A step to overcome
The Mongolz built their rise on stability, discipline, and unity. Senzu’s departure is the first real shock in what had been a flawless project until now. But if this team’s history has proven anything, it’s that they know how to recover. As always in Counter-Strike, it’s not the first fall that matters. It’s how you rise after it.
