HEROIC has benched Belarusian AWPer Gleb “gr1ks” Gazin in a transfer that has shocked the CS2 neighborhood. Moreover, FUT has signed nearly all of the ex-NAVI Juniors squad.
The highly-rated teen was part of the staff for lower than two months, having joined following the switch of Alvaro “SunPayus” Garcia to G2 Esports.
gr1ks at IEM Cologne 2025 Picture Credit score: ESL
gr1k’s time on HEROIC reduce quick in shock benching
In his quick time with the staff, the 19-year-old performed in two occasions, FISSURE Playground 1 and IEM Cologne 2025.
gr1k didn’t hit the bottom working in both occasion as HEROIC struggled, but he did present glimpses of promise with a robust efficiency versus Virtus.professional on the Cathedral of Counter-Strike in Cologne. He notched 35 kills, with 5 opening frags and 86.9 ADR in a snug 2-0 sequence win.
The announcement advised that new coach Tobias “TOBIZ” Theo believes gr1ks’ playstyle doesn’t align with HEROIC’s. This has been met with scepticism by followers and pundits alike.
CS2 Analyst Travis “Trav” Landaw Mott commented that gr1ks wasn’t given sufficient time on the staff, and advised his alternative, Spirit Academy’s Alimzhan “Alkaren” Bitmbai, “isn’t higher than him.”
If analyst phrases are to be believed, it is a uncommon scouting failure by HEROIC. The Swedish-based group persistently rebuilds its squad impressively after shedding gamers to higher-ranked groups.
There’s now loads of anticipation as as to whether the staff that includes Alkaren can dwell as much as the highs of earlier rosters.
And for many who are at the moment questioning it, the reply is that gr1ks lasted 0.71 FNS’ on HEROIC.
FUT indicators ex-NAVI Junior, however with out the firepower
In different Counter-Strike roster information, FUT has benched nearly their whole French roster in favor of choosing up the youthful former NAVI Juniors staff.
The ex-NAVI Juniors deliver numerous hype and potential to the Turkish organisation, having risen to the highest 30 of the VRS standings regardless of not with the ability to play in larger occasions as a result of staff possession guidelines and potential integrity conflicts with the primary roster.
With star participant Drin “makazze” Shaqiri being promoted to NAVI’s roster quite than departing with the remainder of his teammates, there are actually enormous footwear to fill within the squad as they embark on their new problem.
misutaaa at PGL Copenhagen Main Picture Credit score: PGL
These footwear will likely be crammed by Kevin “misutaaa” Rabier, the former-Vitality participant who was as soon as touted to be a future star throughout the French scene.
Though his profession has stalled since departing Vitality, he does deliver with him a wealth of tier one expertise, which might be of paramount significance to the younger staff.
The query is, although, given how effectively the staff was doing with out an skilled determine like misutaa, is having one crucial now, given the success they’d earlier than? Will expertise outweigh the firepower deficit left behind?
It isn’t simple to switch a participant who has made the step as much as a top-five staff. Opposite to fashionable opinion, younger stars don’t simply spawn in.
If FUT goes to maintain pushing ahead, they’ll now must develop into a far stronger unit or have somebody present that particular person firepower as soon as extra.
