The professional CS2 esports scene is back after the Holiday break, and it’s been a wild time with wild reshuffles. Today, CS.MONEY Blog covers the most significant roster changes: from ex-Faze star joining ZywOo to a legendary carry player starting a new page in CS2 history.
Looking for an upgrade or wanna dive into skins straight through? Join us at CS.MONEY! Low prices for CS2 skins, ready-to-go crafts on sales, quick deals, cashout and more!
Ropz joins Team Vitality
Let’s start with the headline transfer that set everything in motion. Technically, it’s not even a transfer: Ropz’s contract with FaZe Clan expired, and he decided to switch teams as a free agent. Team Vitality came calling, and on paper, this is a powerful move. The French club instantly becomes a strong contender for any trophy.
In practice, however, some questions arise. The issue is that Ropz strongly wanted FaZe Clan to get stronger, but he left because the organization couldn’t deliver additional firepower (at least according to a top FaZe manager). But is this the right motivation for someone who is already a superstar? This decision has a faint whiff of weakness, but we wish Ropz and Team Vitality the best of luck. The coaching staff and apEX will have plenty of work integrating the Estonian into the team.
EliGE moves to FaZe Clan
FaZe Clan was naturally searching for a replacement for Ropz, and they seem to have found one of the best options available. EliGE is a veteran player who, at his peak, can deliver stellar performances. Most importantly, EliGE will bring more aggression to FaZe Clan. For a team with Broky and Frozen, this could be an excellent addition, as EliGE can initiate and get starting advantage, leaving the superstar duo to convert it into round wins.
It’s also heartwarming to see how EliGE spent the holidays at Karrigan’s house, fostering a positive team atmosphere. While Ropz is irreplaceable, this roster change might just lead to trophies for FaZe.
Team Falcons: the Superteam didn’t happen, Roster still promising
One of the most notable transfers was NiKo’s move to Team Falcons. While significant, it ranks slightly below the others for a few reasons. First, rumors about it have been circulating for a long time, so there was no element of surprise. Second, if Team Falcons had managed to create a true superteam, this would have been the undisputed number one move in the transfer market.
In reality, G2 Esports refused to release m0NESY, and a potential deal for Jimpphat fell through. Instead, Falcons acquired Heroic’s trio for a hefty sum to avoid starting from scratch and secure invitations to top-tier tournaments.
The Heroic core is a solid team, and adding Magisk and NiKo strengthens it. But does it have the WOW factor? Unfortunately, no. Time will tell how this lineup performs.
Cloud9’s Breakup and transfers to BetBoom Team
When Cloud9 built their star-studded roster, many believed it would be an unstoppable force. But reality didn’t align with expectations, and the American organization effectively dismantled the team, selling off their assets.
HeavyGod’s move to G2 Esports could be a solid option, primarily to support m0NESY, now G2’s biggest star. However, the more intriguing story is Boombl4 and Ax1Le’s transfer to BetBoom Team. The Russian organization now boasts an ambitious roster that could achieve greatness, though much will depend on its management and coaching staff.
Jame Time, but somewhere else
Despite having a long-term contract with their captain, Virtus.pro decided on a major rebuild. Jame and electronic couldn’t find common ground in-game, and VP chose the former Natus Vincere player.
Additionally, the team benched n0rb3r7 once again, bringing in FL4MUS from GamerLegion and ICY from Cloud9. Interestingly, both newcomers were signed on four-year contracts. On paper, this roster looks intriguing, but major successes in the near future seem unlikely.
While many more transfers occurred in the world of Counter-Strike, these are the moves that will shape the most exciting storylines for the coming months.
