10 players who made their way to the pro scene thanks to CCT

Launched in 2022, the Champion of Champions Tour (CCT) is an international tournament circuit that spans several regions worldwide. In its first season, CCT hosted 55 events with a total prize pool of over $3,000,000. Among these, 54 events were held online, offering numerous opportunities for low-tier teams and players to showcase their skills, earn money, and accumulate points in various rankings. Teams like Monte, Apeks, and Aurora leveraged these events to climb the ranks in the Counter-Strike arena. Here are ten players who significantly benefited from their participation in CCT.

1. Thomas "TMB" Bundsbæk

Thomas "TMB" Bundsbæk has played the most maps among all CCT events, gaining extensive experience with his teams Copenhagen Flames and Preasy. His consistent participation led to victories in CCT 2023 Online Finals 4 and three regional events, establishing him as a prominent figure in the CCT circuit.

2. Nikita "HeavyGod" Martynenko

Nikita "HeavyGod" Martynenko reached the top tier by signing with OG, a move made possible by his impressive performances in 17 CCT events. His consistent grind and outstanding stats caught the attention of top-tier teams, paving the way for his professional advancement.

3. Cai "CYPHER" Watson

Before making a remarkable run at the Major with Into the Breach, Cai "CYPHER" Watson was relatively unknown. His dedication to playing numerous events, including CCT, honed his skills to perfection. This practice significantly contributed to his current success with BLEED.

4. Mohammad "BOROS" Malhas

Mohammad "BOROS" Malhas is a player whose talent has always been evident. He won three CCT events with Monte, delivering impressive performances. Despite controversies, his skill remains undeniable, and his CCT experience continues to support his journey in professional Counter-Strike.

5. Matúš "matys" Šimko

Matúš "matys" Šimko, now with fnatic, worked his way up from Slovakian teams through persistent effort. His participation in CCT, playing 132 maps and finishing second at CCT East Europe Series 1 with Sampi, played a crucial role in his rise to a major organization.

6. Mădălin-Andrei "MoDo" Mirea

Mădălin-Andrei "MoDo" Mirea caught the eye of TSM after delivering stellar performances in numerous online events with Nexus. Although he only participated in ten CCT events, his impressive stats made him stand out, leading to his recruitment by a top-tier team.

7. Carlos "venomzera" Dias Junior

At just 19 years old, Carlos "venomzera" Dias Junior now plays for RED Canids alongside Marcelo "coldzera" David. His path to a major organization was paved by his determination and success in 10 local CCT events and two Online Finals, demonstrating his potential early on.

8. Damjan "kyxsan" Stoilkovski

Damjan "kyxsan" Stoilkovski began his CCT journey with the Macedonian team BLUEJAYS and now finds himself at HEROIC, one of the biggest CS2 organizations. Despite not securing any victories, his participation in 14 CCT tournaments, including two second-place finishes with Apeks, showcased his talent and potential.

9. Linus "nilo" Bergman

Linus "nilo" Bergman is regarded as one of the most promising young talents in the current pro scene. His successful year with Metizport and subsequent rise to higher levels were significantly bolstered by playing 111 maps in CCT events, where he demonstrated his skill and potential.

10. Kaue "kauez" Kashchuk

Kaue "kauez" Kashchuk, a long-time member of FURIA Academy, achieved significant success on the local scene. His real breakthrough came after joining paiN and nearly reaching the Major playoffs. His participation in nine CCT events, including a local trophy win and a second-place finish at CCT 2023 Online Finals 4, was instrumental in his career progression.

Conclusion

CCT has proven to be a critical platform for emerging talent in the Counter-Strike community. Through its extensive series of online events and significant prize pools, CCT has provided numerous opportunities for low-tier teams and individual players to shine on the global stage. These players have all demonstrated that hard work and consistent performance in CCT events can pave the way to professional success. As we look forward to Season 2, it is clear that CCT will continue to be a breeding ground for new talent and the emergence of great teams, further enriching the competitive landscape of Counter-Strike.