As the 2025 CS2 season begins, Monte has a unique opportunity to rebuild after a the disaster in 2024. The team’s 2023 campaign was really successful, with a playoff run at the Major and a victory at ESL Challenger at DreamHack Winter 2023. They entered 2024 ranked 7th in the Valve rankings and secured invites to top-tier events like IEM Katowice and the RMR.

However, 2024 did not go as planned. Monte struggled with consistency, skipped online matches that kept them sharp, and underperformed at Katowice. At the RMR, team leader Viktor "⁠sdy⁠" Orudzhev fell ill, forcing them to use Jack "⁠Gizmy⁠" von Spreckelsen from their academy team as a stand-in. Despite sdy’s return, Monte failed to qualify for the Major, marking the start of a tough year.

A Year of Roster Turmoil

Following their RMR disappointment, Monte underwent significant roster changes. Sdy left the team, and Alexander "⁠br0⁠" Bro was signed by Astralis. Monte turned to their academy roster, promoting Gizmy and Gytis "⁠ryu⁠" Glušauskas to the main lineup. While this temporary rebuild showed glimpses of potential, such as a playoff appearance at ESL Pro League Season 19, it wasn’t enough to keep the team competitive.

By the end of 2024, Monte had dropped to 51st in the Valve rankings and wasted their key invites. The organization then made a bold decision to disband their academy team and permanently integrate Gizmy and ryu into the main roster. With this fresh start, Monte now has a golden chance to climb back up the rankings in 2025.

The New Monte Roster

Monte’s new lineup brings together experienced players and promising young talent:

• Paweł "⁠dycha⁠" Dycha
• Olek "⁠hades⁠" Miskiewicz
• Serhii "⁠DemQQ⁠" Demchenko
• Gytis "⁠ryu⁠" Glušauskas
• Jack "⁠Gizmy⁠" von Spreckelsen (in-game leader)
• Ivan "⁠AiyvaN⁠" Semenets (coach)

Dycha: A Reliable Veteran

Dycha returns as a dependable force for Monte. Over the last six months, he has maintained an impressive 6.2 rating and proven to be both reliable and experienced. After ENCE’s struggles in late 2024, dycha should value this opportunity to play a central role in Monte’s resurgence.

Hades: Back to AWPing

Hades has stepped down from his role as an in-game leader to focus solely on his AWPing. Even while IGLing, he posted a solid 6.3 rating. Though he struggles with consistency at times, the return to his natural role could help him perform more reliably.

DemQQ: The Star Player

DemQQ was Monte’s most consistent performer in 2024, with a 6.4 rating and the ability to excel in both LAN and online matches. He’s versatile and dependable, attracting rumored interest from other top teams like NIP. His presence ensures Monte retains a core player who can deliver under pressure.

Gizmy: A New IGL with Potential

Gizmy, promoted from Monte Gen, takes on the IGL role. While relatively new to leading, he showed promise in the academy team. Since Monte’s initial competition level won’t be too high, he has a good chance to adapt gradually. Importantly, his leadership allows Hades to focus on his AWPing, strengthening the team overall.

Ryu: The Anchor

Ryu has established himself as a strong anchor player, boasting a 6.5 rating, 0.77 kills per round, and an impressive 42 clutches in 101 maps. His ability to hold his ground and win crucial duels makes him a valuable addition to the main roster.

In March, Monte’s new coach shared insights about Gizmy and ryu joining the main roster. He praised Gizmy for his ability to generate ideas at any stage of the round, prepare strategies tailored to opponents, and maintain clear communication. Ryu, on the other hand, was highlighted for his precise aim, reliability as an anchor who can hold down large parts of the map alone, and his strength in clutch 1v1 situations at key positions. These qualities underline why both players were seen as valuable additions to Monte’s rebuild.

AiyvaN: The Perfect Coach

AiyvaN brings experience as a former player for teams like pro100 and HellRaisers. He coached Monte Gen for over a year, helping them win small tournaments and reach the playoffs of several CCT events. Especially good performance was shown at CCT Season 2 European Series 9 when the team reached the semifinals and lost to the eventual event winner ALTERNATE aTTaX. His familiarity with Gizmy and ryu ensures a smoother transition for the new roster.

The Road Ahead

Monte’s new roster begins 2025 ranked 53rd globally and 36th in Europe (excluding academy teams). They’ve already secured spots in several tournaments:

• YaLLa Compass Winter 2025: Contenders Stage
• ESL Challenger League Season 49: Europe
• CCT Season 2 European Series 16

These events provide Monte with the perfect stage to start the rebuilding process and prove themselves. Success at these competitions will be critical for earning an invite to the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025: European Regional Qualifier, where teams ranked 11th-26th in Europe will compete for six Major slots.

Why This Roster Could Succeed

Monte’s new lineup isn’t just a low-cost solution; it’s a roster with genuine potential. The team combines:

• Experience: Dycha, Hades, and DemQQ have proven themselves at the highest level.
• Young Talent: Gizmy and ryu bring fresh energy and new ideas.
• Strong Leadership: With AiyvaN guiding the team, the players have a coach who understands their strengths and weaknesses.

If Monte can quickly adapt to their new roster and capitalize on early opportunities, they have the tools to bounce back and regain their status as a top-tier team.

A Chance for Redemption

Monte’s journey in 2024 was filled with setbacks, but the team now has a rare opportunity to start fresh. With a mix of skilled veterans, promising talent, and a solid coach, Monte is well-positioned to make 2025 a comeback year. While challenges lie ahead, this roster has the potential to deliver the results needed to climb the rankings and compete on the biggest stages once again.