The esports organization Aurora Gaming has signed an 8-year-old player, Adil "ShaLun" Sovetov, who has become the youngest talent in the club's history and one of the youngest CS2 players in the world.

At the beginning of 2025, Adil received a ban on FACEIT until 2032 due to violating the age restriction. Despite this, the young player continued to develop actively, and his highlights gained popularity on social media, appearing in ESL and FACEIT publications.

Adil started playing Counter-Strike 2 at the age of 5.5 under his father's guidance. During this time, he has already managed to take the stage at PGL Astana 2025 at the "Barys Arena," as well as receive recognition from professional players and esports organizations.

The contract is structured in an apprentice format: Aurora Gaming will provide the young esports athlete with access to the club's resources, mentorship from experienced scene representatives, and educational and technical support. Special attention will be given to discipline, the development of media skills, and the formation of esports culture.

It seems that Adil is the best example that age doesn't matter in esports. We are giving him a team, mentors, and the right ecosystem. And then, who knows: maybe he will soon become that guy from the highlights who lifts the major trophy and breaks the internet

noted Adalyat Mamedov, CEO of Aurora Gaming.

Aurora is taking a new step in developing young talent and opening a new chapter in its history. Such signings primarily give young players hope that they too can succeed — and that's truly awesome for the entire scene.