The legendary Luminosity brand is officially back in Counter-Strike. Seven years after parting ways with their iconic Brazilian lineup, the organization has unveiled a new European roster featuring the core of Monte alongside former Legacy player Lucas “lux” Meneghini.
The move, however, comes with a bitter pill for former Monte captain Jack “Gizmy” von Spreckelsen. Despite leading the squad, Gizmy was left out of the transition to LG. Taking to X, he revealed that his former teammates had orchestrated the move behind the scenes before their recent Major run.
After the major, the core told me that they were leaving to LG, and had also signed contracts before the major. Pretty sad ending for a team I’ve led since the beginning, but that’s how it goes sometimes. Good luck to them in their new endeavor – will announce my new team soon.” – Gizmy via X
Gizmy is currently heavily linked with a move to 100 Thieves, leaving lux to step into his shoes on the new Luminosity roster.
Free transfers and a buyout
Aurimas “Bymas” Pipiras, Aurélien “afro” Drapier, and Oscar “AZUWU” Bell join the Canadian organization on free transfers following the expiration of their Monte contracts. Aleks “Rainwaker” Petrov was the sole player requiring a buyout to secure his services.
It is understood that Monte’s management attempted to negotiate contract extensions with the trio before the Major. However, after the team’s elimination, the players informed the organization of their intent to move on, having already secured their future with LG.
Returning to their roots
The acquisition is a major milestone for Luminosity founder Steve Maida, who reacquired the brand in January for roughly $212,000 USD after previously selling the company to Aquilini GameCo Inc. in 2019.
After retiring in 2021 and watching Luminosity it was always my goal to one day buy it back and put LG where it belongs – where it all started – Counter-Strike,” Maida stated on LG’s website. “When we were evaluating entry points back into the scene, the opportunity to sign the core as free agents presented itself. We believe fully in this team and their success at Cologne proved we bet right.
Carrying over Monte’s accumulated points, the new-look Luminosity squad will start their campaign comfortably inside the top 20 of the VRS.
The team makes their official debut today at the XSE Pro League. The organization has not yet announced who will be standing behind the players as head coach.
Luminosity’s CS2 Roster:
- Aleks “Rainwaker” Petrov
- Aurimas “Bymas” Pipiras
- Aurélien “afro” Drapier
- Oscar “AZUWU” Bell
- Lucas “lux” Meneghini
