B8 is a rising name in the world of esports, particularly in Counter-Strike 2 (CS2). Founded in January 2020 by Danil “Dendi” Ishutin, a legendary Dota 2 player, and Ivan Mamchur, the team initially started with a focus on other games before expanding its reach into Counter-Strike. While relatively young compared to other organizations in the scene, B8 has managed to carve out its niche with a mix of talented players, strategic gameplay, and a growing fanbase. With roots in Ukraine, the organization mirrors the country’s growing influence in the esports world. This article provides a detailed exploration of the B8 Counter-Strike 2 team, tracing its history, roster changes, achievements, notable matches, and other interesting trivia.

History of B8 – A Rising Force in Counter-Strike 2

B8 was established in January 2020 as part of an ambitious vision by Dendi, a household name in Dota 2 circles, and Ivan Mamchur, who took on the role of CEO. At its inception, the organization had a strong focus on Dota 2, but its expansion into Counter-Strike reflected its desire to branch out into other competitive gaming arenas. The name “B8” (pronounced “bait”) became synonymous with strategic play and underdog spirit, a theme that resonates strongly within the Counter-Strike community.

Since then, B8 has consistently attracted up-and-coming talent and seasoned players, representing a perfect blend of youthful energy and competitive expertise. Though the team has yet to make its mark in the final stages of premier tournaments like the IEM or CS Majors, its participation in multiple qualifiers, leagues, and regional contests signifies steady progress.

Player Roster – Current and Past Members

Current Roster

As of the most recent update, the B8 Counter-Strike 2 roster comprises the following players:

• esenthial (Dmytro Tsvir): Joined on January 19, 2024, bringing a fresh perspective to the team.
• npl (Andrii Kukharskyi): Previously part of Na’Vi, npl joined B8 on January 19, 2024, adding significant experience to the squad.
• headtr1ck (Daniil Valitov): Joining on April 12, 2024, from NiP, headtr1ck is known for his precision and in-game leadership.
• Alex666 (Alexey Yarmoshchuk): Rejoined the team on April 30, 2024, after a brief hiatus, solidifying the squad’s core lineup.
• kensizor (Artem Kapran): A new face for the 2025 season.

Previous Roster Members

B8 has seen several roster changes since its inception, each reshuffle aimed at strengthening the team’s competitive edge. Notable former players include:

• OWNER (Mykhailo Lymar): Left for Betera on April 5, 2024.
• R1nkle (Artem Moroz): Joined NiP on April 5, 2024.
• amster (Denis Liashenko): Moved to kONO on January 19, 2024.
• Maddened (Ivan Iordanidi): Former analyst who departed in 2022.
• Candy (Dmytro Vlasenko): Another analyst who left in 2024.
• cptkurtka023 (Arseniy Derevinskiy): A key player who was with the team since from January 26, 2023 to the end of 2024.

Achievements – A Fight to the Top

While B8’s Counter-Strike team has yet to secure a major title, the organization has consistently participated in regional and international qualifiers. These events serve as critical experiences for a team still building its legacy.

• BLAST Bounty Spring Qualifier 2025: Scheduled to face powerhouse G2 on January 17, 2025. This match could be a stepping stone toward greater visibility on the global stage.
• ESL Challenger League Season 49: Europe: Participants in this highly competitive league starting January 21, 2025.

The team’s resilience, showcased through countless matches and grueling qualifiers, underscores their commitment to competing at the highest level. Though they haven’t yet reached the final stages of premier tournaments like IEM Cologne or the ESL Pro League, their growth trajectory suggests greater accomplishments in the near future.

Awards and Recognition

As of now, B8’s Counter-Strike division has garnered approximately $179,916 in total winnings. These earnings represent the fruits of hard-fought battles in various tournaments and underscore the team’s potential for future success.

Notable Matches – Glimpses of Greatness

Though B8 hasn’t yet made it to the closing rounds of iconic tournaments such as the Counter-Strike Major Championships, certain performances stand out as key moments for the team:

• Their imminent clash against G2 in the BLAST Bounty Spring Qualifier is highly anticipated and stands as a testament to their improving form.
• Participation in the ESL Challenger League Season 49 signifies their readiness to compete against some of the finest European teams.

The team’s fighting spirit, combined with its ability to adapt and improve, indicates that B8 is well on its way to becoming a formidable force in international Counter-Strike.

Trivia – Fun Facts About B8

• Dendi, the founder: Best known as a legendary Dota 2 player, Dendi’s esports legacy extends far beyond Counter-Strike.

• B8’s diverse portfolio: The organization isn’t limited to CS2; it also fields teams in Dota 2 and Valorant.
• Global reach: With a fanbase of over 3 million and an annual social media reach exceeding 200 million, B8’s influence extends globally.
• Netflix spotlight: Dendi was featured in the documentary ‘Free to Play,’ which chronicles the rise of esports.

FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About B8

Who founded B8?

B8 was founded by Danil “Dendi” Ishutin, a legendary Dota 2 player, and Ivan Mamchur, who also serves as the organization’s CEO.

What is the current roster of B8’s Counter-Strike 2 team?

The current roster includes esenthial, npl, headtr1ck, cptkurtka023, and Alex666, as of recent updates in 2024.

What are B8’s notable achievements in Counter-Strike 2?

While B8 has not yet secured major titles, they’ve participated in significant tournaments like the BLAST Bounty Spring Qualifier 2025 and the ESL Challenger League Season 49: Europe.

Has B8 won any major tournaments?

No, B8 has not yet won any major Counter-Strike tournaments but continues to compete and grow in skill and stature.

What is the team’s total earnings in Counter-Strike?

The B8 Counter-Strike team has about $179,916 in total winnings as of the most recent data.

What is unique about B8?

B8 is known for its strong leadership, founded by esports legend Dendi, and its underdog spirit, which resonates with fans worldwide.

Which other games does B8 compete in?

Besides Counter-Strike 2, B8 competes in Dota 2 and Valorant.

Who are B8’s most notable former players?

Prominent former players include OWNER, R1nkle, and amster, who left to join other successful rosters.

Is B8 part of any major esports leagues?

B8 is set to participate in the ESL Challenger League Season 49: Europe starting in January 2025, among other tournaments.

What is Dendi’s background in esports?

Dendi is a celebrated player in the Dota 2 community, known for his innovative gameplay and featured in the Netflix documentary ‘Free to Play.’