Kirill “Boombl4” Mikhailov is a professional Counter-Strike player from Russia, recognized for his role as an in-game leader (IGL) and his contributions to several prominent teams. His career has been marked by both notable successes and significant challenges. Over the years, he has played for organizations such as Quantum Bellator Fire, Winstrike, Natus Vincere (NAVI), and Cloud9, demonstrating strong leadership skills and tactical prowess. Throughout his career, Boombl4 has participated in major tournaments, securing significant victories and making a lasting impact on the Counter-Strike scene.
Early Life and Introduction to Counter-Strike
Boombl4 was born on December 20, 1998, in Russia. He was introduced to Counter-Strike by his uncle, who played Counter-Strike 1.6 but never reached a professional level. Initially, Boombl4 started playing CS 1.6 before transitioning to League of Legends for a brief period, where he achieved relative success. However, his passion for Counter-Strike drew him back to the game, leading him to commit to CS:GO as his professional career choice.
Professional Career
Elements Pro Gaming
Boombl4 began his professional CS:GO career in 2016 with Elements Pro Gaming, a European organization. His tenure with the team was brief, lasting only three months before the team disbanded. Despite this setback, he continued to seek opportunities and refine his skills as a player and leader.
Quantum Bellator Fire
In mid-2017, Boombl4 joined Quantum Bellator Fire (QBF), a move that marked a turning point in his career. As a key player on the roster, he helped the team achieve significant success. QBF’s most notable accomplishment came at the ELEAGUE Major: Boston 2018, where they surprised many by reaching the top eight. This strong performance placed Boombl4 on the radar of larger organizations.
Winstrike
Following their success at the Boston Major, QBF’s roster was acquired by Winstrike in 2018. With Winstrike, Boombl4 had the opportunity to compete in another Major, the FACEIT Major: London 2018. However, the team’s performance was less successful than their previous outing, and after underachieving at various events, most of the players were benched—except for Boombl4, who was retained for his leadership potential.
Natus Vincere (NAVI)
In May 2019, Boombl4 made a career-defining move by joining Natus Vincere (NAVI). He was brought in to replace the legendary Daniil “Zeus” Teslenko as the team’s IGL. Under his leadership, NAVI secured several notable achievements, including a third-place finish at ESL One Cologne 2019 and a championship victory at IEM Katowice 2020, where they defeated G2 Esports 3-0 in the final.
Cloud9
Following his tenure with NAVI, Boombl4 faced personal and professional challenges, including a publicized divorce and controversy surrounding his ex-wife. These issues ultimately led to his departure from NAVI. He later joined Cloud9, aiming to revitalize his career with a new team.
BetBoom
In January 2025, Boombl4 joined the CIS squad called BetBoom after a flat tenure at Cloud9. He joined the team alongside his Cloud9 teammate Sergey “Ax1Le” Rykhtorov. BetBoom also include the profiled AWPer Aleksandr “zorte” Zagodyrenko.
Notable Tournament Victories
- 🏆 PGL Major Stockholm 2021 – $1,000,000
- 🏆 Intel Grand Slam Season 3 – $1,000,000
- 🏆 BLAST Premier: Global Final 2020 – $600,000
- 🏆 BLAST Premier: World Final 2021 – $500,000
- 🏆 Intel Extreme Masters XVI – Cologne – $400,000
- 🏆 Intel Extreme Masters XIV – World Championship – $250,000
- 🏆 BLAST Premier: Fall Finals 2021 – $225,000
- 🏆 ESL Pro League Season 14 – $195,000
- 🏆 CCT Season 1 Online Finals #3 – $100,000
Personal Life and Challenges
Boombl4’s personal life has had a significant influence on his career. He was briefly married to Angelika “LiQueen” Mikhailova, but the union ended in a controversial divorce in 2022. The divorce was widely publicized due to allegations and conflicts surrounding his ex-wife’s support for Russia during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which reportedly contributed to his dismissal from NAVI. Additionally, Boombl4 disclosed financial disputes and blackmail threats, adding further challenges to his career trajectory.
Trivia and Additional Information
- Nickname Origin: Boombl4’s nickname comes from his time playing League of Legends, where he was referred to as “butthurt – boom and boom.” He found the name unique and decided to keep it.
- First Competitive Appearance: His first official match was with the mix team Pufiki in the ECS Season 2 EU Development qualification, where they faced the Finnish team LGR.
- IGL Experience: Boombl4 took on the leadership role early in his career, developing his strategic approach over the years.
FAQ – Boombl4
Who is Boombl4?
Boombl4, whose real name is Kirill Mikhailov, is a Russian professional CS:GO and Counter-Strike 2 player known for his leadership and in-game tactics. He has played for teams such as NAVI, Quantum Bellator Fire, and Cloud9.
What teams has Boombl4 played for?
Boombl4 has played for Elements Pro Gaming, Quantum Bellator Fire, Winstrike, Natus Vincere (NAVI), and Cloud9.
What is Boombl4’s biggest achievement?
One of his most notable achievements is leading NAVI to victory at IEM Katowice 2020, where they defeated G2 Esports 3-0 in the grand final.
Why did Boombl4 leave NAVI?
Boombl4 left NAVI due to a combination of professional and personal controversies, including issues surrounding his ex-wife and allegations related to financial and personal matters.
What role does Boombl4 play?
Boombl4 is primarily an in-game leader (IGL), responsible for calling strategies and leading his team in matches.
Has Boombl4 won a Major?
Boombl4 has not won a CS:GO Major but reached the top 8 at the ELEAGUE Major: Boston 2018 with Quantum Bellator Fire.
What was the controversy with Boombl4’s ex-wife?
Boombl4’s ex-wife, Angelika “LiQueen” Mikhailova, was involved in controversies related to public statements and financial disputes, ultimately leading to their highly publicized divorce.
Where is Boombl4 from?
Boombl4 was born in Russia and has played for Russian and Ukrainian esports organizations.
Why is Boombl4’s nickname unique?
His nickname originated from his experiences playing League of Legends, where he was playfully referred to as “butthurt – boom and boom.”
What is Boombl4 currently doing?
After leaving NAVI, Boombl4 continued his professional career, most notably joining Cloud9 as part of his return to competitive Counter-Strike.
