Heroic has announced a completely revamped Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) roster following the recent departure of several players. The new lineup will debut at the BLAST Bounty tournament, signaling a fresh start for the organization in the competitive CS2 scene.
Recent departures
Earlier this week, Heroic bid farewell to several key players, including René “TeSeS” Madsen, Damjan “kyxsan” Stoilkovski, Abdul “degster” Gasanov, and Guy “NertZ” Iluz. The former trio has since joined Falcons, while NertZ is reportedly in talks with Liquid. These changes have led Heroic to restructure their team significantly.
The new Heroic roster
Heroic’s new CS2 roster features a mix of experienced players and rising talents. The team is as follows:

- Álvaro “SunPayus” García (AWPer)
The Spanish sniper has previously played for ENCE and Movistar Riders. Known for his precision and composure, SunPayus was ranked the 6th best player of 2023 by HLTV. His experience as an AWPer will be a crucial asset for the team. - Yasin “xfl0ud” Koç (Rifler)
The Turkish player brings rifling expertise honed during his time with Sangal. Known for his adaptability, xfl0ud has been a consistent performer in regional and international events. - Linus “LNZ” Holtäng (In-Game Leader and Rifler)
A Swedish player with experience from Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP) and Sangal, LNZ adds leadership and tactical depth to Heroic. His ability to make impactful mid-round decisions will be critical for the team’s cohesion. - Simon “yxngstxr” Boije (Rifler)
Another Swedish addition from Sangal, yxngstxr is recognized for his sharp aim and solid team play. His recent performances have shown promise, making him a valuable addition to the roster. - Andrey “tN1R” Tatarinovich (Rifler)
The Belarusian rifler has gained attention for his mechanical skill and potential. Joining Heroic marks a significant step forward in his career as he moves into a higher tier of competition.
The roster will also have two substitutes:
- Linus “nilo” Bergman
- Pavle “Maden” Bošković
Strategic rebuild
Heroic’s decision to acquire a trio of players from Sangal—LNZ, yxngstxr, and xfl0ud—demonstrates a strategic approach to team building. The players have existing synergy, which could minimize the adjustment period and allow Heroic to focus on performance from the outset.
The addition of SunPayus brings a highly experienced AWPer into the mix, while tN1R represents an investment in emerging talent. This balanced roster composition aims to ensure both immediate results and long-term development.
BLAST Bounty debut
The new Heroic lineup will compete in the BLAST Bounty tournament, providing an opportunity to evaluate the team’s potential against strong competition. The tournament will be a critical test for the roster as they face established teams in the CS2 ecosystem.
Heroic’s revamped roster reflects the organization’s intent to remain competitive in the CS2 landscape. The blend of seasoned professionals and rising stars presents both opportunities and challenges. How this new roster performs will likely set the tone for Heroic’s 2025 season.
Fans and analysts will be closely watching Heroic’s debut at BLAST Bounty, as the organization embarks on this new chapter in its CS2 journey.