Passion UA, a professional esports organization from Ukraine, has been making strides in the competitive Counter-Strike 2 scene. Founded in 2023 by professional footballer Oleksandr Zinchenko, the team quickly captured the attention of fans and analysts with their dedication and resilience in the face of challenges. This article aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the history, player roster, notable achievements, and competitive records of Passion UA, along with some interesting trivia about the organization.
History – The Founding of Passion UA
Passion UA was established in 2023 as Oleksandr Zinchenko’s foray into the dynamic esports industry. Known widely for his accomplishments in professional football, Zinchenko demonstrated his passion for gaming by founding the organization. His goal was clear: to create a competitive and professional Ukrainian esports team capable of making waves in the Counter-Strike 2 scene.
The team debuted with an ambitious roster of promising Ukrainian players who began competing in regional tournaments and online circuits shortly after the team’s inception. Their journey has been marked by victories and challenges, all of which have played a role in shaping the organization into one of resilience and potential.
Team Structure – Current and Former Rosters
Current Player Roster
As of January 2025, Passion UA fields a roster of five talented players, each bringing unique skills to the team. The current lineup includes:
jambo (Dmytro Semera) – Joined on August 20, 2023.- jackasmo (Nikita Skyba) – Joined on August 20, 2023.
- zeRRoFIX (Eduard Petrovskyi) – Joined on August 20, 2023.
- Topa (Oleksij Topchijenko) – Joined on January 4, 2025.
- Kvem (Vladyslav Korolj) – Joined on January 6, 2025.
Coaching Staff
- kane (Mykhajlo Blaghin) – Coach, joined on August 20, 2023. His vast experience in esports coaching has been a valuable asset to the team’s progress.
Former Players
Over time, Passion UA has seen several player transitions. Key former players include:
- fear (Rodyon Smyk) – Active between February 17, 2024, and January 2, 2025.
- s-chilla (Vsevolod Shchurov) – Active between August 20, 2023, and January 1, 2025.
- marat2k (Kyryl Samsoniuk) – Active between August 20, 2023, and March 2, 2024.
Notable Achievements and Competitive Record
ESEA Season 52 – Ongoing Pursuit
Passion UA has been actively participating in ESEA Season 52: Advanced Division – Europe. Although their performance in this tournament is still ongoing, their entry into the Advanced Division speaks volumes about their growing stature in the Counter-Strike community.
CCT Season 2 – Europe Series
The team saw action in multiple series under CCT Season 2. Notable performances included a record of 2:1 and 2:0 in some matches. However, the team also faced defeats, such as 0:2 and 1:2, demonstrating the highs and lows of competitive play.
European Pro League Season 16
One of their standout performances occurred during the European Pro League Season 16. Passion UA secured victories with scores such as 3:1, 2:1, and 2:0. These results portrayed the team’s potential and competitiveness on an international scale.
Awards – Accumulated Prize Winnings
In their relatively short tenure, Passion UA has managed to earn approximately $109,900 in prize winnings across various tournaments — a commendable feat for a team that is still in its growth phase.
Challenges – Navigating Uncertainty
Passion UA’s journey has been fraught with unique challenges. Being a Ukrainian team, the organization faced logistical hurdles due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, similar to their Apex Legends counterpart. Restricted mobility and difficulties in attending LAN events have been significant barriers for the team. Nevertheless, their determination to compete remains steadfast.
Trivia About Passion UA
Here are some interesting facts about Passion UA that underline their unique journey:
- Passion UA was founded by a professional footballer, Oleksandr Zinchenko, which adds a rare angle to their origin story.
- The team’s consistency in pursuing tournaments despite external challenges showcases their resilience.
- They have yet to establish themselves in premier-tier tournaments like the Counter-Strike Majors or IEM events but are making gradual progress in regional and online circuits.
Maps and Playstyle
The team’s performance varies across different maps, reflecting their strategic flexibility and areas for improvement. Their best form is evident on maps like Vertigo (77% win rate) and Anubis (67%), while they have struggled significantly on maps like Nuke (0% win rate).
Frequently Asked Questions About Passion UA
What is Passion UA?
Passion UA is a professional esports organization based in Ukraine, founded in 2023 by professional footballer Oleksandr Zinchenko. The organization currently focuses on Counter-Strike 2 and Apex Legends.
Who owns Passion UA?
Passion UA is owned by Oleksandr Zinchenko, a Ukrainian professional football player.
Who are the current players of Passion UA?
The current roster includes jambo (Dmytro Semera), jackasmo (Nikita Skyba), zeRRoFIX (Eduard Petrovskyi), Topa (Oleksij Topchijenko), and Kvem (Vladyslav Korolj).
Who is the coach of Passion UA?
The team is coached by kane (Mykhajlo Blaghin), who joined the organization on August 20, 2023.
What tournaments has Passion UA participated in?
Passion UA has competed in several tournaments such as the European Pro League Season 16, CCT Season 2 Europe Series, and ESEA Season 52: Advanced Division – Europe.
What are Passion UA’s biggest achievements?
Although they haven’t reached the upper echelons of premier tournaments, Passion UA has accumulated around $109,900 in winnings and has shown strong potential in regional competitions.
Why is the team named Passion UA?
The name reflects the founder Oleksandr Zinchenko’s passion for gaming and Ukraine’s national pride, as UA stands for Ukraine.
What challenges does Passion UA face?
The team faces challenges such as travel restrictions and logistical difficulties due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which limits their ability to attend LAN events.
What maps does Passion UA excel at?
Passion UA performs best on maps like Vertigo and Anubis, with relatively high win rates, while struggling on maps like Nuke.
Has Passion UA played in a Counter-Strike Major?
No, as of now, Passion UA has not participated in the final stages of any Counter-Strike Major Championships.
