Robin “ropz” Kool is one of the most well-known professional Counter-Strike players, having gained recognition for his exceptional mechanical skill and game sense. Originating from Estonia, ropz started his esports journey in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and later transitioned to Counter-Strike 2 (CS2). Over the years, he has been a key member of multiple top-tier teams, earning numerous titles and individual accolades. His career trajectory has included notable stints with Mousesports, FaZe Clan, and more recently, Team Vitality. This article provides an in-depth look at ropz’s career, achievements, and legacy in Counter-Strike esports.
Personal Background – Early Life and Introduction to Gaming
Robin Kool, known in the esports world as ropz, was born on December 22, 1999, in Jõgeva, Estonia. His introduction to video games happened at a young age, with his early experiences rooted in Counter-Strike 1.6. By the age of seven, he had already started exploring the game, developing a deep understanding of mechanics that would later define his professional career.
Before committing to Counter-Strike as his primary competitive game, ropz also dabbled in other games such as Call of Duty, where he played as a sniper for Team Horizon. He was also active on KreedZ mode (KZ) servers, which helped him refine his movement skills—an attribute that became a significant part of his playstyle in CS:GO.
Professional Career – A Journey Through Top Teams
Early Competitive Experience – OnlineBOTS
Ropz’s rise in the professional Counter-Strike scene began in 2016 when he played for OnlineBOTS. This period was marked by participation in various C-Tier events, where he started gaining recognition on a broader scale. His skills did not go unnoticed, as established players, including Nikola “NiKo” Kovač, pointed him out as a promising talent in early 2017. This recognition soon translated into a significant opportunity with one of the more prominent European teams.
Mousesports (2017-2021) – Early Success and Development
In April 2017, Ropz was signed by Mousesports (commonly abbreviated as Mouz), replacing German player Spiidi. His addition to the lineup proved to be a game-changer, solidifying the team’s firepower and overall performance.
During his tenure with Mousesports, ropz was part of notable tournament runs, including:
- PGL Major Krakow 2017: Finished 12th-14th in one of his first major tournaments.
- ELEAGUE Major: Boston 2018: Reached the quarterfinals before losing to FaZe Clan.
- ESL Pro League Season 10: Won the tournament and secured MVP honors.
- CS:GO Asia Championship and the V4 Future Sports Festival: Key victories in 2019.
During this period, he emerged as one of the most consistent performers in the global CS:GO scene, earning regular top rankings in HLTV’s annual player lists.
FaZe Clan (2022-2024) – Reaching the Peak
At the start of 2022, Ropz transitioned to FaZe Clan, marking a new chapter in his career. This move proved to be one of the most significant of his career, as FaZe became one of the most dominant teams in the competitive landscape.
Under FaZe Clan’s banner, ropz secured several high-profile victories, including:
- IEM Katowice 2022: One of the most prestigious tournament wins of his career.
- ESL Pro League Season 15: Earned the MVP award for his outstanding performance.
- PGL Major Antwerp 2022: Secured his first Major championship title.
- Intel Grand Slam Achievement: Helped FaZe win this prestigious multi-event competition.
His time with FaZe Clan is widely regarded as the peak of his career, as he played an instrumental role in the team’s strategic success.
Team Vitality (2025-Present) – A New Era
As of January 2025, Ropz has joined Team Vitality, teaming up with star players like ZywOo. Expectations for this team are high, as fans anticipate another dominant roster in the CS2 era. Given his track record, Ropz’s presence is expected to elevate the squad’s overall performance.
Notable Achievements and Awards
- PGL Major Antwerp 2022 Champion: First Major title with FaZe Clan.
- HLTV Top-20 Rankings: Consistently ranked in the top 20 since 2018.
- Intel Grand Slam Winner: A prestigious achievement secured with FaZe Clan.
MVP medals:
- 🎖️ CS Asia Championships 2023
- 🎖️ Thunderpick World Championship 2023
- 🎖️ ESL Pro League Season 17
- 🎖️ ESL Pro League Season 15
- 🎖️ ESL Pro League Season 10 Finals
Biggest Tournament Victories
- 🏆 PGL Major Antwerp 2022 – 1st place, $500,000
- 🏆 Intel Extreme Masters Katowice 2025 – 1st place, $400,000
- 🏆 Intel Extreme Masters XVII – Cologne – 1st place, $400,000
- 🏆 Intel Extreme Masters XVI – Katowice – 1st place, $400,000
- 🏆 CS Asia Championships 2023 – 1st place, $250,000
- 🏆 Thunderpick World Championship 2023 – 1st place, $250,000
- 🏆 ESL Pro League Season 10 – Finals – 1st place, $250,000
- 🏆 CS:GO Asia Championships 2019 – 1st place, $250,000
- 🏆 V4 Future Sports Festival – Budapest 2018 – 1st place, $247,161.40
- 🏆 ESL Pro League Season 17 – 1st place, $200,000
- 🏆 ESL Pro League Season 15 – 1st place, $190,000
Trivia and Interesting Facts
- Faced early cheating accusations: Ropz disproved allegations by playing under supervision at FaceIT’s office.
- Valued game aesthetics: He frequently adjusts his settings to create a visually appealing gameplay experience.
- Balanced school and esports: Managed to stretch his final study year into two due to professional commitments.
FAQ – ropz
What is ropz’s real name?
Ropz’s real name is Robin Kool.
Where is ropz from?
He was born and raised in Jõgeva, Estonia.
Which teams has ropz played for?
Ropz has played for OnlineBOTS, Mousesports, FaZe Clan, and recently joined Team Vitality.
What major tournaments has ropz won?
Some of ropz’s biggest tournament victories include PGL Major Antwerp 2022, IEM Katowice 2022, and ESL Pro League Season 10 and 15.
How did ropz start his professional career?
He started in OnlineBOTS before gaining recognition and joining Mousesports in 2017.
Did ropz ever face cheating accusations?
Yes, early in his career, but he proved his legitimacy by playing under supervision at the FaceIT office.
What is ropz’s playstyle known for?
He is recognized for his mechanical precision, game awareness, and consistency as a rifler.
What is ropz’s biggest achievement?
Winning PGL Major Antwerp 2022 and securing the Intel Grand Slam with FaZe Clan.
Who are ropz’s notable teammates?
Throughout his career, he has played alongside players like chrisJ, karrigan, NiKo, and ZywOo.
What is ropz’s role on his teams?
He primarily plays as a rifler and lurker, known for his strategic positioning and clutch potential.
