Sangal Esports, established in 2017, has been a dedicated organization in the professional Counter-Strike competitive scene. Rooted in Turkey but with an international trajectory, Sangal has represented the passion and resilience of emerging esports organizations. Despite not yet achieving dominance in the top-tier tournaments, the team has built a reputation for perseverance, adaptability, and constant evolution. In this article, we’ll explore Sangal’s history, roster changes, notable achievements, and trivia, highlighting their role within the global Counter-Strike community.

History – The Evolution of Sangal

Founding and Early Years

Sangal Esports entered the esports landscape in 2017, founded by Emre Ergül. Initially competing in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), this Turkish organization set its sights on expanding its role in the competitive gaming ecosystem. The initial years were challenging, consisting of grassroots-level competition as the team worked diligently to establish a foothold in the highly competitive Counter-Strike scene.

Relocation to the Netherlands

As Sangal grew, so did its aspirations. On July 28, 2021, the organization made a bold move, transferring its headquarters from Turkey to the Netherlands. This relocation symbolized Sangal’s commitment to expanding its global footprint and fostering international collaboration.

Strategic Partnerships

In September 2020, Sangal achieved a significant milestone by forming a partnership with Kaspersky, a global cybersecurity giant. This partnership not only enhanced the brand’s visibility but also provided the financial sustainability to explore new opportunities in the esports market.

Roster Journey – Players Through the Years

Current Roster

Maintaining a steady roster has been one of the more significant challenges for Sangal Esports. The team has experienced numerous player changes throughout its history. As of January 2025, this is the roster.

• Rasmus “kreaz” Johansson
• Bartosz “bnox” Niebisz
• Raul “Blytz” Gligor
• Danil “danistzz” Roslyakov
• Buğra “Calyx” Arkın

Previous Teams

Over the years, Sangal Esports has worked with a wide range of talented players, including:

• bishop: Known for his early contributions to the team.
• CANKU7: Demonstrated reliability during his tenure.
• l0gicman: A strong rifler with significant impact in matches.
• sterben: Played a pivotal role in many tournaments.
• KEY: One of the standout players in Sangal’s history.

These former players have contributed to the team’s growth, showcasing their skills in numerous tournaments and setting the foundation for Sangal’s future.

Notable Achievements and Matches

Participating in Major Tournaments

While Sangal Esports has not yet ascended to the podium of premier tournaments like the Counter-Strike Major Championships or IEM Katowice, their participation in various events emphasizes their commitment to reaching higher levels of competitive play. Below is an overview of their presence in significant competitions:

• ESL Pro League: Sangal has participated in this prestigious league, competing against some of the world’s best Counter-Strike teams.
• Tier 2 and Tier 3 Tournaments: The organization has excelled in mid-tier competitions, consistently performing well and gaining valuable experience against international teams.

Steady Improvement in International Competitions

Although Sangal has faced difficulties breaking into the top-tier competitive environment, they represent a hardworking ethos that resonates with fans. Their consistent appearances in online qualifiers and smaller tournaments have steadily improved their performance, demonstrating growth as a developing esports organization.

Awards and Recognitions

Total Prize Winnings

As of the last update, Sangal Esports has accumulated approximately $227,433 in prize winnings. These earnings have come from numerous tournaments, showcasing their ongoing efforts to compete at a high level.

Notable Awards

• Recognition within the Turkish esports community as one of the foremost Counter-Strike teams.
• Multiple victories and podium finishes in online regional tournaments.

Trivia – Fun Facts About Sangal

• Turkish Pride: Sangal represents one of the few Turkish organizations consistently active in the Counter-Strike esports scene.
• Political Spotlight: In July 2021, Sangal co-founder Hamza Sönmez appeared at a Good Party meeting hosted by Turkish politician Meral Akşener, underscoring the growing cultural impact of esports in Turkey.
• Frequent Roster Changes: Sangal’s frequent player transfers highlight the volatility of the esports industry and the ongoing search for competitive synergy.

Sangal FAQ

What is Sangal Esports?

Sangal Esports is a Turkish esports organization founded in 2017, primarily focused on Counter-Strike competitive gaming.

Who founded Sangal Esports?

Sangal Esports was established by Emre Ergül in 2017.

Where is Sangal’s headquarters located?

Originally based in Turkey, Sangal moved its headquarters to the Netherlands in July 2021.

Has Sangal Esports participated in major tournaments?

Yes, Sangal Esports has participated in several significant tournaments, including the ESL Pro League, although they have not yet reached the finals of top-tier competitions like the Major Championships or IEM Katowice.

What is Sangal Esports’ total prize money earned?

As of the latest update, Sangal has earned approximately $227,433 in total prize winnings.

Who are some notable former players of Sangal?

Notable former players include xfl0ud, LNZ, SaMey, yxngstxr, bishop, CANKU7, l0gicman, KEY, and sterben.

What challenges has Sangal faced?

Sangal Esports has faced challenges with maintaining a stable roster and breaking into top-tier tournaments. However, they remain competitive in mid-tier competitions.

What was Sangal’s partnership with Kaspersky about?

In September 2020, Sangal partnered with Kaspersky, a cybersecurity company, to elevate its brand and secure resources for further development.

What role has Sangal played in Turkish esports?

Sangal is considered one of the key organizations in Turkish esports, symbolizing the country’s growing presence in the international gaming scene.

What is the significance of Sangal’s relocation to the Netherlands?

Relocating to the Netherlands marked a strategic move aimed at amplifying Sangal’s international presence and operational efficiency.