Álvaro “SunPayus” García is a professional Counter-Strike 2 player from Spain, known for his role as an AWPer. With a background in chemical engineering, SunPayus transitioned from academia to esports, steadily climbing the competitive ladder. Starting his professional journey in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), he has played for multiple teams and has been a key figure in Spanish esports. Over the years, his consistency, tactical awareness, and precision with the AWP have made him one of the most recognized players in the international Counter-Strike scene. This article provides an in-depth look at his career, notable achievements, personal background, and the impact he has had on the game.
- Full Name: Álvaro García
- In-game name: SunPayus
- Birthday: November 19th, 1998
- Nationality: Spanish
- Prize money won: $266,969
Early Life and Education
Born on November 19, 1998, in Spain, Álvaro Fernández García (commonly known as SunPayus) did not initially envision a career in esports. Unlike many professional players who dedicated their early years exclusively to gaming, SunPayus pursued an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering, which he completed in 2021. It was during his time at university that he began playing Counter-Strike more competitively. Despite focusing on his studies, he continued to refine his skills in CS:GO, eventually transitioning into professional play.
Career History – Teams and Progression
SunPayus began competing in professional Counter-Strike in 2018, gradually moving through different organizations before solidifying his place on top-tier rosters. Below is a chronological list of teams he has played for:
- Myrtia Wolves Blue (March 2, 2018 – March 26, 2018)
- Tenerife Titans (August 30, 2018 – August 1, 2019)
- KPI Gaming (October 17, 2019 – June 30, 2020)
- Wygers (May 5, 2020 – January 8, 2021)
- Caronte Gaming (March 28, 2021 – May 18, 2021)
- Iberian Family (May 18, 2021 – August 9, 2021)
- Movistar Riders (August 12, 2021 – August 11, 2022)
- ENCE (August 20, 2022 – December 16, 2023)
- Team Falcons (December 16, 2023 – September 27, 2024)
- HEROIC (January 10, 2025 – Present)
His breakthrough came with Movistar Riders, where he gained international recognition. He became a crucial player for ENCE, leading them to several strong tournament finishes. After his tenure with ENCE, he transitioned to Team Falcons, before later joining HEROIC, marking another step in his career.
Notable Achievements and Matches
Throughout his career, SunPayus has competed in major tournaments, claiming high placements and significant prize winnings. Some of his most notable achievements include:
- Intel Extreme Masters Dallas 2023 – 1st place, winning $100,000.
- Intel Extreme Masters Cologne 2023 – 2nd place, securing $180,000.
- Gamers8 2023 – 2nd place, earning $180,000.
- Intel Extreme Masters Katowice 2024 – 3rd-4th place, winning $80,000.
- ESL Pro League Season 18 – 3rd-4th place, taking home $50,000.
- ESL Pro League Season 17 – 3rd-4th place, winning $50,000.
- ESL Challenger at DreamHack Valencia 2022 – 1st place, claiming $50,000.
These achievements reflect his consistency at the highest levels of play, reinforcing his status as a dependable and impactful AWPer.
Awards and Recognition
Beyond tournament results, SunPayus has earned individual accolades:
- HLTV Top 20 Players of the Year 2023: Ranked 6th, becoming the first and only Spanish player ever to make HLTV’s annual rankings.
- HLTV MVP Award: Named MVP of IEM Dallas 2023, showcasing his individual prowess.
Trivia and Lesser-Known Facts
Beyond his competitive career, several interesting facts about SunPayus illustrate his journey:
- He was introduced to team Counter-Strike when he was noticed at a LAN center in Murcia. At the time, he was competing in a Hearthstone tournament.
- Unlike many professionals, he did not have a powerful gaming PC growing up and often borrowed his brother’s machine or other people’s setups.
- His time with ENCE contributed significantly to his mental development, particularly in terms of maintaining mindfulness and improving in-game decision-making.
FAQ – SunPayus
What is SunPayus’ real name?
SunPayus’ real name is Álvaro Fernández García.
When was SunPayus born?
He was born on November 19, 1998.
What role does SunPayus play?
SunPayus primarily plays as an AWPer, specializing in sniper rifle gameplay.
Which teams has SunPayus played for?
SunPayus has played for several teams, including Movistar Riders, ENCE, Team Falcons, and HEROIC.
Has SunPayus won any major tournaments?
Yes, one of his most notable victories was at Intel Extreme Masters Dallas 2023, where his team won 1st place.
What is SunPayus’ highest career ranking in HLTV’s Top 20 Players?
SunPayus was ranked 6th in HLTV’s Top 20 Players of the Year list in 2023, making him the first Spanish player to achieve this recognition.
How did SunPayus start playing Counter-Strike?
He was introduced to team-based Counter-Strike when he was noticed at a LAN event, while he was initially competing in a Hearthstone tournament.
Did SunPayus attend university?
Yes, he earned an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering in 2021 before transitioning to a professional esports career.
What is SunPayus most known for in his gameplay?
SunPayus is known for his precise AWP shots, tactical awareness, and overall consistency in high-stakes matches.
Which was his most lucrative tournament placement?
His highest single-tournament prize came from Gamers8 2023, where his team secured 2nd place and won $180,000.
