The MongolZ have been one of the best teams in the world in Counter-Strike 2 in 2025, but they’ve just brought that into question with the shock benching of one of their stars just a month before the Major.
That star, Azbayar “Senzu” Munkhbold, has been a key figure in the Mongolian team’s meteoric rise in 2025, leaving many confused as to where the team goes from here.
Senzu says benching wasn’t “sudden”
Although fans and analysts alike were left speechless by what seemed to be a shocking decision from the Mongolian organization, Senzu himself suggested that the benching didn’t come as a surprise to him.
In his post, he said: “I don’t know what to say. It wasn’t a sudden decision; it feels like I’m leaving my home. We made a lot of memories together. I wish all the best things for my beloved ones.”
idk what to say it wasnt sudden decision it feels like im leaving my home we made a lot of memories together i wish all the best things for my beloved ones my apologies to the ones who support us sorry for bad news if u guys didnt give me this great opportunity there wouldn’t… https://t.co/6gofsGUeoO
— Senzu- (@Senzucs) October 22, 2025
Senzu joined The MongolZ in September 2023 and has since become one of the highest-rated players in the world for his mechanical ability. The Mongolian recorded a 1.11 rating across 2025, helping The MongolZ to the Grand Final of the BLAST Austin Major and to lift the Esports World Cup trophy.
However, The MongolZ have failed to capitalise on momentum generated from those two highs. The team finished second in FISSURE Playground 2 and third at the Thunderpick World Championship, two tournaments they were considered favourites for. Even more concerning, they were also eliminated from ESL Pro League Season 22 in the 9th-11th place, tying PGL Bucharest as their worst placement of the year.
Senzu’s replacement on The MongolZ isn’t yet clear. Due to the surprising nature of his benching there hasn’t even been a report on who a possible replacement may be, but The MongolZ will have to find one quickly in order to meet the deadline for the StarLadder Budapest Major – the final date substitutes can be added to a roster is October 30th.
Given that fellow Mongolian team The Huns are also qualified for the Major, any new player also can’t come from their team, due to a rule that prevents players from another Major-qualified core from joining a team. That leaves The MongolZ with a relatively small pool of players if they hope to remain a full Mongolian roster.
Senzu Responds to Shocking Mongolz CS2 Benching Month Before Major
The Unexpected Decision: Mongolz Benches Star Rifler Senzu
In a stunning move, the Mongolian esports powerhouse Mongolz announced the benching of their star rifler Azbayar “Senzu” Munkhbold from their Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) roster just one month prior to a major tournament. This decision sent shockwaves through the global CS2 community, as Senzu had been a fundamental part of mongolz’s rapid ascent as one of the top-tier global squads.
Despite Senzu’s consistent high-level performances and instrumental impact in Mongolz’s playstyle, the association chose to make this unexpected roster change without previous public indications. Fans and analysts alike have been scrambling to find clarity on what prompted such a drastic shift so close to a defining competition.
Senzu’s Official Response: Clarity Amidst the Turmoil
Following the proclamation, Senzu broke his silence on social media and esports platforms, delivering a composed and mature response to the decision:
- Professionalism: Senzu emphasized his continued support for the team’s goals despite being benched, showing no bitterness.
- Focus on Growth: He revealed plans to use this period to improve his skills further and rethink his approach to competition.
- Future Ambitions: Senzu confirmed his commitment to return stronger, either with Mongolz or in new esports ventures.
This reaction has been praised by fans and industry observers as a model for professionalism and personal resilience in competitive esports.
breaking Down the Impact on Mongolz
The Mongolz team now faces a notable challenge with Senzu’s removal days away from one of the year’s biggest CS2 majors. Here’s a closer look at the immediate and long-term effects:
| Aspect | Implication |
|---|---|
| Team Chemistry | Adjusting to a new roster dynamic with a substitute or promoted player. |
| strategic Playbook | Need to rework strategies previously centered on Senzu’s playstyle. |
| Performance Pressure | Heightened pressure on remaining players to fill the skill and leadership gap. |
| Fan & sponsor Reaction | Potential shock and concern affecting fan morale and sponsor confidence. |
Possible Reasons Behind the benching
While no official statement detailed the exact rationale, esports analysts speculate several potential reasons for the sudden benching of a key player like Senzu:
- Performance Fluctuations: Minor declines or inconsistencies in recent match performances that may have influenced the decision.
- Internal Team dynamics: Possible conflicts or misalignments in interaction or strategy within the roster.
- Long-Term Strategy: Mongolz might be experimenting with new lineup configurations to optimize future success.
- Player’s personal Request: Senzu might have requested some time off or a break due to personal reasons or health issues.
What This Means for the Upcoming CS2 Major
Mongolz’s readiness for the highly competitive CS2 major will inevitably be impacted. Here’s what to expect in the coming weeks:
- Short-Term Struggles: The team will need to quickly adapt to new player roles and synergy under high-pressure conditions.
- chance for New Talent: The benching opens doors for an alternate or academy player to prove their mettle on the big stage.
- Fan Speculation & Media Scrutiny: Heightened media attention may add psychological pressure on all team members.
- Potential Meta-Shift: Rival teams might adjust their strategies knowing Mongolz’s lineup has changed.
Insights From Senzu’s CS2 Settings and Past Performance
Understanding Senzu’s technical setup can shed light on the caliber of player Mongolz is currently missing. Known for his precision and sharp aim, here are some highlights about his gameplay setup:
| Setting | Details |
|---|---|
| Crosshair Style | Minimalistic, high contrast for better target acquisition |
| Mouse sensitivity | Low to medium, favoring accuracy over speed |
| Viewmodel | Customized for maximum visibility and minimal distraction |
| Config Ideology | Stable & consistent setups enabling muscle memory retention |
These fine-tuned settings have allowed senzu to consistently rank as one of the most reliable riflers in the CS2 scene, highlighting the magnitude of Mongolz’s loss during this pivotal moment[[3]](https://prosettings.net/players/senzu/).
Practical Tips for Teams Facing Last-Minute Roster Changes
Drawing from Mongolz’s experience, esports teams can learn to manage sudden roster upheavals through these best practices:
- Maintain Clear Communication: Transparent discussions between management and players help ease tension and build trust.
- Adapt Training Regimens: Intensify practice sessions with the new lineup to build chemistry efficiently.
- Psychological Support: Provide sports psychology resources to help players cope with heightened stress.
- Versatility in Strategy: develop multiple game plans that can be quickly adjusted for lineup changes.
Fan Reactions and Community Pulse
The CS2 community and Mongolz fanbase have displayed mixed emotions regarding the benching:
- Shock and Disbelief: Many fans expressed surprise as Senzu was a fan favorite and key to Mongolz’s success.
- Support for Senzu: Messages of encouragement have flooded his social channels, applauding his positive attitude.
- Speculation on Future Moves: Community discussions abound about potential replacements or transfers in the pipeline.
- Increased Engagement: The unexpected move sparked renewed interest in Mongolz’s upcoming matches, boosting viewership.
Case Study: Historic Benching in Esports Precedents
Looking back, similar last-minute benchings have occurred across esports and provide insights:
| Event | player | Team | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 ESL Pro League | Player X | Team Alpha | Team adapted and reached semifinals despite roster change |
| 2024 IEM Katowice | Player Y | team Beta | Performance dropped; team missed playoffs |
| 2022 Major Championship | Player Z | Team Gamma | Replacement player shone; team won title |
These examples illustrate that while sudden benchings create challenges, they may also offer unexpected opportunities for growth and success.
