How Will Top CS2 Teams’ Rosters Change in 2025? Transfer Rumors and Confirmed Moves
As expected, the transfer market heated up immediately after the conclusion of the Major. Before the New Year and Christmas holidays even began, most organizations had already announced significant roster moves. These announcements have been fueled by a steady stream of rumors throughout the holiday season. This offseason stands out as most tier-1 teams are engaging in roster shuffles. Some rosters remained unchanged for too long, with many expecting changes last summer. Back then, only G2 and Liquid made moves. Now, it’s time for other top teams to join the arms race and engage in intense negotiations. This article will explore potential changes among the best teams and highlight confirmed transfers.
Falcons
The Saudi Arabian esports organization made a loud entrance into the scene, achieving significant results in multiple disciplines — except for CS2. For over a year, the team struggled, trying to acquire top players who were reluctant to join due to the busy tournament schedule. Their primary target was Nikola “NiKo” Kovač, and a few days ago, they officially announced his transfer from G2. At the time of NiKo’s arrival, the team only had Magisk and zonic as coach, with the rest of the roster unknown. Surprisingly, the necessary trio turned out to be players from Heroic: rifler TeSeS, Russian AWPer degster, and kyxsan as captain. According to rumors, the colossal transfer amounted to $6,000,000–$10,000,000, making it a record-breaking sum.
Is this lineup the dream team for the Arab investors? Unlikely. However, it’s undoubtedly more exciting than the previous roster. With everyone maintaining their roles, the challenge now lies with zonic, who must work on building team synergy. Despite the failures with the previous roster, zonic must still establish authority with such experienced players and construct a formidable team.
Heroic
What will happen to the Danish organization after losing three, possibly four players? Rumors suggest that NertZ may also leave the team, potentially joining Liquid to replace YEKINDAR. Could the investors shut down the project and walk away with their earnings? Not likely! Heroic has faced similar situations before, where three players left simultaneously, yet they rebuilt and finished the year in HLTV’s top 8.
The management excels in the transfer market and takes a smart approach to building new lineups. According to insiders, they are considering signing a trio from Sangal: yxngstxr, xfl0ud, and LNZ, who have experience in major tournaments like the RMR in Shanghai. Additionally, there are whispers of former ENCE members returning under the Heroic tag, with Snappi, SunPayus, and Spinx as potential candidates. Both options seem viable and capable of replicating the previous roster’s results.
Vitality
The French organization deserves admiration for repeatedly acquiring top-tier players without spending a dime. Officially, the transfer of ropz hasn’t been confirmed, but the community treats it as a done deal. The main question is whose spot the Estonian will take: Spinx (rumored to be joining Heroic) or mezii. Many fans prefer replacing the British player, as it seems unwise to part ways with someone ranked 13th in HLTV’s 2024 rankings. Regardless of the decision, the ropz transfer is nothing short of sensational. His versatility makes him a trusted player in any role, and with a carry like ZywOo in the team, ropz’s potential could shine even brighter.
FaZe Clan
The stable roster that reached two Major grand finals in 2024 suffered a significant loss. Besides finding a replacement for the Estonian player, the team must address its future, as karrigan and rain are nearing the end of their careers. A one-for-one substitution might delay the inevitable, but sweeping changes don’t seem imminent, especially with a worthy candidate already in sight.
ELiGE has declared his availability for offers. The American appears disillusioned with carrying Complexity single-handedly and has lost faith in the project. While ELiGE plays different roles, FaZe wouldn’t lose firepower and might even gain some. His aggressive playstyle could shift the team’s dynamics, but his personality could lead to interpersonal challenges off the server.
G2
The Samurais couldn’t hold onto NiKo, and rumors about his departure as early as fall 2024 seem to have been accurate. The transfer of malbsMd, planned well in advance, positions him as the successor to the legendary Bosnian. Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov remains with the team, leaving G2 to find a replacement for the Guatemalan player’s role.
The management likely couldn’t have changed NiKo’s decision, but they deserve praise for preparing ahead. With resources and flexibility in their salary budget after NiKo’s departure and HooXi’s contract ending, G2 can make another impactful signing. HeavyGod is the frontrunner, but the Samurais might surprise everyone with an unexpected move.
Team Liquid
The North American organization made significant changes six months ago, but YEKINDAR couldn’t find his form in CS2. The Latvian has announced his departure and may join a Russian-speaking roster, which seems more fitting after two years with Liquid. The organization is reportedly eyeing NertZ, whose performance with Heroic was impressive. Liquid has already achieved respectable results, and adding a player of NertZ’s caliber to an established system could be a game-changer.
Virtus.pro
The pivotal transfer of electroNic didn’t become the key piece of the puzzle but instead caused more problems. The Bears parted ways with captain Jame after five years, and n0rb3r7 was once again benched to make room for another player. This time, however, it’s not just a “promising” Faceit player but FL4MUS, who shined at the Major in Shanghai as a former GamerLegion member. Former Cloud9 player ICY takes on the AWPer role, having delivered strong performances at two Majors.
Strangely enough, on paper, VP seems to have strengthened while also refreshing their roster. Yet, electroNic’s third stint as an IGL raises doubts. Additionally, there’s little evidence of coaching input, and it’s hard to believe in the self-driven work ethic of a captain who has already won every possible title.
Eternal Fire
A relatively small, regional reshuffle in the Turkish scene deserves attention. Last season was exceptionally successful for Eternal Fire’s players, and replacing the underperforming Calyx with a talented academy graduate further boosts the team. It seems 2025 could finally see the Turks lifting a trophy and making playoff appearances in major tournaments.
