The MongolZ benches Senzu in shocking move ahead of the StarLadder Budapest Major

Update October 23rd: The MongolZ announced that they will play IEM Chengdu 2025 with Unudelger “controlez” Baasanjargal.

The MongolZ has moved Azbayar “Senzu” Munkhbold, one of the best CS2 players in the world, to the bench on October 22nd.

The announcement caught the entire Counter-Strike scene off-guard as the Mongolian team have chosen to part ways with a key player ahead of the StarLadder Budapest Major next month.

According to The MongolZ, it wasn’t a decision that they took lightly.

Over the past years, Senzu and the boys have together written a new chapter in Mongolian esports, showcasing world class talent, dedication, and determination.

This decision was made after careful discussions between players and management. We deeply appreciate our fans’ continued support and respect for the team as we move forward.

Senzu remains an exceptional player, and we wish him nothing but success in the next chapter of his career.

This roster move comes amidst a fruitful season for The MongolZ, who finally managed to win a trophy after being a playoff team for so long. Senzu played an instrumental role in that, as he was one of The MongolZ’s best players in their Esports World Cup 2025 title run.

Additionally, Senzu was the best The MongolZ’s player in this second half of the season, averaging a solid 1.11 rating.

Senzu was part of The MongolZ since September 2023, and curiously, it was the last time that the Mongolian team had changed a player. Back when Senzu joined, The MongolZ were not even a top 30 team in the world. And now, they’re one of the best CS2 teams in the world, which shows the impact he had over these two years.

The 19-year-old also commented on his departure:

I don’t know what to say, it wasn’t a sudden decision. It feels like im leaving my home.

We made a lot of memories together and I wish all the best things for my beloved ones. My apologies to the ones who support us, and sorry for the bad news.

If you guys didn’t give me this great opportunity, [I wouldn’t be here today]. I just want to say thanks for everything, so sorry for everything.

Who is going to replace Senzu on The MongolZ?

Finding a player as good as Senzu will be tough. Credit: Michal Konkol | © BLAST

As of now, it remains unclear who will replace Senzu on the Mongolian team. The 19-year-old is a capable rifler who isn’t afraid to go for opening kills, and he finally started to deliver in playoff games as well this season.

It’s almost impossible that The MongolZ will find someone of his caliber, but the good news for them is that they’ve grown so much since 2023 that other Mongolian teams are doing reasonably well nowadays.

Getting a player from The Huns is a possibility, as they’ve qualified for the StarLadder Budapest Major as well. However, there’s a roster lock in place, and The MongolZ won’t be able to poach one of their players just now.

It’s more likely that The MongolZ will have to utilize the head coach Erdenedalai “maaRaa” Bayanbat during the Major, unless they find a substitute that hasn’t qualified for the Major under another team.

Feature image credit: © PGL