Sangal CS2 Roster Update
In light of Valve’s decisions shaping 2025, change in Counter-Strike was inevitable. Today, Sangal has officially announced that its Counter-Strike 2 core has been acquired by Heroic.
After an impressive 2024 season, the Norwegian organization Heroic made an offer to acquire Sangal’s core roster. Following a thorough evaluation, Sangal determined that this move aligned best with the organization’s long-term vision.
This strategic decision will enable Sangal to deepen its investments within the Counter-Strike ecosystem, further solidifying its position as a competitive force in the esports landscape.
After a successful year as Sangal, we are closely following the developments of the 2025 season, which will be shaped by Valve’s new regulations.
During the Rostermania period, many organisations showed interest in Sangal players. However, the most logical offer to ensure Sangal’s sustainability in the esports ecosystem came from Heroic, a Norway-based organisation. After a thorough evaluation process with our Board of Directors, we have accepted the offer and officially signed the agreement. I believe this decision is the right step for Sangal’s future and growth.
At this point, I would like to thank our players Simon, Linus, and Yasin, who had a successful year under the Sangal flag and contributed to its legacy. I wish them all the best in their new journey with Heroic.
Sangal’s new roadmap in the Counter-Strike scene will be announced very soon. Under the leadership of our technical team, we are building a roster for 2025 that will meet our success criteria, just as we did last year, and we can’t wait to share it with our fans.
Hamza Sönmez, Sangal Gaming Group CEO
A New Beginning and the Power of Harmony
In late 2023, LNZ, yxngstxr, and xfl0ud joined Sangal’s roster. The trio quickly showcased exceptional synergy, laying the foundation for future success. Their teamwork and energy were clear signs of the great achievements to come.
The First Major Triumph: European Championship
Sangal’s rise began with their first European title, the RES Regional Championship, on May 22, 2024. This historic victory marked the team’s entry into the upper echelon of competitive Counter-Strike. Soon after, they secured the ESL Challenger League Season 47 Europe Championship, earning a spot in the prestigious ESL Pro League Season 20.
Summer Victories and the Road to RMR
Following the summer break, Sangal maintained their momentum with wins in CCT Season 2 Europe Series 6 and CCT Season 2 Europe Series 7. These victories solidified their status, while also earning a spot in the RMR qualifiers for the Shanghai Major, set to take place at the end of the year.
Breaking into Tier 1
By the year’s last quarter, Sangal had ascended to Tier 1 tournaments. Despite being newcomers to this level, the team made an immediate impact in ESL Pro League Season 20, defeating giants like FaZe and Heroic. These victories proved that Sangal was ready to compete at the pinnacle of Counter-Strike.
Challenges and Future Potential
While the team faced setbacks in the RES Regional Champions and RMR Shanghai tournaments, their overall performance showcased their growth and potential. With adjustments and continued development, the roster appeared poised to be a formidable threat heading into 2025.
What a ride it has been at Sangal, 1.5 years together have gone crazy fast and I’m so happy this time of year, lots of memories together that I will cherish for a long time. But now a next step has come for us and I’m so excited to have yxngstxr and xfl0ud with me on this journey. Thank you Sangal for this time together.
Linus “LNZ” Holtäng, Player, Sangal
I’m very grateful for the time I had in Sangal and especially for Hamza, Emre, Srab, LNZ, Jumpy and stikle- for bringing me on from the start and also thanks to the people behind the organisation and the people I’ve played with along the way!
Simon “yxngstxr” Boije, Player, Sangal
Sangal has been like a warm home for me. They provided all the support and confidence I needed to adapt quickly and comfortably to a major change in my career. I’m truly happy with how far we’ve come, both individually and as a team—places I didn’t think I could reach in such a short time. Starting today, we’ll experience the thrill of stepping out of our comfort zone and setting sail for the vast oceans, together with all of you.
Yasin “xfl0ud” Koç, Player, Sangal
Today, we bid farewell to LNZ, yxngstxr and xfl0ud. It’s been an incredible season working alongside them, and I’m grateful for the journey we’ve shared. I wish them all the best with Heroic and believe they have the potential to achieve great things in 2025.
Jimmy “Jumpy” Berndtsson, coach, Sangal