From grinding online to disbanding — What options does Monte have with CS2 roster?

The latest major tournament in Counter-Strike 2, IEM Dallas 2024, has just wrapped up, and the Monte team was among the participants. After enjoying tremendous success throughout 2023 and becoming a fixture at the highest-tier events, Monte’s fortunes have taken a concerning turn for the worse. In this article, we’ll dive into several potential paths forward for Monte’s CS2 roster, as they look to avoid sinking down to the bottom of the professional scene. 2023 was a banner year for Monte, as the team emerged as one of the top contenders in the fledgling CS2 esports scene. Led by veteran in-game leader Monte, the squad put together an impressive run of tournament victories and top placements, cementing their status as one of the premier teams in the game. Their aggressive, high-octane playstyle and refined tactical approach made them a nightmare for opponents to face.

However, the transition into 2024 has been far less kind to Monte. Despite the excitement and fanfare surrounding the launch of Counter-Strike 2, the team has struggled to maintain their previous form. A disappointing group stage exit at IEM Dallas 2024 has left many questioning whether the Monte dynasty is coming to an end. Roster instability, strategic stagnation, and the rapid evolution of the CS2 meta appear to be the primary culprits behind their recent downfall. Now, Monte finds themselves at a critical juncture. With their stock plummeting and fans growing increasingly frustrated, the organization must carefully evaluate their options and chart a path forward. Do they double down on the current roster, hoping that experience and practice will help them regain their footing? Or do they consider more drastic measures, such as a complete roster overhaul or even the disbandment of the CS2 team altogether? Each choice carries its own unique risks and rewards, and the decisions made in the coming months will likely determine the long-term fate of the Monte organization in the CS2 esports landscape.

Background

Monte’s story in the competitive Counter-Strike scene began back in July 2022. Success didn’t come immediately for the fledgling organization – it took them some time to form a truly competitive roster. But their ascent truly began in 2023, when the additions of star players Viktor “sdy” Orudzhev and Serhij “lmbt” Bezhanov transformed the team. Within just a month of these key transfers, Monte’s fortunes improved significantly. The squad started dominating the lower-tier CCT tournament circuits, and they made sure to participate in every event they were invited to. On top of that, the players were constantly grinding away in FPL, which resulted in each member hitting phenomenal individual form. This well-rounded success culminated in Monte successfully qualifying for the last-ever Counter-Strike major tournament, where they were able to reach the playoffs. Following that breakout performance, the team began receiving regular invitations to the most prestigious S-tier championships. Monte’s aggressive, high-octane playstyle and refined tactical approach made them a nightmare for opponents to face. Led by veteran in-game leader Monte, the squad put together an impressive run of tournament victories and top placements, cementing their status as one of the premier teams in the game. 2023 was undoubtedly a banner year for Monte, as they emerged as one of the top contenders in the fledgling CS2 esports scene. However, the transition into 2024 has been far less kind to the organization. Despite the excitement and fanfare surrounding the launch of Counter-Strike 2, the team has struggled to maintain their previous form. A disappointing group stage exit at the recent IEM Dallas 2024 event has left many questioning whether the Monte dynasty is coming to an end. Roster instability, strategic stagnation, and the rapid evolution of the CS2 meta appear to be the primary culprits behind their recent downfall. It was announced that star player sdy would not be renewing his contract, and he would be departing the Monte organization. Additionally, experienced veteran Alexander “br0” Bro transferred over to Astralis. These key losses marked the beginning of a steady decline in Monte’s results. Attempts to bring in promising academy players have so far been unsuccessful, and the recent transfers of other experienced veterans also don’t seem to be panning out as hoped.

Now, Monte finds themselves at a crossroads. With the team’s fortunes waning and fan frustration growing, the organization must carefully evaluate their options and chart a path forward. Do they double down on the current roster, hoping that experience and practice will help them regain their footing? Or do they consider more drastic measures, such as a complete roster overhaul or even the disbandment of the CS2 team altogether? Each choice carries its own unique risks and rewards, and the decisions made in the coming months will likely determine the long-term fate of the Monte organization in the CS2 esports landscape. One potential option would be to maintain the core of the current roster and supplement it with strategic additions. This could involve signing skilled young talent from the lower tiers, or looking to acquire proven veterans who could bring stability and leadership. The hope would be that with time to gel and refine their strategies, this reconfigured Monte squad could rediscover the magic of their 2023 successes. Alternatively, Monte could opt for a more dramatic reset, dismantling the existing roster in favor of an entirely new lineup. While risky, this approach could potentially inject fresh energy and ideas into the team, allowing them to adapt more effectively to the evolving CS2 meta. The organization would need to carefully scout and recruit the right mix of skilled players who mesh well together, but if executed properly, a wholesale roster overhaul could breathe new life into the Monte brand. The most drastic choice on the table would be to disband the CS2 team altogether. This would be an acknowledgment that the current iteration of the roster is beyond saving, and that Monte’s resources would be better allocated elsewhere. It’s an incredibly difficult decision, as it would mean walking away from the substantial investments and efforts put into building a CS2 powerhouse. However, if the organization genuinely believes that the team cannot be salvaged, cutting their losses and exploring other esports opportunities may be the wisest long-term strategy. Ultimately, Monte finds itself at a crucial juncture. The organization’s past successes have raised the stakes and expectations, making their recent struggles all the more painful. But with the right moves, there is still hope that Monte can reclaim their place among the CS2 elite. The coming months will be a true test of the team’s resilience and the organization’s strategic vision. Whatever path they choose, the Monte faithful will be watching closely, eager to see their beloved squad return to the heights of the previous year.

Full Disband

Monte’s journey in the competitive Counter-Strike scene has been a rollercoaster ride filled with both soaring highs and crushing lows. Their story began back in July 2022, when the organization first assembled a roster to compete in the rapidly evolving esports landscape. However, success did not come easily in those early days, as the team struggled to find the right mix of players and strategies to consistently challenge the established powerhouses. It wasn’t until 2023 that Monte truly began to hit their stride. The additions of star players Viktor “sdy” Orudzhev and Serhij “lmbt” Bezhanov proved to be the catalysts that transformed the organization into a genuine contender. Within just a month of these key transfers, Monte’s fortunes improved dramatically. The squad started dominating the lower-tier CCT tournament circuits, showcasing their aggressive, high-octane playstyle and refined tactical approach. On top of that, the players were constantly grinding away in FPL, honing their individual skills to a razor-sharp edge. This well-rounded success culminated in Monte successfully qualifying for the last-ever Counter-Strike major tournament, where they were able to reach the playoffs and prove their mettle against the best teams in the world. Following that breakout performance on the biggest stage, the team began receiving regular invitations to the most prestigious S-tier championships. Monte’s unique blend of raw firepower and strategic acumen made them a nightmare for opponents to face. Led by veteran in-game leader Monte, the squad put together an impressive run of tournament victories and top placements, cementing their status as one of the premier teams in the game. 2023 was undoubtedly a banner year for Monte, as they emerged as one of the top contenders in the fledgling CS2 esports scene. However, the transition into 2024 has been far less kind to the organization. Despite the excitement and fanfare surrounding the launch of Counter-Strike 2, the team has struggled to maintain their previous form and consistent level of success. A disappointing group stage exit at the recent IEM Dallas 2024 event has left many questioning whether the Monte dynasty is coming to an end. Roster instability, strategic stagnation, and the rapid evolution of the CS2 meta appear to be the primary culprits behind their recent downfall. It was announced that star player sdy would not be renewing his contract, and he would be departing the Monte organization. Additionally, experienced veteran Alexander “br0” Bro transferred over to Astralis, further depleting the team’s veteran leadership and firepower. These key losses marked the beginning of a steady decline in Monte’s results, as the organization struggled to find suitable replacements. Attempts to bring in promising academy players have so far been unsuccessful, and the recent transfers of other experienced veterans also don’t seem to be panning out as hoped. Now, Monte finds themselves at a crossroads, with their once-formidable dynasty teetering on the brink of collapse. With the team’s fortunes waning and fan frustration growing, the Monte organization must carefully evaluate their options and chart a path forward. Do they double down on the current roster, hoping that experience and practice will help them regain their footing? Or do they consider more drastic measures, such as a complete roster overhaul or even the disbandment of the CS2 team altogether? Each choice carries its own unique risks and rewards, and the decisions made in the coming months will likely determine the long-term fate of the Monte organization in the CS2 esports landscape.

One potential option would be to maintain the core of the current roster and supplement it with strategic additions. This could involve signing skilled young talent from the lower tiers, or looking to acquire proven veterans who could bring stability and leadership to the team. The hope would be that with time to gel and refine their strategies, this reconfigured Monte squad could rediscover the magic of their 2023 successes. Alternatively, Monte could opt for a more dramatic reset, dismantling the existing roster in favor of an entirely new lineup. While risky, this approach could potentially inject fresh energy and ideas into the team, allowing them to adapt more effectively to the evolving CS2 meta. The organization would need to carefully scout and recruit the right mix of skilled players who mesh well together, but if executed properly, a wholesale roster overhaul could breathe new life into the Monte brand. The most drastic choice on the table would be to disband the CS2 team altogether. This would be an acknowledgment that the current iteration of the roster is beyond saving, and that Monte’s resources would be better allocated elsewhere. It’s an incredibly difficult decision, as it would mean walking away from the substantial investments and efforts put into building a CS2 powerhouse. However, if the organization genuinely believes that the team cannot be salvaged, cutting their losses and exploring other esports opportunities may be the wisest long-term strategy. One option Monte is seriously considering is a complete disband of the current roster in order to generate some much-needed funds. The organization could look to sell off their two veteran players, Serghij “DemQQ” Demchenko and Szymon “kRaSnaL” Mrozek, in an effort to ensure financial stability for the time being. For both of these esports athletes, a fresh start elsewhere may be the best move at this stage of their careers. With those salary-clearing transfers completed, Volodymyr “Woro2k” Veletnjuk would then team up with coach Serhij “lmbt” Bezhanov to begin building an entirely new Monte roster from the ground up. Their goal would be to once again earn a place among the tier-1 teams in the CS2 ecosystem. This approach would require the organization to really focus on finding a stable starting lineup that displays excellent synergy and cohesion. The downside of this drastic overhaul is that Monte would likely have to miss out on the upcoming Major tournament in China. However, the team and organization are prepared to make that short-term sacrifice if it means positioning themselves for long-term success. They’re hopeful that, just like in 2023, a methodical rebuild and dedicated grind will eventually pay dividends and see Monte climb their way back to the top. It’s an incredibly high-risk, high-reward strategy, but the leadership believes it may be necessary to pull the organization out of its current slump. With the right young talent and shrewd coaching, they believe this clean slate could allow Monte to recapture the magic that made them a dominant force in the previous year. Of course, there are no guarantees, and the path back to the elite tier will require immense effort and patience. But for Monte, the potential rewards outweigh the risks at this critical juncture. Ultimately, Monte finds itself at a crucial crossroads. The organization’s past successes have raised the stakes and expectations, making their recent struggles all the more painful. But with the right moves, there is still hope that Monte can reclaim their place among the CS2 elite. The coming months will be a true test of the team’s resilience and the organization’s strategic vision. Whatever path they choose, the Monte faithful will be watching closely, eager to see their beloved squad return to the heights of the previous year.

Grind, Grind, and More Grind

Instead of completely rebuilding the roster or disbanding the team altogether, another option for Monte could be to return to their roots and refocus their efforts on the grind. This approach may not be as flashy as a complete overhaul, but it could provide a more stable and sustainable path back to the top. It was recently announced that there will be no open qualifiers for the upcoming Major tournament in China for the European region. Instead, all invitations to the closed qualifiers will be based solely on Valve’s official rankings. This development represents both a challenge and an opportunity for Monte. Since a team’s ranking is heavily dependent on the prize money they’ve earned, it could be a wise move for Monte to double down on competing in lower-tier tournaments like the CCT circuit. By grinding out a high volume of matches and earning those valuable qualification points, they may be able to secure one of the coveted invites to the Major’s closed qualifier event. The current Monte roster could potentially remain intact and simply re-commit themselves to this grind-focused approach. If the players have the motivation and stamina to compete in 50 or more official matches per month, then why not give it a shot? With a bit of luck on their side, this strategy could very well pay off and earn Monte a spot in the final Major qualifier. This continuity could be beneficial, as the players would already have established chemistry and synergy that could be crucial in the high-pressure environment of the qualifiers. Of course, this path is not without its challenges. The tier-2 CS2 scene has become increasingly competitive since 2023, so repeating their previous success in the lower-tier tournaments may prove tougher than before. Teams have had more time to refine their strategies, and the level of play has continued to rise. Additionally, there are some rumblings that the internal atmosphere within the current Monte squad is not ideal, which could hamper their efforts and make the grind even more difficult.

Nonetheless, returning to the grind may be a risk-averse option compared to a full roster overhaul. By sticking with the existing core of the team, Monte can avoid the upheaval and potential chemistry issues that come with a major rebuild. Instead, they can focus their energy on honing their skills, improving their teamwork, and grinding out the necessary results to earn a spot in the Major qualifier. This approach also allows Monte to maintain a level of stability and continuity within the organization. Rather than discarding the progress they’ve already made, they can build upon their existing foundation and make incremental improvements. This could be especially valuable in a rapidly evolving esports landscape, where sudden roster changes and disbandments have become all too common. Of course, the grind will not be easy, and Monte will need to display exceptional discipline, determination, and coordination to succeed. They’ll need to carefully manage their practice schedules, maintain a positive team environment, and find ways to keep their players motivated and engaged during the long stretches of lower-tier tournament play. But if they can navigate these challenges, the payoff could be substantial – not only in the form of a Major qualifier invitation, but also in the strengthening of the team’s overall cohesion and resilience. Ultimately, returning to the grind may be a risk-averse option compared to a full roster overhaul. But if executed properly, it could allow Monte to regain their footing and recapture the magic that made them a force to be reckoned with in the past. It’s a path that preserves the existing core of the team while providing a clear, if challenging, route back to the top.

Signing Tier-1 Players

The final option that Monte could consider is to try and bolster their roster by signing high-profile, tier-1 talent that may be available on the transfer market. Scouring the benches of top-tier teams or reaching out to players who are listed as transferrable could potentially elevate Monte’s competitiveness to new heights. However, this path is likely the most challenging and risky one for them to pursue. As we’ve seen during previous roster shuffle periods, Monte simply doesn’t have the kind of financial resources that would be required to attract and sign that caliber of player. Even when they were enjoying greater success and earning invitations to premier S-tier events, they were unable to make big splashes in the transfer market. Given their current standing and the fiscal realities they face, it’s even harder to envision them being able to pull off this kind of roster overhaul now. The best tier-1 talents will understandably command massive salaries and signing bonuses that are likely far beyond Monte’s means.

So while bringing in elite-level players could potentially be a game-changing move, it’s probably the least viable option on the table for Monte at this juncture. They’d be swimming against a strong current of financial constraints that would make it extremely difficult to successfully execute this strategy. Realistically, Monte’s best path forward may be to focus on the more practical, cost-effective solutions – such as preserving their existing core and grinding through the lower-tier tournaments. Pie-in-the-sky dreams of suddenly acquiring top-tier talent are likely just that – dreams that may prove too costly and impractical to turn into reality. The prudent move for Monte is to be pragmatic, stay grounded, and play to their strengths and resources. Ambitious roster moves may have to wait until they’ve re-established their footing and rebuilt their financial standing. For now, the wiser play is to make the most of what they have and chart a sustainable path back to relevance.

Conclusion

No matter how you look at it, Monte’s current predicament is downright precarious. The organization is facing an extremely challenging set of circumstances, and the path forward is anything but clear. Economically speaking, Monte is in a very perilous position. The club will struggle mightily to survive regardless of which strategic direction they decide to pursue. Each of the potential options – whether it’s a full roster overhaul, a return to the grind, or an ambitious attempt to sign elite talent – all come with significant financial challenges. And the stakes couldn’t be higher. It really does seem like failing to qualify for the upcoming Major tournament in Shanghai could very well spell the end for the Monte organization altogether. After all the hard work and investment they’ve put in over the years, that would undoubtedly be a devastating outcome. At this point, it’s impossible to say with any certainty what decisions Monte’s leadership will ultimately make. They’re facing a daunting set of choices, each with their own unique risks and potential rewards. It’s a nerve-wracking situation that I’m sure is weighing heavily on the minds of everyone involved with the organization. All we can really do is wait and see how things unfold. Monte’s management team will have to carefully weigh all of their options and chart a course that they believe gives the club the best chance of weathering this storm. It’s going to take exceptional foresight, diligence and maybe even a little bit of luck to find a way forward. But make no mistake – this is an extremely perilous time for the Monte organization. Their very survival is on the line, and the decisions they make in the coming weeks and months could determine whether the club lives to fight another day or fades into oblivion. It’s a high-stakes, high-pressure scenario that I’m sure has everyone associated with Monte feeling the weight of the world on their shoulders.