Controlez Parts Ways with The MongolZ After Stand-In Stint

Thales Costa

The MongolZ have confirmed that veteran rifler Unudelger "controlez" Baasanjargal will no longer be part of the team's active roster. The 28-year-old's departure marks the end of a crucial stand-in period that began in late October when the Mongolian powerhouse needed a replacement for star player Azbayar "Senzu" Munkhbold.

Seven Days to Replace a Star

Controlez stepped up when The MongolZ faced one of their most challenging moments. With Senzu stepping back due to burnout, the team had just seven days before roster lock to find a suitable replacement. The organization initially explored options to bring in players like jL or magixx, but ultimately settled on controlez after AWPer 910 recommended the experienced Mongolian veteran.

The timing could not have been more critical. The MongolZ were preparing for major tournaments including IEM Chengdu 2025, BLAST Rivals Fall, and the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025. Controlez brought valuable experience to the roster, having previously played for the organization back in 2017 when he began his Counter-Strike career.

Historic Upsets and Missing Firepower

Despite filling enormous shoes left by Senzu, controlez delivered respectable performances during his stint with the team. At IEM Chengdu, he helped The MongolZ achieve notable victories, including a historic upset over Team Spirit that ended a 451-day losing streak against the former Major winners. The veteran showcased his composure in high-pressure situations, living up to expectations for a player of his experience.

However, his overall performance in 2025 left a noticeable gap compared to Senzu's explosive firepower. While controlez provided stability and veteran presence, The MongolZ clearly missed the star power that had propelled them to victories at the Esports World Cup 2025 and a runner-up finish at the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025.

Senzu's Shadow Looms Over Roster Decision

With controlez's departure, speculation immediately turns to whether Senzu will return to the active lineup. The 19-year-old rifler remains one of Asia's premier talents, having set a CS2 Major regulation kill record with 36 frags against G2 Esports at the Austin Major. His absence has been felt throughout the competitive scene.

For controlez, the stand-in period allowed him to compete at the highest level once again and prove his worth on the international stage. The veteran showed he still has what it takes to compete among the world's elite, even if the circumstances were less than ideal.

The MongolZ will now look to solidify their roster as they continue their campaign to remain among Counter-Strike 2's top teams. Whether Senzu returns or the organization explores other options remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: controlez played his part when the team needed him most.

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Feature image credit: BLAST

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