Controlez Parts Ways with The MongolZ After Stand-In Stint

Controlez Parts Ways with The MongolZ After Stand-In Stint

Thales Costa

27 Dec, 2025, 14:34

|

Last updated: 27 Dec, 2025, 14:36

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.


Don't forget to check out Strafe Esports for all the latest Counter-Strike 2 news and our X account for the latest content and coverage of your favorite eSports. Also, subscribe to our channel on YouTube for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and more.

Feature image credit: BLAST

READ MORE:

DreamLeague Season 27 Meta Recap: Centaur Bounces Back

Team Spirit Resets, Brings Back magixx and zont1x

How to Dominate Top Lane with League of Legends’ Renekton

Riot Games Bans VALORANT Pro Seungmin "ban" Oh for a Year Over Match-Fixing Talks

Latest news

Esports World Cup 2026 Heads to Paris for Its First Edition Outside Saudi Arabia

Esports World Cup 2026 Heads to Paris for Its First Edition Outside Saudi Arabia

The world's biggest esports event just found a new home. The Esports World Cup 2026 is officially moving to Paris, France, marking the first time in the tournament's history that it will be hosted outside of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
1h
Thales Costa

NAVI Dominates GamerLegion to Win IEM Atlanta 2026

NAVI crushed GamerLegion in the IEM Atlanta 2026 Grand Final to secure their second trophy of the year. Here's how the match unfolded.
18 May
Adarsh J. Kumar

Team Spirit Sweeps Team Falcons to Win Back-to-Back PGL Astana Titles

Team Spirit have finally lifted their first CS2 trophy of 2026. In the Barys Arena, they swept the star-studded Team Falcons to win the PGL Astana 2026 trophy.
17 May
Ganesh Jadhav

GamerLegion vs NAVI: The Unexpected IEM Atlanta 2026 Grand Final

The IEM Atlanta 2026 Grand Final is set, and it is the kind of matchup that makes you stop and say: wait, really? Natus Vincere will face GamerLegion in a best-of-five on May 17 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Two teams, completely different paths, and only one trophy.
17 May
Thales Costa

Team Falcons Takes On Team Spirit for the PGL Astana 2026 Trophy

The Semifinals of PGL Astana 2026 played out exactly as the community expected. Consequently, tomorrow, May 17, Barys Arena will host the battle of the CS2 stars, as Team Falcons take on Team Spirit for the trophy.
16 May
Ganesh Jadhav

NAVI Shock Team Vitality and End Historic Streak in IEM Atlanta 2026

The CS2 dragon has been slain. At the IEM Altanta 2026 Quarterfinals, Natus Vincere shocked Team Vitality — and the entire CS scene, really — by taking down one of the most dominant squads in the history of the game.
16 May
Martin Arévalo-Östberg

FURIA Runs Out of Miracles Against Team Falcons at PGL Astana 2026

Team Falcons edged out FURIA in a brutal three-map quarterfinal at the PGL Astana 2026, winning 2-1 in a series that felt less like a CS2 match and more like a war of attrition. The Brazilian side did everything but win, and that is what makes this elimination sting so hard.
15 May
Thales Costa

Comments (0)

Log in to comment on this match