Luminosity Gaming Makes Long-Awaited Return to Counter-Strike after 7 Years

Luminosity Gaming is back in Counter‑Strike. The Canadian organization, which has been absent from the scene since 2019, announced its return earlier today, ending a seven‑year hiatus that left a void in the hearts of many American CS fans.

The organization marked its return by signing Monte's four‑man core, with Legacy's lux stepping in as IGL. Currently, no information has been disclosed regarding the coaching staff.

Luminosity Builds CS2 Roster Around Monte Core 

While Luminosity saw most of its success with an all‑Brazilian lineup, the organization decided to field an international roster upon its return, representing EU at future Majors.

LG initially signed Brazilian IGL lux from Legacy. The organization then acquired afro, Rainwalker, Bymas, and AZUWU from Monte to round out the roster.

Here is the current lineup:

• Aurélien "afro" Drapier
• Aleks "Rainwaker" Petrov
• Aurimas "Bymas" Pipiras
• Lucas "lux" Meneghini (IGL)
• Oscar "AZUWU" Bell

The Monte core brings considerable experience, having competed in various notable events, including the recent IEM Cologne Major, where they advanced to Stage 3. 

Similarly, the new IGL lux adds valuable pedigree after steering Legacy to multiple Tier 1 tournaments and a #8 ranking on the VRS standings. He also led the team to a 9th-11th place finish at the 2025 Austin Major after starting from Stage 1, in a campaign that saw Legacy go 3‑0 in Stage 2.

A Brief Look Into Luminosity's CS:GO History

Luminosity Gaming was founded in 2015. The organization began its CS:GO journey by signing the North American roster Mythic, comprising players who had previously represented NetcodeGuides.com, an organization involved in the infamous iBUYPOWER match‑fixing scandal of 2015.

However, they parted ways with the roster a few months later and signed the Brazilian ex‑Keyd Stars team, which featured future legends like FalleN, coldzera, and fer.

While Luminosity's new lineup did see a fair amount of success, earning top‑eight finishes in two Majors, it wasn't until 2016 that the team truly rose to the occasion.

The arrival of fnx, TACO, and zews in late 2015 helped bolster the squad and set them up for a legendary run, as Luminosity Gaming went on to win the MLG Columbus Major in 2016.

Luminosity's Major title was followed by several tournament wins. However, with the lineup's contract expiring, the players switched organizations, prompting LG to sign yet another all‑Brazilian lineup.

In the years that followed, the organization failed to replicate its Major success, winning just two tier‑2 events between 2017 and 2019.

Ultimately, in September 2019, Luminosity Gaming released its CS:GO roster, marking the end of an era. Earlier that year, the organization was sold by founder Steve "Buyaka" Maida.

But fast‑forward to January 2026, Maida reacquired the organization, announcing his commitment to return Luminosity to its past glory. The new roster acquisition appears to be a step in the right direction.

Luminosity Begins CS2 Journey With XSE Pro League 2026

Soon after announcing their new roster, Luminosity Gaming entered their first tournament. The team traveled to China to compete in the XSE Pro League 2026, a tier‑1 event with a $500,000 prize pool.

With notable teams like PARIVISION, BetBoom, 9z, and several others in the mix, the tournament offers Luminosity a valuable opportunity to test their cohesion and accumulate VRS points to earn invites for future events.

XSE Pro League 2026 kicked off on July 1, with Luminosity facing the CIS squad Team Nemesis in their opening match. The best‑of‑one Swiss stage matchup ended in a 10‑13 defeat for the new Luminosity roster. They will now need to win three of their remaining five matches to qualify for the playoffs.

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Featured Image Credit: Luminosity

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