In one of the most surprising roster changes of the season, TheMongolZ announced that Azbayar “Senzu” Munkhbold had been benched with immediate effect. This ends a two-year run of roster stability for the surging Mongolian CS2 squad.
The organization confirmed the move on October 22, with TheMongolZ and Senzu sharing emotional statements highlighting mutual respect. However, fans and analysts questioned the timing.
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A New Chapter — The Organization Statement
The organization formally announced the move as “a difficult but carefully discussed decision.”
“Over the past years, Senzu and the boys have written a new chapter in Mongolian esports, showcasing world-class talent, dedication, and determination,” The MongolZ stated. “This decision was made after careful discussions between players and management. We deeply appreciate our fans’ continued support and respect for the team as we move forward.”
The benching ends a long stretch of lineup consistency—The MongolZ had not made a single roster change in over two years.
Senzu Statement
Senzu himself reacted emotionally to the news in a post on social media, saying:
“It feels like I’m leaving my home… We made a lot of memories together. I wish all the best things for my beloved ones. My apologies to the ones who support us—sorry for bad news.”
The 19-year-old rifler has been one of the team’s most consistent players, boasting a 1.11 HLTV rating since the summer break and playing a key role in this year’s international breakout.
A Breakout Season Cut Short
The MongolZ’s rise has been one of the standout CS2 esports stories of 2025. After several impressive showings, the team finally won the Esports World Cup, reached the BLAST Bounty Grand Final, and made another Grand Final run at FISSURE Playground 2.
Senzu’s performances were pivotal in those results, often providing key multi-kills in high-pressure moments and serving as a stabilizing presence on the server.
Given that form, this decision caught the community off guard. While performance-related changes are common, benching a top-form player is unusual—especially for a team that appeared to be peaking.
Rise of TheMongolZ and Mongolian CS
The decision has different effects far beyond this one roster slot. TheMongolZ have become a symbol of Mongolia’s rise in Counter-Strike, firmly putting the region on the international map.
Losing a fan favorite like Senzu at this stage introduces uncertainty and opportunity. If handled well, the change could start a new era of refinement and longevity. If not, it risks breaking the chemistry that helped the team reach global prominence and fight against world-class teams.
For Senzu, this could be a defining crossroads. His talent and statistics suggest he won’t stay benched for long. It will be interesting to see where his career goes, wherever he comes back to the lineup in the future or finds another team.
What’s Next for TheMongolZ and Senzu?
With a few major events ahead before the end of 2025, TheMongolZ must update its roster as soon as possible. Key questions remain:
- Who will replace Senzu?
- How will the team perform without one of their key players at the next tournament?
- Will Senzu join another team shortly or remain on the bench through the offseason?
All eyes remain on Mongolia’s most successful CS2 team and whether this bold decision signals the next step in their evolution or an unexpected stumble.
Benchings are part of the esports lifecycle, but this one feels different. TheMongolZ’s decision to sideline Senzu, one of their most productive and popular players, represents a turning point for the team and the entire Mongolian scene.
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