Maxim “Kyousuke” Lukin was born on June 17, 2008, in Russia, and in just a few years, he has become one of the most exciting young names in Counter-Strike 2. His journey started in 2019, when he was only 11 years old, introduced to the game by his older brother.
Like many young players, he started casually, but it didn’t take long for his competitive side to emerge. In 2021, he registered on FACEIT, where he quickly made a name for himself by grinding thousands of matches—more than 6,100 games so far. His rapid improvement and dedication set him apart from the average player, showing the kind of drive that usually signals a future pro.
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Joining Team Spirit Academy
Kyousuke’s big break came in May 2024, when well-known talent scout Alexei “OverDrive” Biryukov spotted his potential. He was invited to trial with Team Spirit Academy, and it didn’t take long for the team to realize they had found something special. His trial performances earned him a spot on the roster, and from there, his rise in the scene picked up even more momentum.
One of his standout moments came at the CCT Season 2 European Series #15 in December 2024, where he helped Spirit Academy win the championship. The team went 7-1, and in the grand final against ECSTATIC, Kyousuke posted an impressive 1.35 rating, proving he wasn’t just another young talent – he was a difference-maker.
The Million Dollar Player
Kyousuke’s aggressive rifling style, pinpoint aim, and game sense have drawn comparisons to some of CS2’s biggest names, including Danil “donk” Kryshkovets. He has a fearless approach to the game, winning aim duels with confidence and making smart, calculated decisions under pressure.
It’s not just fans who are noticing—Dzhami “Jame” Ali, a Major champion, recently reviewed Kyousuke’s gameplay and estimated his buyout value at around $1 million. That’s an insane number for a player who’s still early in his career, but it reflects the belief that he could become one of the next big stars in CS2.
Life Outside the Server
While most 15-year-olds are focused on school and hobbies, Kyousuke has already made big sacrifices to pursue esports. He moved out of his family home to train full-time, taking his school exams online to balance his education with his career. He currently lives in an apartment near his mother’s home and, despite his professional ambitions, plans to attend college to keep his options open and reassure his family.
Winning His First Event of 2025: LanDaLan
Kyousuke wasted no time making an impact in 2025. In February, he competed at LanDaLan 2025, facing off against established veterans like Ilya “Perfecto” Zalutskiy, David “n0rb3r7” Danielyan, Evgeniy “Aunkere” Karyat, and Denis “deko” Zhukov, Kyousuke proved he could go toe-to-toe with Tier-1 level players.
His sharp aim and fearless playstyle were on full display throughout the tournament. In the grand final, he delivered a standout performance, helping his team secure the championship and taking home his first LAN victory of the year. This win solidified his reputation as a rising star in CIS Counter-Strike, proving he could perform on a big stage against experienced pros.
What’s Next?
As of early 2025, Kyousuke remains with Team Spirit Academy, but bigger opportunities could be on the horizon. Rumors suggest top-tier organizations are keeping an eye on him, though Spirit seems committed to developing him further before making any decisions about a transfer or promotion to the main roster.
With his raw talent and maturity beyond his years, Kyousuke is shaping up to be one of CS2’s next breakout stars. If he keeps up this level of performance, it’s only a matter of time before he’s competing on the biggest stages in the world.
