Rising Stars of CS2: How Kyousuke, Makazze, and Zweih Performed at IEM Cologne 2025

Year after year, teams arrive in Cologne far from fully polished. One of the most important tournaments of the year has once again become a testing ground for new lineups — the season is just beginning for top-tier teams, regardless of whether they’ve made roster changes or not. Ironically, this leads to fresh rosters shining during their honeymoon phase while ultra-conservative lineups can crash and burn. That’s what makes this chaotic start so fascinating, especially with such high stakes — prize money and valuable VRS points are on the line. For any organization, starting the season with a major victory would be a dream come true. Cologne hasn’t lost any of its prestige as an esports icon. Just ask donk, who showed tears of joy for the first time in his career after winning the tournament he had dreamed about since childhood.

Before the tournament began, we highlighted three players to watch — all newcomers making their tier-one debut. Ivan “zweih” Gogin, Maksim “kyousuke” Lukin, and Drin “makazze” Shachiri joined their teams as last-minute saviors, replacing Major champions. The pressure was sky-high. But so was their potential. Despite entering the professional CS2 scene under similar circumstances, each of them blossomed in a completely different way. While they’re all riflers, that’s where the similarities end. Their temperaments, roles, styles, and team dynamics are completely different. Yet they share one thing: all three delivered. Some made a louder entrance, others were more low-key, but none of them flopped. And that, in itself, is a win.

We’ve already covered Drin’s path to Cologne in a separate piece. His top-tier debut was tightly managed by the coaching staff. No improvisation — only strict instructions from b1ad3:

On T side — entry the site first or push with b1t/w0nderful. On CT side — anchor the bombsite, throw utility, preferably position in front of the AWP to allow for trades. On the server — follow AleksiB’s calls and execute immediately.

His roles weren’t glamorous, his tasks were dirty work. But makazze didn’t complain. He did his job — and often exceeded expectations. Despite a rough map against The MongolZ, Drin kept up in all the other matches, played selflessly, and even clutched several crucial rounds. Yes, he was often used as a human shield — but he got the job done.

And this is just the beginning. B1ad3 has already said the goal is to turn makazze into an intelligent, disciplined rifler. Not just someone who rushes forward with an AK, but a player who reads the game, senses timings, and plays with his brain. Think KSCERATO or NiKo. The raw aim is there. Now it’s about taming his nature and mastering the subtle art of professional CS.

Maksim Lukin’s story is from a different world entirely. The most talked-about rookie of the summer. The player Falcons dropped a million dollars to acquire. A guy with no tier-one experience, thrown straight into battle — barely given time to train. Success or disaster?

Success. Loud and clear. His highlights are already all over Reddit and TikTok. Kyousuke proved he can do it all: clutch, ace, land headshots, hold sites, entry frag, and lurk. A 1.39 rating — insane numbers for a debut at IEM Cologne.

He became a true Swiss army knife: supporting when needed, opening bombsites, holding critical positions. Falcons may have stumbled in the bracket, but kyousuke won a personal victory. He proved he deserves the “next donk” comparisons. Maybe it’s too early for that kind of label, but his potential is off the charts. Now the team just has to catch up to his level.

Ivan “zweih” Gogin got the most low-key role. He replaced magixx in Team Spirit — a team built entirely around donk. Everything Spirit does is meant to create comfort for their superstar. And zweih understood that.

He wasn’t expected to be a hero — just solid. Hold his ground, gather info, throw nades, support chopper, and never get in donk’s way. Even within those restrained boundaries, Ivan managed to stand out. He won a few key clutches, read the game well, and generally looked like someone who fit into the team naturally. Not a star, not a liability — a reliable brick in the wall Spirit is building.

Interestingly, zweih’s role is very similar to that of magixx, and he even evokes memories of the old magisk. These are the players who rarely get spotlight but are often found on championship-winning teams. It’s a risky style — the stats don’t shine, the media ignores you, and you’re the first to be cut when things go south. But if Ivan keeps this up, he has a real shot at a stable career. From there, it all comes down to his own ambition.

Why the CS2 Community Loves IEM Cologne

IEM Cologne became the stage where three new names entered Counter-Strike’s elite. Makazze, kyousuke, and zweih — totally different, equally promising. Each with their own path, story, and traits. Some grab the highlights, others quietly deliver — but the core message is clear: this is the future of our game.

Not donk, who’s already at the top. But those just starting to climb. And if Valve really plans to support CS2 for at least another ten years — these guys are only getting started.