BIG CS2 academy roster return news has electrified the competitive Counter-Strike scene, signaling a renewed commitment to nurturing Germany’s next esports stars. Announced by Berlin International Gaming (BIG) in mid-2025, this academy relaunch aims to revive the German Counter-Strike 2 landscape and give fresh opportunities to rising talents. The new player roster includes homegrown talents like Sebastian ‘xenn’ Hoch, Lukas ‘FreeZe’ Hegmann, and David ‘prosus’ Hesse, along with emerging stars Egzon ‘xonn1k’ Behluli (Kosovo) and Dmytro ‘NaYz’ Khylchuk (Ukraine). For both seasoned fans and aspiring pros, the BIG CS2 academy roster return is more than just a headline—it’s a major milestone for European esports and global talent development.
Investing in German Counter-Strike through the esports academy project
The revival of the BIG CS2 academy roster is at the heart of BIG’s strategic vision. The organization, led by Chief Gaming Officer Roman Reinhardt, sees the academy project as fundamental to the growth of German Counter-Strike. Rather than a short-term side venture, this new phase represents a core investment in the future. The initiative is designed to identify, challenge, and guide young talents within a professional environment, creating a clear pathway from novice to elite competitor in Counter-Strike 2. This proactive approach stands out as many esports organizations in Europe are either launching or overhauling their own esports academies in response to evolving industry needs.
A diverse player roster ready for the international stage
Assembling a strong player roster is crucial for BIG’s ambitions. The academy relaunch brings together a mix of experienced German players and promising international prospects, reflecting the team’s commitment to both local and broader European esports development. Veterans like ‘xenn’ and ‘prosus’ provide invaluable leadership for the group, while players such as ‘xonn1k’ and ‘NaYz’ inject new energy and diverse perspectives into the squad. This combination of backgrounds and playstyles is set to boost the academy’s chances in upcoming tournaments and qualifiers across Europe and beyond.
Past achievements pave the way for academy relaunch
BIG Academy is no stranger to competitive success. The division previously celebrated major milestones, such as capturing the title at ESEA Advanced Season 47 and finishing as runners-up at the 2023 IESF World Esports Championship. Even after the initial discontinuation of the academy division in early 2024, BIG remained a force in the Counter-Strike scene, with recent triumphs like winning DACH CS Masters Season 3 in June 2025. These achievements serve as a powerful foundation that informs the organization’s renewed focus on structured talent development and long-term investment in the academy team.
Nurturing talent and strengthening the European esports scene
At its core, the BIG CS2 academy roster return reflects BIG’s belief in sustainable talent development as the key to staying competitive on the world stage. The new academy model is built to foster skill, professionalism, and resilience in young players. Structured coaching, performance analytics, and support from the main BIG organization ensure that academy players receive all the resources needed for growth, both in and out of the game. For the German Counter-Strike community, this means a stronger, more competitive scene and a fresh wave of prospects ready to make their mark in European esports.
Why academy relaunches matter for Counter-Strike 2
The trend of academy relaunches in Counter-Strike 2 is reshaping the global esports landscape. By reestablishing its academy, BIG is not only enhancing pathways for emerging talent but also setting a benchmark for other organizations. As top teams realize the benefits of home-grown player pipelines, we can expect deeper competition and more dynamic tournaments throughout Europe. The focus on player development and structured progression—from grassroots training to international playoffs—will keep Counter-Strike 2 at the forefront of global esports for years to come.
Frequently asked questions about BIG CS2 academy roster return (FAQ)
What is the main goal of the BIG CS2 academy roster return?
The primary aim is to revive German Counter-Strike by developing local and regional talent for future success on the European and world stages.
Who are the notable players on the new academy roster?
The roster features German players Sebastian ‘xenn’ Hoch, Lukas ‘FreeZe’ Hegmann, and David ‘prosus’ Hesse, along with Egzon ‘xonn1k’ Behluli from Kosovo and Dmytro ‘NaYz’ Khylchuk from Ukraine.
How does BIG support its academy players?
BIG invests in structured training, analytics, coaching, and support systems to foster professionalism and skill development for all academy talents.
Why did BIG’s academy division return after being discontinued?
BIG recognized the importance of talent development in long-term success and wants to strengthen its foundation in both German and European esports.
What impact does the academy relaunch have on European esports?
It sets a standard for structured talent growth and generates momentum for regional competitiveness, encouraging other organizations to invest in academy systems.
Sources to this article
- Berlin International Gaming. (2025). “BIG Academy Returns: Building the Next Generation of Counter-Strike Pros.” BIG.gg.
- HLTV.org. (2025). “BIG announces return of CS2 Academy roster.”
- Esports Insider. (2025). “BIG commits to German CS2 talent development.”
