Virtus.professional has promoted Vladimir ‘b1st‘ Krasikov from the organisation’s academy lineup to its primary Counter-Strike 2 roster.
The transfer follows the benching of Kaisar ‘ICY‘ Faiznurov, who joined the Russian esports organisation in December 2024.
B1st is the second participant to earn promotion to the principle roster after representing the organisation’s academy workforce. In September, Vadim ‘tO0RO’ Arkov joined the workforce following a string of spectacular performances.
Over the previous six months, the organisation has made a number of adjustments to its CS2 lineup in a bid to rediscover the shape that noticed it safe a top-six end at IEM Katowice 2025.
“After impressing in VP.Prodigy, b1st turns into the subsequent younger expertise to hitch the principle lineup,” stated Virtus.professional on social media. “The workforce is already coaching to make sure his clean transition forward of IEM Chengdu 2025.”
At present ranked twenty fourth in October’s Valve Regional Standings (VRS), Virtus.professional did not qualify for November’s StarLadder Budapest Main after being unable to compete at ESL Professional League Season 22. Earlier than the occasion, the organisation’s gamers had been turned away on the Swedish border, leaving it unable to compete.
What Subsequent For Virtus.professional?
Regardless of lacking out on the ultimate Main of the 12 months, Virtus.professional nonetheless has a chance to finish 2025 on a constructive observe. The workforce is one among 16 groups competing at IEM Chengdu from November third to eleventh.
The Tier 1 match would be the closing time Virtus.professional’s primary Counter-Strike 2 roster will compete this 12 months and can mark b1st’s debut for the workforce.
A powerful efficiency at Chengdu has the potential to put the foundations for a stable 2026, with the target of the workforce to earn qualification for the IEM Cologne Main happening in June.
