The Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) community has been taken by storm with the shocking move of Spain’s top player, Álvaro García “SunPayus”. His departure from ENCE and subsequent joining of Team Falcons, a super team aiming for Major victories in CS2, has set the esports world abuzz.
ENCE’s Unexpected Collapse in CS2’s Inaugural Year
ENCE’s disintegration at the close of CS2’s first year has been a significant talking point. SunPayus, a 25-year-old from Murcia, ended 2023 with a surprising exit from ENCE after a year and four months. The departure of ENCE’s Marco Pfeiffer “Snappi” to Team Falcons triggered a domino effect, leading to the team losing five key members.
Thank you and farewell, @SunPayuscsgo & @madennCS 🧡
SunPayus’s contract has been bought out by another organization.
With his contract ending, maden has chosen to move on from ENCE. pic.twitter.com/vjKR4nxOIN
— ENCE (@ENCE) December 16, 2023
Following Snappi, SunPayus and Pavle Bošković “maden” moved to Team Falcons, while Guy Iluz “NertZ” and former ENCE coach Eetu Saha “sAw” headed to Heroic. This marked the end of an unexpected collapse of a successful quintet, despite solid performances including a victory at IEM Dallas 2023.
Team Falcons: A New Beginning for SunPayus
Shortly after his exit from ENCE, SunPayus and maden found a new home in Team Falcons. The Saudi organization has been a major player in the transfer market, retaining three former ENCE players and adding more star power.
The addition of Danny Sørensen “zonic”, a five-time Major-winning coach, and Emil Reif “Magisk”, a key player in four of those victories, makes Team Falcons a formidable force in CS2.
THE PUZZLE IS COMPLETE 🧩
Our Counter-Strike roster has been completed. @SnappiCSGO @MagiskCS @madennCS
@SunPayuscsgo @boroscsWe are coming to conquer the world! 🌎🦅#FalconsAreHere pic.twitter.com/M19p80wdNy
— Team Falcons (@TeamFalconsGG) December 16, 2023
Can SunPayus Clinch the First CS2 Major with Team Falcons?
With sights set on the Copenhagen 2024 Major, SunPayus and Team Falcons are poised to be strong contenders. Under the guidance of zonic and alongside Magisk, SunPayus aims to become the first Spanish player to win a Major.
Team Falcons’ Road to Glory
Despite Team Falcons not being an ESL and BLAST partner team, they have secured a spot in IEM Katowice 2024. This will be SunPayus’s debut tournament with the team, a critical test before pursuing their ambitious Major goals.
The Spanish Prodigy’s Unexpected Move in the CS2 Transfer Market
SunPayus’s move to Team Falcons is more than just a transfer; it’s a statement of intent. With a super team assembled and a legendary coach at the helm, SunPayus’s journey with Team Falcons could redefine his career and the landscape of CS2 esports.