Luminosity Gaming, one of the most iconic names in the world of competitive Counter-Strike, has officially announced its return to CS2.
This marks the end of the Canadian organization’s seven-year absence from the competitive CS scene.
Earlier today, Luminosity Gaming announced the acquisition of Lucas “lux” Meneghini along with four players from the former Monte roster, marking its re-entry into the game following the release of its Brazilian roster seven years ago.
The move comes after founder Steve Maida bought back the Luminosity brand from Vertiqal Studios for roughly $212,000 in January, years after selling the organization to Aquilini GameCo for over $16 million back in 2019.
Maida explained that rebuilding around Counter-Strike had been his goal ever since retiring in 2021, and that the squad’s strong showing in Cologne convinced him the timing was right.
“After retiring in 2021 and watching Luminosity, it was always my goal to one day buy it back and put LG where it belongs, where it all started, Counter-Strike,” he said in a statement. “Today I couldn’t be happier to finally announce that day has come.”
The new roster largely carries over Monte’s core following their breakout run at the Cologne 2026 Major. Aurimas “Bymas” Pipiras, Aurélien “afro” Drapier, and Oscar “AZUWU” Bell all arrive as free agents once their Monte contracts lapsed, while Aleks “Rainwaker” Petrov required a contract buyout.
The only departure from the original Monte lineup is captain Jack “Gizmy” von Spreckelsen, who is reportedly headed to 100 Thieves, with lux stepping in as his replacement and the team’s new IGL.
The rebuilt Luminosity Gaming squad, now competing under a European banner, is wasting no time getting to work. The new lineup debuted at the XSE Pro League 2026, kicking off a new chapter for the organization’s return to the competitive stage.
