Benched veteran leads team of rookies to CS2 Budapest Major

Ten months after being benched from Virtus.pro, Jame has made a stunning return to the top level of Counter-Strike, guiding a new generation of players under the PARIVISION banner straight into qualification for the 2025 CS2 Budapest Major.

For a player once uncertain about his future, this comeback marks one of the most impressive redemption stories in modern esports. Born in Russia, he is widely regarded as one of Counter-Strike’s sharpest tactical minds and most distinctive AWPers. His career reached its peak in 2022, when he led Virtus.pro to victory at the IEM Rio Major, claiming a $500,000 grand prize and cementing his reputation for conservative round management and the famous “Jame Time” meta.

However, questions surrounded his next move after Virtus.pro benched him in December 2024. Many wondered if the player once hailed for his calm, strategic play had reached the end of his competitive prime.

That uncertainty didn’t last long. In January 2025, Jame returned to the server with PARIVISION, a rising organization determined to shake up the CS2 scene. Rather than joining an established lineup, he chose to make an ambitious gamble. Using his experience and patience, Jame transformed a group of unproven players into a cohesive, disciplined squad capable of taking down seasoned opponents.

The road to the Budapest Major wasn’t easy. Facing veteran teams and stacked qualifiers, Jame’s leadership became the team’s anchor. His tactical calls and trademark AWP play guided PARIVISION through critical rounds, while his young teammates stepped up under pressure, showing remarkable composure in clutch situations.

The team’s ability to secure upsets against established names turned heads across the global Counter-Strike community and earned them well-deserved recognition ahead of their first Major appearance. While Jame’s individual brilliance remains evident, delivering clutch rounds, impactful AWP plays, and smart economy management, the greater story lies in how he’s nurturing new talent from the IGL role.

According to Liquipedia, his career earnings have surpassed $780,000, but his recent focus has shifted toward building the next generation of professional players. His mentorship has already paid dividends, as his teammates continue to display confidence, strong fundamentals, and sharp decision-making inspired by his leadership.

Fans have embraced Jame’s return with enthusiasm across forums and social platforms. Many praised his ability to adapt to CS2’s evolving competitive landscape while maintaining the same poise and intelligence that defined his earlier career. His comeback serves as a reminder that in esports, experience and leadership can be just as valuable as mechanical skill.

Now heading into the Budapest Major, PARIVISION enters as an underdog, but with Jame at the helm, they’re far from being overlooked. His Major-winning background and deep strategic insight give the team an edge that few debut lineups possess.