Luminosity returns to CS with Azuwu, and 100T signs UK IGL Gizmy as Monte roster comes to an end

Craig Robinson, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 02/07/2026

After many years, Luminosity is back in CS, signing the Monte roster core and bringing with it UK player Oscar “Azuwu” Bell. In addition, 100 Thieves have also invested in the UK scene by signing Jack “Gizmy” von Spreckelsen as their new IGL.

The big news is Luminosity’s return, with the core signing of the Monte roster. The team recently ran all the way through to Stage 3 at the Cologne Major, despite being considered an underdog. It’s a clear sign that the roster is in pretty good shape. The organisation also acquired lux, a Brazilian IGL who led a team from underdog status to becoming ranked 8th in the world per the VRS ranking system.

It comes with Luminosity revealing it’s glad to be back in CS2, with the new owner happy to make it his dream to take over and bring the organisation back to the esport. You can read all about that on the official Luminosity announcement post.

“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. Today I couldn’t be happier to finally announce that day has come with the signing of the Monte core and lux as our in-game leader. So many things and people had to come together to make this happen, including our participation at XSE. When we were evaluating entry points back into the scene, the opportunity to sign the core as free agents presented itself. We believe fully in this team and their success at Cologne proved we bet right. It’s only the beginning for this squad and we’re excited to see them grow to new heights. We want to thank Monte ownership for coordinating the buyout of Rainwaker.”

Meanwhile, fellow Monte player Gizmy is also a UK player and has signed with 100T to lead that roster’s rebuild. Håvard “rain” Nygaard remains on the team and will transition to a different role in the squad.

100T are expected to next play on July 21st at the BLAST Bounty 2026 S2 event. Meanwhile, Luminosity are now taking part in the XSE Pro League in China, which is currently underway.

Craig Robinson, Senior Editor

Craig began his career with Esports News UK back in 2015/2016, looking to write about a passion while studying at Manchester Metropolitan University. He stayed there for several years before moving on to other websites to begin his career after graduating. Now he's back, covering esports adjacent topics and UK stories.

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