Magixx and zont1x Returned to Spirit-Zweih and Chopper Benched

Team Spirit has benched Ivan “zweih” Gogin and Leonid “chopper” Vishnyakov after the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 in CS2. The club announced this on social media, confirming the rumors.

Replacing them, Miroslav “zont1x” Plakhotya and Boris “magixx” Vorobyov have returned to the roster — both of whom left the lineup in the summer of 2025. Vorobyov will try himself in a new role as captain.

Chopper was not just a player, but a true symbol of Team Spirit. He went through all kinds of stages with the team — from difficult rebuilding periods to major victories on the international stage. Throughout his time in the club, chopper experienced more than 30 roster changes and spent a total of 2,388 days in Spirit’s main lineup. His departure marks the end of an entire era for the organization.

“Based on the results of the StarLadder Budapest Major and after analyzing the past season, we have decided to make changes to the main CS roster. Starting today, Leonid ‘chopper’ Vishnyakov and Ivan ‘zweih’ Gogin are moved to the bench.

Miroslav ‘zont1x’ Plakhotya returns to the main lineup in his previous role. He has rested, handled personal matters, and is ready to return to the server. The IGL position will be taken by Boris ‘magixx’ Vorobyov. We trust Boris and believe that he will be able to adapt to the new role quickly. Very soon the team will gather to prepare for the new season.”

— Team Spirit

Thus, the official Team Spirit lineup for 2026 is as follows:

• magixx (IGL)

• zont1x

• donk

• sh1ro

• tN1R

Full Schedule of ESL Pro Tour 2026 Events: Tournaments & Dates

Spirit is resting after an intense season. The team’s first event after the break will be the online stage of BLAST Bounty Winter 2026, which will take place from January 12 to January 17, 2026.