Why It Matters
The roster overhaul targets immediate performance gains in upcoming majors, signaling UA’s commitment to remain a contender in the global CS:GO ecosystem. High‑profile signings also bolster the organization’s marketability and sponsor appeal.
Key Takeaways
- •Senzu joins on loan, ranked 13th globally 2025.
- •“try” replaces Hallzerk as Passion UA’s primary AWPer.
- •UA missed series wins at BLAST Bounty and IEM Katowice.
- •“try” posted 1.19 rating, top‑rated player at Imperial.
- •Roster changes aim to reverse UA’s early‑year slump.
Pulse Analysis
Passion UA’s recent roster shake‑up reflects a broader trend among elite CS:GO clubs: leveraging emerging talent to offset performance dips. After a disappointing early 2024, where the team failed to capture a series at both BLAST Bounty Season 1 and IEM Katowice Stage 1, management turned to Azbayar “Senzu” Munkhbold. The 19‑year‑old’s HLTV ranking of 13th for 2025 underscores his rapid ascent, and his loan deal offers UA a low‑risk infusion of firepower while keeping future transfer options open.
The acquisition of Santino “try” Rigal addresses a more acute need: a reliable AWPer. Over the past 18 months, “try” has been Imperial’s top‑rated player, averaging a 1.19 rating and delivering standout performances at three Majors, including a deep run at StarLadder Budapest. His South American pedigree adds regional diversity to UA’s lineup and provides a proven clutch presence in high‑pressure maps. By installing “try” as the primary sniper, UA hopes to stabilize entry‑frag dynamics and improve map control against top‑tier opponents.
Strategically, these moves could reshape UA’s brand narrative and attract new sponsorships. High‑visibility signings signal ambition to fans, investors, and league organizers, potentially increasing viewership metrics and merchandising revenue. Moreover, integrating a rising rifler and a seasoned AWPer creates a balanced roster capable of adapting to meta shifts. If the duo clicks, Passion UA may quickly climb the rankings, re‑establishing itself as a contender for upcoming majors and solidifying its position in the competitive esports market.
Passion UA sign try and Senzu
Passion UA announce new signings: Senzu on loan and sniper try
Update 18:02: Passion UA have also announced the signing of Azbayar “Senzu” Munkhbold on loan, bringing the Mongolian into the lineup after he was benched by The MongolZ at the end of last October. Passion UA have not yet said who Senzu will be replacing in the current roster.
The signing represents a coup for Passion UA as they have landed a highly‑regarded young rifler who was named the 13th‑best player of 2025 by HLTV. The 19‑year‑old recently mentioned his willingness to transition to a full‑time AWPing role, but will stick to rifling in his new team.
Passion UA have announced the addition of sniper Santino “try” Rigal from Imperial to take over the AWPing duties on the team. While Passion UA have not stated who will step back from the starting lineup, it will presumably be previous AWPer Håkon “hallzerk” Fjærli.
The news comes amidst a largely disappointing start to the year for Passion UA, who failed to win a series in either of their two international LAN outings so far – BLAST Bounty Season 1 and IEM Katowice Stage 1.
“try” arrives having long been touted as one of the most talented AWPers from the South American region, serving as one of the best‑rated players on each team he has been a part of during his career.
The 21‑year‑old spent the last 18 months turning out for Brazilian side Imperial, with whom he has attended three Majors and produced multiple top placings in regional competitions, such as Circuito FERJEE de Esports 2025 and FiReLEAGUE Buenos Aires 2025. Throughout his tenure, “try” has been Imperial’s top‑rated player, posting a 1.19 average rating.
The team largely struggled to make headway in international competition, however, barring a surprise run to Stage 3 of the last Major, StarLadder Budapest Major. “try” was a pillar of his team’s success in Hungary, and the only player to acquit himself well individually against the stiffer competition in Stage 3.
It is expected “try” will replace “hallzerk”, who had served as a core member of Complexity and Passion UA across three‑and‑a‑half years. The Norwegian was regularly one of the better‑rated players during his tenure in Complexity and Passion UA, but his level often dipped significantly when playing against higher‑ranked teams.
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