FUT Benches cmtry, Signs SunPayus as New AWPer Ahead of PGL Masters Bucharest

FUT Esports has made a change to its Counter-Strike roster, benching Mykyta 'cmtry' Samolotov and bringing in Álvaro 'SunPayus' García as the team's new AWPer. The move, confirmed on October 1, 2026, follows months of speculation about cmtry's struggles in the Tier 1 scene.

Cmtry, 19, has been widely viewed as the weak link in FUT's otherwise strong lineup. Despite the team reaching top-five rankings in VRS at times, his individual performance has lagged. He averaged a 0.99 HLTV rating in 2026, missing routine shots and making questionable decisions that cost his team rounds. His positioning and swing choices often left FUT at a disadvantage, particularly as the roster has climbed in competitiveness.

SunPayus, formerly of G2, offers a different profile. Known for playing Counter-Strike by the book, he avoids risky swings and focuses on holding angles and supporting his teammates with utility. His 1.03 HLTV rating in 2026 represents a modest statistical upgrade, though his impact at G2 was limited. FUT may not need him to be a star, given the firepower already present in their rifling core.

However, concerns remain. SunPayus is a pure AWPer with little experience as a hybrid rifler, a role that is becoming increasingly important at the highest level. His passive style may clash with FUT's aggressive approach, and integrating into a tight-knit roster that has grown together since their NAVI Junior days could prove challenging.

The team's chemistry has already been tested. Drin 'makazze' Shaqiri departed upon graduating to the main roster, followed by Laurențiu 'lauNx' Tirlea over internal differences. Yasin 'xfl0ud' Koc joined but has struggled, making him the roster's second-weakest performer after cmtry. SunPayus now faces the task of fitting into a group that values alignment in vision and playstyle.

FUT will debut their new lineup at PGL Masters Bucharest 2026, the site of their greatest victory in Counter-Strike. A strong showing could ease concerns about the signing, while continued struggles may fuel further debate about whether the change was the right one.