GamerLegion has moved Erik ‘ztr‘ Gustafsson to the bench following a disappointing StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 campaign.
The change brings a year-and-a-half stint in the German esports organisation’s starting line-up to an end.
The Swedish in-game leader joined GamerLegion in July 2024, managing to lead the team into the top 10 of the Valve Regional Standings (VRS) in June 2025. Having climbed into the top 10, the team struggled to hold onto its place, falling outside of the top 20 in December’s standings.
Following playoff appearances at IEM Melbourne 2025 and IEM Dallas 2025, GamerLegion looked to continue its upward trajectory into the second half of 2025. A handful of early exits from Tier 1 tournaments, rounded off by crashing out of the Budapest Major in Stage 1, brought a disappointing six months to an end.
“Over the past one and a half years, we’ve been through countless ups and downs together, including the most consecutive playoff appearances in our history. Thank you for everything, Erik,” said GamerLegion on social media.
Ztr’s benching is the second change for GamerLegion’s Counter-Strike 2 roster. On December 10th, the organisation announced Ashley ‘ash’ Battye stood down from his position as Head Coach due to personal reasons.
What Next For GamerLegion?
Currently ranked 21st in the VRS, GamerLegion looks to recruit a new in-game leader in a bid to improve on a lacklustre second half of 2025. With the likes of Ninjas in Pyjamas also making changes, more teams are expected to adjust their respective lineups before the new season begins.
In recent weeks, rumours surrounding 100 Thieves signing GamerLegion players surfaced. The organisation’s CEO, Nicolas Reber, revealed conversations with the North American organisations had taken place, with no discussions regarding the sale of any players or a core.
With GamerLegion seeking a replacement for ztr, it will be interesting to see which direction the team heads next as it looks towards the new year.
