Ali “hAdji” Haïnouss, Aurélien “afro” Drapier Join Monte Roster

Monte has finalized their roster revamp for Counter-Strike 2 with the strategic addition of the French duo, Ali “hAdji” Haïnouss and Aurélien “afro” Drapier. This move marks a significant turn for the organization, aiming to enhance competitiveness in the rapidly evolving landscape of esports.

Roster Changes and Strategic Acquisitions

The recruitment of hAdji and afro comes as a response to the departures of Serghij “DemQQ” Demchenko, who has joined Passion UA, and Aleksander “hades” Miśkiewicz, who is rumored to be moving to G2 Esports to fill the vacancy left by Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov. This realignment is a calculated measure to bolster Monte’s roster, as they strive for improved performance in upcoming tournaments.

Background on New Players

Afro’s Journey
Afro arrives at Monte after a stint with the Mercenaries, which followed a brief two-month campaign with Persona Grata. While his recent competitive experience has primarily involved online qualifiers, his track record includes notable achievements such as a semifinal finish at Justice Cup vol. 4 and a commendable performance during the PGL Astana 2025 European Open Qualifier #1.

hAdji’s Return
hAdji, on the other hand, has been active in the esports scene with lesser-known teams, most recently Adventurers, where he clinched the United21 Season 27 title in early March. Averaging a 1.12 performance rating, hAdji brings valuable experience to Monte. His previous tenure with the team as a stand-in from May to July 2024 also proved fruitful, culminating in several semifinal appearances in notable competitions, including the Elisa Invitational Spring 2024 and CCT Season 2 European Series #5.

Monte’s Recent Performance and Future Outlook

The new signings aim to rejuvenate Monte’s competitive edge. This season, Monte’s highlight has been a runner-up finish at the CCT Season 2 European Series #16. However, their subsequent performances have been less than stellar, with the team failing to secure placements higher than ninth across seven online tournaments.

Their debut match featuring the newly formed roster was a challenging encounter, resulting in a 6-13 loss to M1 Gaming during the opening round of the YGames PRO Series 2025 Closed Qualifier. While a tough start, such initial setbacks are common as teams undergo roster transitions. The ability to synergize and adapt in the competitive environment will be crucial for Monte as they work to establish themselves as formidable contenders once again.

Conclusion

Monte’s strategic roster moves reflect a deeper commitment to excelling in the dynamic world of Counter-Strike 2. With the combined skills and experiences of afro and hAdji, the team is poised to harness new potential and counteract previous shortcomings. As they embark on this new chapter, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring their performance in upcoming tournaments—eager to see if they can return to their competitive stature and reclaim their place among the elite in esports.