Ilya “Perfecto” Zalutskiy Released Into Free Agency
Ilya “Perfecto” Zalutskiy has officially entered free agency, marking a significant moment in the competitive Counter-Strike 2 landscape. This development follows a year since he last represented Cloud9, a prominent North American esports organization.
In a recent announcement shared via X (formerly Twitter), Perfecto expressed his intent to embrace new opportunities, stating: “Finally, I can announce that I am a free agent from today! Thanks for the journey, but it’s time to move on. I am still motivated, and now even more. So, if you are interested in a b jumper (and other roles as well), DM me or contact [email protected].”
— Ilya Zalutskiy (@perfectocsgo) April 14, 2025
Perfecto joined Cloud9 in July 2023 as part of a strategic roster overhaul, which notably included his former Natus Vincere teammate, Denis “electroNic” Sharipov. Unfortunately, his tenure with the updated roster was underwhelming, as Cloud9 struggled to contend for prestigious titles against formidable competitors in the CS2 scene.
Despite the team’s challenges, Perfecto demonstrated resilience, maintaining a 1.07 performance rating. This statistic represents a notable uptick from his 1.02 average during his extensive stay with Natus Vincere—one of the most storied franchises in esports history.
In April 2024, Cloud9 decided to bench Perfecto in anticipation of new signings, including Nikita “HeavyGod” Martynenko, Kaisar “ICY” Faiznurov, and Timofey “interz” Yakushin. Unfortunately, even with this revamped roster, Cloud9 could not secure a substantial competitive edge, prompting the organization to disband their Counter-Strike 2 division at the end of 2024.
Throughout this tumultuous period, Perfecto remained on the bench, patiently fulfilling his contractual obligations. However, he seized opportunities to participate in several smaller tournaments with various teams. Notably, during his stint with Roler Coaster at the PGL Bucharest 2025 European Qualifier, he achieved an impressive average performance rating of 1.23, showcasing his continued prowess in competitive play.
As he steps into free agency, Perfecto stands out as one of the most accomplished players in the CS2 circuit without an active team. His absence from Tier 1 gameplay for one year does not overshadow his accolades, which include a myriad of S-Tier trophies and the prestigious PGL Major Stockholm 2021 title—testament to his skills and competitive spirit.
While Perfecto has yet to reveal any offers currently on the table, the competitive ecosystem is ripe with opportunities. With numerous top-rated CS2 teams facing challenges early in the season, it is likely that he will find a suitable team following the BLAST.tv Austin Major 2025. As he embarks on this new chapter, the esports community continues to watch closely, eager to see where this talented player will land next.
Stay tuned for more updates on the evolving esports landscape and individual player movements as the season progresses.
