In a near-unprecedented move, TheMongolZ are now backed by Mongolia’s government due to just how strong their Counter-Strike 2 team has performed at international events. They’re by far the most successful CS2 team in Asia, and Mongolia wants to make sure things stay that way.
Counter-Strike is a historically difficult game to break into. Player salaries have been inflated by years and years of teams offering higher and higher buyouts on star players, making it difficult to get your hands on top-tier talent without spending millions.
TheMongolZ, on the other hand, are an anomaly. The all-Mongolian lineup features young talent from the region that have outpaced almost every other Asian organization in the world. Despite the odds being against these players, three of which are still teenagers facing down the gods of CS, they really perform at Majors.
Their success is so widespread that Nomin Chinbat, Mongolia’s Minister of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth, invited them to become nationally recognized athletes.
While the team hasn’t swapped ownership, they now have significant financial and government backing that includes making it easier than ever to travel to international events.
The MongolZ earn government support with stellar CS2 team
The MongolZ have had the same lineup of players for almost two years now, with the group committing to developing talent from their region and existing outside of the established Counter-Strike ecosystem when it comes to acquiring players.
Their gambit has paid off. The team has had strong finishes at IEM Katowice 2025, PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025, Perfect World Shanghai 2024 and even a first place finish at the Thunderpick World Championship 2024. This roster has earned The MongolZ over a million dollars in prize money alone.
Minister Chinbat posted about the news, showing her meeting with the team and making them officially recognized national athletes.
Additionally, this is part of an initiative from Mongolia’s growing efforts to recognize esports professionals in the country, opening up opportunities for other players to travel internationally and represent them on the biggest stages in esports.
This isn’t the first time esports have brought about cultural changes in a small country, either. Arslan Ash’s efforts in Pakistan’s Tekken scene have not only developed it into one of the best regions for the esport, but have also paved the way for him to meet with government officials to secure easier Visa access for himself and other pros.
