In one of the biggest moves ever in CS2 esports, Russian superstar Ilya ‘m0NESY’ Osipov has transferred from G2 to Falcons Esports, with the fee reportedly reaching as much as $2.5 million.
The 19-year-old AWPer, renowned for his exceptional skill and rapid ascent as one of the best players in the world, joined G2 Esports in early 2022 after a stint with NAVI Junior.
During his tenure with G2, he has secured multiple trophies and accolades, and was ranked the 2nd best player in world in 2024. His fee to join G2 was reported at $600,000 – an eye-watering sum at the time, but he’s certainly been a profitable investment for the org.
G2 Esports’ CEO, Alban Dechelotte, confirmed the transfer on April 13, expressing gratitude for m0NESY’s contributions.
“We have decided to accept the trade of our young goat of CS,” the CEO said. “I can only ask you to direct your feedback to me and not to the CS management, staff or players as this was a decision on org-level.
Rumors are true. We have decided to accept the trade of our young goat of CS. I can only ask you to direct your feedback to me and not to the CS management, staff or players as this was a decision on org-level.
Ilya’s contract ends in December of this year and we decided to…
— G2 Stilgar (@AlbanDechelotte) April 13, 2025
“I’m very sad to see Ilya go but I wish him the best and thank him for the magic moments he gave us.”
m0NESY said, “It’s been an incredible journey with G2. Grateful for the memories and excited for what’s ahead with Falcons.”
Sorry, that’s it. Thank you to everyone who supported G2 and me all this time. This was a chapter that made me stronger. People who will stay in my memory forever. A team that was my home, my second family. Thank you for everything. ❤️
The story ends here. The story inside —…
— IlyaO (@G2m0NESY) April 13, 2025
m0NESY cost Falcons over $2 million, per report
According to CS insider Overdrive, the transfer was worth as much as $2.5 million.
The substantial transfer fee underscores m0NESY’s value at the highest level of CS.
Falcons Esports, backed by Saudi investment, has been actively assembling a formidable roster, with m0NESY’s acquisition marking a significant step in their ambitions. He will now rejoin his long-time teammate NiKo on the team, who joined at the start of the year.
During their time together on G2, they secured the BLAST World Final 2022, IEM Katowice 2023, and IEM Cologne 2023, three of the most prestigious events on the CS circuit. However, they fell short of winning the Major, while will definitely be top of their list on Falcons.
Falcons roster is now:
- Emil ‘Magisk’ Reif
- Nikola ‘NiKo’ Kovač
- Damjan ‘kyxsan’ Stoilkovski
- René ‘TeSeS’ Madsen
- Ilya ‘m0NESY’ Osipov
- Danny ‘zonic’ Sørensen (c)
