Mongolian esports team MongolZ marked its 10th anniversary last year and this year made history by reaching the top of the global Counter-Strike rankings – a first for a Mongolian team. This milestone reflects their strong spirit, with last year’s revival and success made possible by a new sponsor, international betting brand 1xBet.
The MongolZ esports organization was founded on 20 August 2013, just after the third Dota 2 International. Inspired by the game’s immense popularity in Asia, the team entered the scene with a clear mission: to represent Mongolia on the global esports stage.
In 2015, the organization ventured into Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, a move that would unexpectedly define their future. At the time, while Asian teams excelled in MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) games like Dota 2 and League of Legends, shooters were ruled by Europeans.
Their CS:GO journey began with an invitation to the Asian Qualifier for ESL One: Cologne 2015. Held in Kuala Lumpur, this was a difficult stage – only the top two of eight teams would advance. Their first match against Australian Team Immunity, the future winners of the qualifier, on Mirage showcased both their potential and inexperience. Despite leading at halftime, they ultimately lost 16-10. Against Korea’s myRevenge, the story repeated: a promising first half turned into a 16-14 defeat.
Despite those two early defeats, The MongolZ only grew stronger. By late 2015, they had claimed silver at MixBOT Pro-League Invite Season 1 and D!ngIT CS:GO Asia Invitational Season 1, and gold at the latter’s second season. Their resilience marked the start of a journey toward the esports elite.
Triumphs, challenges and a frozen project
In 2016, The MongolZ made a breakthrough, dominating the East Asian Qualifier for IEM Season X Taipei without dropping a map. They carried this momentum into the main tournament, stunning the competition to claim first place and a record US$30,000 prize.
This victory earned them a spot at the prestigious IEM Season X World Championship in Katowice, Poland. However, they were outmatched by the superior European teams. The MongolZ lost all five group-stage matches and were the first to exit the tournament. Their toughest defeats came against powerhouses Fnatic (4-16) and Ninjas in Pyjamas (5-16). Learning from these setbacks, the team adopted European training methodologies.
In the following years, The MongolZ saw occasional highs and frequent lows. Their sole notable success was winning the ASUS ROG Masters 2016. Despite multiple roster changes, poor performances persisted, leading to the organization freezing the project in October 2022.
Unlike The MongolZ, the young Mongolian team IHC Esports had an impressive 2022. In the spring, they signed former Checkmate players bLitz, Techno4K, Bart4k, kabal, nin9 and sk0R, along with coaches maaRaa and kaz. Just a month later, the team claimed victory at the Asia-Pacific RMR for PGL Major Antwerp 2022, securing their first major appearance. However, at the tournament itself, IHC Esports managed only one win in four matches and were eliminated in the opening stage. A similar story unfolded at the IEM Rio Major: after winning the Asia-Pacific RMR, they finished the main event in 20th place with another 1-3 record. During this period, Annihilation replaced nin9, and hasteka took over from sk0R.
But how does IHC connect to The MongolZ?
Relaunch and partnership with 1xBet
In April 2023, The MongolZ surprised everyone by relaunching with a new roster: bLitz, Techno4K, Bart4k, Annihilation and hasteka, and coaches kaz and maaRaa. This lineup was identical to the IHC Esports team, which left their organization to revive the legendary MongolZ brand. IHC Esports supported the move, valuing the players’ desire to represent Mongolia internationally rather than seeking opportunities abroad.
The relaunch was made possible through the support of a long-time IHC partner 1xBet. Known for collaborations with top esports teams like MIBR and Beastcoast, tournament operators such as ESL, PGL and MESA, and media resources like HLTV, the betting brand brought valuable expertise and financial resources to the project.
Another decisive factor was IHC’s confidence in 1xBet’s commitment. The long-time partner ensured the seamless transition for The MongolZ and actively contributed to the team’s development, providing everything from logistical support to high-level training opportunities. With 1xBet’s support, The MongolZ expanded their worldwide audience through social media, video blogs and fan events.
The team showed promise, qualifying for the BLAST.tv Paris Major 2023 via the Asia-Pacific RMR, but exited early, prompting roster changes. Bart4k and Annihilation were replaced by sniper 910 and 15-year-old rifler mzinho. Later in 2023, hasteka made way for another young talent, 17-year-old Senzu.
By early 2024, The MongolZ became the youngest team in HLTV’s Top 30, with an average age of 18.8. With Senzu’s arrival and kaz stepping in as CEO, the team finally found its rhythm.
Major success
The MongolZ began 2024 by breaking their first-stage curse at the PGL Major Copenhagen, advancing with a 3-2 record. In June, they claimed the MESA Nomadic Masters Spring 2024 title, earning US$50,000, and just a week later triumphed at the YaLLa Compass 2024 in Abu Dhabi, winning a then-record US$200,000. A highlight was defeating their old rivals Ninjas in Pyjamas twice – first in the group stage (13-6) and again in the finals (2-1).
The team continued their streak with silver at Skyesports Championship, bronze at Elisa Masters Espoo and strong performances at IEM Cologne, ESL Pro League Season 20 and IEM Rio. However, the pinnacle of their success came in Berlin at the Thunderpick World Championship 2024. The MongolZ dominated the tournament, defeating Fnatic 2-0 in the final and claiming a staggering US$500,000 prize. This victory marked their arrival as one of the world’s top teams.
By November 2024, The MongolZ reached the top 10 of HLTV’s world rankings and broke into Valve’s top 5, becoming Asia’s sole representative in the top 20 alongside teams like G2, NAVI, Vitality and Spirit. Later that month, they secured first place at the Asia-Pacific RMR, qualifying for the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024.
A highlight of the year was unveiling of a mural in Mongolia’s capital celebrating The MongolZ’s qualification for the Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024. Sponsored by 1xBet, the graffiti quickly became a social media sensation. In the first days after its unveiling, fans flooded social networks with selfies in front of the vibrant mural, which depicted the team’s players in striking detail. This initiative not only celebrated The MongolZ’s achievements but also strengthened their connection with the local community.
The MongolZ’s rise inspires young esports enthusiasts worldwide, showcasing how talent and perseverance can lead to success. An important factor in their success has been the unwavering support of 1xBet, whose backing has allowed the players to focus fully on training. As this partnership shows, the role of major brands in supporting emerging teams and regions cannot be overstated.
