paiN is one of the OG Brazilian esports teams, around since March 2010. They began their journey competing in Counter-Strike 1.6, quickly gaining recognition in the South American esports scene. As the franchise evolved into CS:GO and now CS2, paiN maintained a strong presence, becoming one of Brazil’s most respected teams. Known for their dedicated fanbase and commitment to professional growth, paiN played a significant role in developing the competitive Brazilian esports infrastructure and steadily improving their standing on the global stage.
paiN history
paiN began competing in CS in early 2011 and built up their name in regional tournaments before growing into a globally relevant team. They were among the first Brazilian orgs to establish a full professional setup, including a gaming house and structured training schedules. Their rise through CS:GO was gradual but consistent, eventually making it to international qualifiers and then full-blown Majors. Also, paiN Gaming LoL team was founded in March 2012, making it one of the oldest active LoL teams in Brazil.
The organization became a Major mainstay by qualifying for four consecutive events between 2021 and 2024. Their runs at PGL Stockholm 2021 and Perfect World Shanghai 2024 were especially notable, with the team advancing past the Challengers Stage and flirting with deeper progress. paiN made a bigger splash in 2025 by breaking into Stage 2 of the BLAST.tv Austin Major, a performance that signaled their growing stability in top-tier play.
While results fluctuated, the team stayed competitive thanks to a mix of veteran leadership and regional talent. Key transfers like rifler dgt from 9z helped rejuvenate the squad in 2025, and the core's focus remained on refining communication and tightening team play. Even during downturns, paiN’s aggressive-yet-adaptive approach kept them dangerous in the international pool.
paiN owners
paiN was founded by Arthur “PAADA” Zarzur and has grown into one of Brazil’s most respected esports institutions. From the start, the org embraced long-term development — not just building teams, but creating a whole ecosystem around them. They pioneered the use of gaming houses in Brazil and introduced a fan club model inspired by football, complete with memberships and exclusive content.
Their leadership emphasized both performance and culture. They blended competitive ambition with brand loyalty, and that combination helped paiN maintain relevance even during performance slumps. Their identity has always leaned toward national pride and community elements that remain central even as the organization grows its global ambitions in CS2.
paiN First Roster
paiN came up during Brazil’s rising CS scene in the early 2010s. Their first full-time roster was all about solid teamwork, good basics, and smart game plans. Since most players started with CS 1.6, they are currently resting or coaching.
- Olavo “cky” Napoleão – rifler
cky was part of paiN in 2011 during the CS 1.6 era. After leaving paiN, he joined GameCrashers the same year.
- Thiago “btt” Monteiro – support
btt played for paiN in early 2011 in CS 1.6. He also moved to GameCrashers after his time with paiN.
- Arthur “prd” Resende – entry/support
prd was in paiN’s lineup in 2011 and then went on to play for GameCrashers.
- Bruno “bit” Fukuda – in-game leader
bit joined paiN in 2011 but soon moved to mandic. He later became an active coach and is currently coaching the team 9z.
- Lincoln “fnx” Lau – AWPer
fnx played for paiN during the CS 1.6 era, then moved to mandic before rising to fame in CS:GO with teams like Luminosity Gaming and SK Gaming. After a successful career, fnx retired and has been on a break since 2024.
While this roster didn’t make huge waves internationally right away, they set the stage for Brazilian CS development and laid the groundwork for paiN’s future teams. This early chapter is often remembered as the starting point of a long journey in paiN history.
paiN Achievements in 2025 with the Current Roster
paiN strengthened its position as a rising force in Brazil’s CS2 scene. After a period of roster reshuffling, the core five — biguzera, nqz, snow, dav1deuS, and dgt — under coach rikz found synergy and began delivering solid performances on LAN. Their resilience in Swiss-stage formats, along with clutch plays and strategic discipline, marked them as a team to watch internationally. According to HLTV and Liquidpedia, their steady improvement in placement and key match wins highlighted their growing consistency across events.
- 5th–8th at IEM Katowice (Jan 24–Feb 9)
- 5th–8th at PGL Cluj‑Napoca (Feb 2–21)
- 12th–14th at ESL Pro League S21 finals (Mar 10)
- 7th–8th at BLAST Rivals Spring (Apr 30–May 4)
- 12th–14th at PGL Astana (May 10–18)
paiN’s consistent placements between 5th and 14th across S‑Tier events in early and mid‑2025 illustrate both stability and areas for improvement. Notably, their PGL Cluj‑Napoca and IEM Katowice runs featured strong Swiss-stage performances, including wins over tier‑one teams.
While they’ve yet to make deep playoff pushes, each appearance contributed to refinement in in‑game leadership and synergy, critical groundwork for future success in higher-stakes brackets.
paiN Former Players
Over the years, paiN has been home to several impactful players who shaped the organisation’s identity in Brazilian CS. Their names still echo through fan discussions and fill the “former line‑ups” tab on Liquipedia and HLTV.
Promoted from FURIA Academy and benched by paiN in March 2025, kauez was loaned to RED Canids on 6 June 2025 to regain tier‑one match time. Earlier stops: DETONA Pound/Gaming and MEGAZORD.
After 16 months on the main roster he transferred to Legacy on 3 January 2025, taking over IGL duties in the new Brazilian super‑mix. Previous teams include Fluxo, Cruzeiro and DETONA.
Academy sniper turned stand‑in who left in November 2023. Following short loan spells (inSanitY, adalYamigos) he signed with BESTIA on 25 February 2025, becoming their primary AWPer. Earlier résumé: Team oNe, SWS.
- Felipe Frank “skullz” Medeiros
Explosive rifler for paiN in 2022–23, then sold to Team Liquid (Dec 2023) and subsequently to FURIA (9 July 2024). As of 22 April 2025 he is benched by FURIA and exploring offers; HLTV still lists him under FURIA‑inactive.
paiN’s 2022 AWPer transferred to Fluxo on 9 July 2023, where he remains an ever‑aggressive sniper. Early career: Sharks, DETONA.
Utility‑first rifler (2019‑2023). After stints with Paquetá and RED Canids he joined 2Game Esports on 27 Feb 2025.
- Gabriel Selayaran “NEKIZ” Schenato
Twice a paiN starter (2019‑2023). He ventured through 00 NATION and Fake Natty before signing for Legacy (22 Sept 2023); he is currently on their bench after losing the IGL slot to lux.
These exits chart paiN’s talent pipeline: academy promotions, breakout fraggers sold upwards, and veterans finding fresh leadership roles elsewhere.
paiN Legends
The following core figures define paiN’s modern era; their longevity or star power keeps them tied to the black‑and‑pink jersey.
- Rodrigo “biguzera” Bittencourt
With paiN since February 2019 after short stints on NO ORG and ex‑Team Wild, he is the in‑game leader, dead‑clutch specialist and public face of the squad.
- Henrique “rikz” Waku (coach)
Joined as head coach on 3 Jan 2023 following years at DETONA and MIBR Academy. Occasionally stands in during visa or health crises, underscoring his all‑round value.
Long‑time 9z talisman, he transferred to paiN on 24 Apr 2025 to add lurk discipline and Latin‑American synergy. Prior history: Malvinas, Furious, 9z.
Chilean rifler who arrived from RED Canids on 10 Jan 2025. Earlier highlights: 9z (2022‑23) and Paquetá. Known for entry‑to‑closer versatility.
Signed 4 May 2024 from Case Esports; previously Young Gods and Sharks Y. The 18‑year‑old support/entry adds youthful fire and composure.
Arrived on 11 Nov 2023 after spells with 9z, 00 Nation and Legacy. His sharp AWP angles complement paiN’s rifling trio.
paiN Achievements in Tournaments
Throughout their journey, paiN have stepped onto the stage of the biggest CS2 tournaments, turning heads with upset runs and landmark titles. From S‑Tier clashes to A‑Tier showdowns, their highlight victories have been watched by global audiences on the largest CS live streams. The crown jewel so far is the Global Esports Tour Rio 2024 — a triumphant hometown lift worth $100 000 — while deep playoff showings at PGL Cluj‑Napoca 2025 and a breakthrough trophy at ESL Challenger Melbourne 2022 fill out a résumé that continues to grow.
Date | Place | Tier | Type | Tournament Series | Tournament | Result | Opponent | Prize |
2025‑02‑21 | 5 th – 8 th | S‑Tier | Offline | PGL Cluj‑Napoca 2025 | PGL Cluj‑Napoca 2025 | 0 : 2 | MOUZ | $62 500 |
2025‑01‑24 | 5 th – 8 th | S‑Tier | Offline | BLAST Premier | BLAST Bounty Spring 2025 | 1 : 2 | Natus Vincere | $15 000 |
2024‑12‑07 | 12 th – 14 th | S‑Tier | Offline | Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 | Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024 | 1 : 2 | FURIA Esports | $20 000 |
2024‑08‑31 | 4 th | S‑Tier | Offline | BetBoom Dacha Belgrade 2024 #2 | BetBoom Dacha Belgrade 2024 #2 | 0 : 2 | Eternal Fire | $35 000 |
2024‑08‑13 | 7 th – 8 th | S‑Tier | Offline | Intel Extreme Masters | Intel Extreme Masters Cologne 2024 | 0 : 2 | G2 Esports | $24 000 |
2024‑04‑20 | 1 st | A‑Tier | Offline | Global Esports Tour | Global Esports Tour Rio de Janeiro 2024 | 2 : 1 | Imperial Esports | $100 000 |
2024‑03‑24 | 9 th – 11 th | S‑Tier | Offline | PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 | PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 | 0 : 2 | Natus Vincere | $20 000 |
2023‑11‑19 | 2 nd | A‑Tier | Online | Champion of Champions Tour | CCT Season 1 Online Finals #4 | 1 : 2 | Preasy Esport | $40 000 |
2022‑10‑16 | 2 nd | A‑Tier | Offline | FiReLEAGUE | FiReLEAGUE 2022: Global Finals | 1 : 2 | Team Spirit | $30 000 |
2022‑09‑04 | 1 st | A‑Tier | Offline | ESL Challenger | ESL Challenger at DreamHack Melbourne 2022 | 2 : 1 | Imperial Esports | $50 000 |
2022‑06‑26 | 1 st | B‑Tier | Online | ESL Challenger League | ESL Challenger League Season 41: North America | 3 : 0 | ATK | $20 000 |
2022‑05‑01 | 1 st | A‑Tier | Online | BLAST Premier | BLAST Premier: Spring American Showdown 2022 | 2 : 0 | FURIA Esports | $20 000 |
2021‑10‑10 | 1 st | A‑Tier | Online | Intel Extreme Masters | Intel Extreme Masters XVI – Fall: North America | 3 : 0 | GODSENT | $25 000 |
2021‑03‑14 | 2 nd | A‑Tier | Online | DreamHack Open | DreamHack Open March 2021: North America | 0 : 3 | Extra Salt | $15 000 |
2016‑11‑22 | 3 rd – 4 th | A‑Tier | Offline | IGL | International Gaming League 2016 – Grand Finals | 1 : 2 | VG.CyberZen | $11 566 |
Since rising from regional qualifiers, paiN have grown into reliable international dark horses. The 2022 Melbourne victory proved they could close out LAN grand finals abroad, while the 2024 Rio title crowned them in front of a roaring home crowd and netted the organisation’s first six‑figure payday. Their run to the top‑eight in Cluj‑Napoca showcased discipline against tier‑one opposition, with snow’s crisp entry work and biguzera’s mid‑round calling pushing squads like Virtus.pro and NAVI to the brink.
These performances underline paiN’s steady climb: balanced rifling trios, clutch‑ready AWP support from nqz, and coach rikz’s structured mid‑rounds. Each season, the roster turn Swiss‑stage grit into deeper playoff ambitions, carving out a reputation as Latin America’s second spear behind FURIA.
paiN Upcoming Events
As one of the region’s fastest‑ascending outfits, paiN are slated for multiple IEM, BLAST Premier and PGL circuit stops — pillars of today’s global CS2 tournaments calendar. Their next fixtures include IEM Cologne, the South‑American RMR, and Fall‑season BLAST events, where bracket spots against top‑ten giants await.
Expect the Brazilians to convert recent momentum into playoff contention, leveraging aggressive map‑control defaults and pragmatic mid‑round calls. Fans should tune in to official CS live streams to catch paiN’s upcoming CS2 matches, where clutch composure and home‑grown firepower promise to keep the black‑and‑pink banner flying high.
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