Gaimin Gladiators Sign HEN1 – Brazilian AWPer Returns to Tier-2 CS After Hiatus

Gaimin Gladiators have officially signed Brazilian AWPer Henrique “HEN1” Teles, completing a key roster move ahead of their upcoming tournament schedule. The 29-year-old replaces Bruno “shz” Martinelli, who was released from the lineup earlier this week.

The signing marks HEN1’s return to competitive Counter-Strike after a nine-month absence, following his benching from RED Canids in April 2025.

Transfer rating: 8/10

Experience upgrade: ★★★★☆

Role clarity (main AWP): ★★★★☆

Short-term impact: ★★★☆☆

Long-term upside: ★★★★☆

HEN1 joins Gaimin Gladiators as primary AWPer

HEN1 takes over the main AWP role in a roster that has shown strong regional form but struggled to convert it into Major qualifications. His arrival is expected to add stability, LAN experience, and late-round composure—areas where Gaimin Gladiators have lacked consistency.

The Brazilian sniper is set to make his debut immediately, with Gaimin Gladiators scheduled to face MIBR at BetBoom RUSH B Summit Season 1.

Familiar faces: key reunions inside the roster

The move reunites HEN1 with several former teammates:

felps – previously played together on Immortals, Tempo Storm, and Imperial

JOTA – former teammate on Imperial (2024)

This existing synergy could help shorten the adaptation period, especially in AWP-centric setups and mid-round calling.

Why HEN1 was available

HEN1 has been inactive since April 2025, when RED Canids benched both him and felps after failing to qualify for the BLAST.tv Austin Major South America MRQ.

During his time with RED Canids, HEN1 posted a 1.10 HLTV rating, primarily in South American competitions. While the team fell short of Major qualification, his individual form remained solid.

Why Gaimin Gladiators made the move

Gaimin Gladiators closed 2025 with encouraging results:

Top four at CCT Season 3 South America Series 6

Champions of the ESL Challenger League Finals, defeating 9z and BESTIA

That ESL Challenger League victory secured the team a spot at ESL Pro League Season 23, but they missed qualification for the StarLadder Budapest Major and currently sit outside the VRS threshold for the next Major cycle.

Adding a proven AWPer like HEN1 signals a “win-now” approach as the team looks to convert regional dominance into international appearances.

Roster background: Gaimin Gladiators’ CS rebuild

September 2025: Gaimin Gladiators returned to Counter-Strike by signing the former W7M Brazilian core

Late 2025: felps joined the roster, replacing b4rtiN

January 2026: HEN1 replaces shz, completing the current lineup

Current Gaimin Gladiators roster

João “felps” Vasconcellos

Gabriel “NEKIZ” Schenato

Jhonatan “JOTA” Willian

Lucas “bsd” Luan

Henrique “HEN1” Teles

Coach: João “horvy” Horvath

Outlook: what to expect next

HEN1’s performance at BetBoom RUSH B Summit Season 1 will be closely watched as Gaimin Gladiators prepare for ESL Pro League Season 23. If the veteran AWPer quickly regains form, the team could emerge as one of South America’s strongest Tier-2 contenders in early 2026.