Imperial Esports Sign levi and Reunite with decenty in CS2 Roster Changes

In a continued effort to reshape their Counter-Strike 2 roster and reset the team’s competitive direction, Imperial Esports — the Brazilian organisation competing at the international level — have completed a pair of notable roster moves by adding Guilherme “levi” Gustavo and welcoming back Lucas “decenty” Bacelar to their active lineup. These signings come amid an extensive rebuild triggered by recent departures and benchings within the squad, reflecting Imperial’s ongoing search for consistent performances and a stronger foothold on the global CS2 stage. 

Levi: Bringing in Youth and Firepower

Imperial’s most prominent signing in this shuffle is the addition of Guilherme “levi” Gustavo, a 21-year-old sniper (AWPer) who joins the team after being released from 9z Team late last year. Levi first made a name for himself in the South American scene with strong peaks in regional competitions, notably during his runs with Sharks Youngsters and ex-W7M, where he registered standout individual performances. Despite showing flashes of high potential — with match ratings as high as 1.22 and 1.42 in events like ECL Season 50 SA Cup 4 and CCT SA Series 6 — his overall consistency remained a challenge during his stint with 9z. 

Imperial have chosen to bring in levi to replace Santino “try” Rigal, the Argentine AWPer who recently transferred to Passion UA, marking a clear shift toward youth and future growth. Levi’s signing fits into Imperial’s longer-term strategy of developing promising talent rather than seeking established veterans, as the organisation pursues renewed competitive momentum after a relatively uneven start to the 2026 season. 

In formal announcements shared on social platforms alongside the news, Imperial described levi as a young sniper with “a giant future ahead,” underlining the club’s belief in his potential. By slotting him into a key role as their main AWPer, Imperial are entrusting him with responsibility in a position that often defines outcomes in high-level Counter-Strike. 

Decenty Returns: Familiar Face Back in the Fold

Alongside levi’s arrival, Imperial have also reinstated Lucas “decenty” Bacelar, bringing the 21-year-old rifle player back into the starting five after he was moved to the bench midway through 2025. Decenty, a Brazilian professional player known for his activity in both Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and CS2, had spent recent months with Fluxo, where he maintained solid individual form, producing an average rating around 1.11 in mainly regional competitions. 

Although Fluxo’s lineups participated in some international LAN events — such as ESL Pro League Season 22, CS Asia Championships 2025, and the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025 — they did not achieve standout results on those stages. Decenty’s return to Imperial effectively reunites him with the organisation that originally signed him in late 2023, following prior spells with FURIA Academy and O PLANO. 

Imperial’s decision to bring decenty back into the fold suggests a preference for players familiar with the team’s culture and environment, and it stabilises the breadth of their project by combining experience with emerging talent. Given that Imperial had previously benched him, the move also shows willingness to re-evaluate prior decisions in pursuit of roster effectiveness. 

Context: Roster Shifts at Imperial

These latest adjustments are part of a broader overhaul within the Imperial CS2 squad. Earlier in the same window, Imperial moved Felipe “skullz” Medeiros to the bench, leaving an open spot in their active lineup. The organisation’s prior footsteps also included the transfer of try, whose departure necessitated a competent AWPer to fill a critical gap. 

As it stands following the additions of levi and decenty, Imperial’s projected main roster features:

• Marcelo “chelo” Cespedes

• Kaiky “noway” Santos

• Vinicius “VINI” Figueiredo

• Guilherme “levi” Gustavo

• Lucas “decenty” Bacelar

• Coach: Rafael “zakk” Fernandes 

One remaining position still needs to be filled or confirmed in the starting lineup, which means Imperial could yet make further moves before the start of major competitions. 

What This Means for Imperial’s Competitive Outlook

Imperial have been a staple presence in South American Counter-Strike, and their performances have occasionally translated into invites to major international events. As of recent HLTV world rankings, the team sits in the top 40 globally, indicating that while they are respected, there is still room for growth before they are counted among elite contenders. 

By focusing on the infusion of youth and injecting players with potential upside, Imperial are clearly committing to a developmental path rather than short-term fixes. If levi’s high ceilings and decenty’s improved form continue upward, the organisation could achieve more consistent placements in events such as the ESL Pro League, CCT competitions, and future Majors. However, this approach also carries the risk that younger players may need time to adapt to the pressures of the highest level of international play. 

In summary, Imperial’s signings of levi and decenty mark a decisive chapter in the club’s roster strategy. With a blend of renewed youth, experience, and strategic recalibration, the Brazilian side aim to return to stronger form on both regional and international CS2 circuits.