kade0 returns to HOTU as roster rebuild continues after IEM Rio setback

kade0 returns to HOTU as roster rebuild continues after IEM Rio setback

Aidos “kade0” Khairzhan has returned to HOTU’s active Counter-Strike 2 roster, with the organization recalling the Kazakh rifler from his loan spell at DEPO and immediately moving him back into the starting lineup. HOTU confirmed the decision through their social media channels, while HLTV reported that the move follows two temporary spells away from the team. 

The return marks another step in HOTU’s ongoing rebuild after a turbulent April. The team had recently made two roster changes following its 9th-12th place finish at IEM Rio 2026, where HOTU defeated Legacy but were eliminated after losses to Aurora and Natus Vincere. Shortly after returning from Rio, HOTU benched Suleımen “dukefissura” Orazaly, ending his year-long period on the active roster. Two days later, the club also parted ways with Altair “kAlash” Askarov, who had been playing for HOTU on loan from AMKAL since October 2025. 

kade0’s return is notable because he is not a new face for the organization. According to HLTV, he previously spent a year with HOTU before being benched in November 2025. After that, he played on loan for ALLINNERS and later DEPO. During his time with the Uzbekistani side DEPO, kade0 averaged a 1.42 rating, a strong individual figure that likely made him an obvious option as HOTU searched for stability after its post-Rio shake-up. 

HOTU’s recent roster moves come after what had been one of the best periods in the organization’s history. Earlier in 2026, the team climbed close to the top 20 of the Valve Regional Standings after winning Roman Imperium Cup V. At that event, HOTU defeated Gentle Mates in the final and took the $5,929 first-place prize. HLTV described the tournament as a statement event for Dmitry “mizu” Kondratev, who posted a 1.42 rating in Portugal, while David “n0rb3r7” Danielyan delivered a 2.01 rating on Overpass in the deciding map of the grand final. 

That success briefly pushed HOTU into serious Major qualification discussions, but the team later lost momentum. HLTV reported that HOTU peaked at No. 19 in the VRS before a mid-season drop-off left them outside the Major qualification range. The changes involving dukefissura, kAlash, and now kade0 therefore appear to be part of an attempt to recover form after a promising rise was followed by a difficult run of results. 

At the time of HLTV’s update, HOTU’s active roster consisted of n0rb3r7, mizu, Kim “frontales” Argunov, and kade0, with Rustem “mou” Telepov remaining as coach. dukefissura was listed on the bench. HLTV’s team page also showed HOTU ranked No. 36 in the world, with the lineup’s historical peak listed as No. 19. 

HOTU are expected to continue their campaign with kade0 back in the lineup at CCT 2026 Europe Series 1 and NODWIN Clutch Series 8. For the organization, the move reunites them with a player already familiar with their system, while also giving kade0 a chance to convert his strong loan-period form into a more impactful role back on the main roster.