Kazakh AWPer Danil “molodoy” Golubenko clinches second MVP in debut season at IEM Chengdu 2025

Kazakh AWPer Danil “molodoy” Golubenko clinches second MVP in debut season at IEM Chengdu 2025

In a remarkable rookie run, 20-year-old Danil “molodoy” Golubenko from Kazakhstan has secured the MVP award at IEM Chengdu 2025, his second such honour in his very first professional year. 

The milestone

• The AWPer, representing FURIA, was named the IEM Chengdu MVP, presented by 1xBet.

• Earlier in September, he claimed his first MVP at the FISSURE Playground 2 tournament.

• With these two MVPs, molodoy is firmly in contention for the Rookie of the Year award — an accolade he acknowledges but says is secondary to team success.

What it means for FURIA and his career

• FURIA captured the IEM Chengdu trophy by sweeping Team Vitality 3-0 in the grand final, with molodoy playing a pivotal role.

• In his post-event comments, molodoy stated: “I’m very happy because it’s my very [first] big tournament win … and I hope not the last.” He emphasised the priority of winning trophies over individual awards.

• According to his HLTV profile, molodoy is 20 years old and currently part of FURIA.

Why this is notable

• Securing two MVPs in a debut season is rare and signals his rapid rise in the competitive CS2 scene.

• His comments reveal a mature mindset: prioritising team achievements and longevity over immediate personal recognition.

• The victory over a storied opponent like Team Vitality emphasises both FURIA’s and molodoy’s growing profile.