Mauisnake: “makazze Is Better Than kyousuke Right Now” — CS2 Analyst Sparks Debate Over Rising Stars

CS2 analyst Alex “Mauisnake” Ellenberg has stirred discussion in the Counter-Strike scene after claiming that Natus Vincere’s Drin “makazze” Shaqiri is currently outperforming Team Falcons’ Maksim “kyousuke” Lukin.

Speaking on the Hot Take Point Made podcast, Mauisnake said the comparison is clear:

“makazze is better than kyousuke — pretty obviously to me.”

He added that as long as both players remain in strong tier-one teams, he expects makazze to stay ahead in overall impact.

Recent Results Back Up makazze’s Advantage

Mauisnake pointed to recent CS2 tournament performances as key evidence — particularly ESL Pro League Season 23, where makazze delivered standout performances and secured the MVP award.

In his HLTV interview after the victory, makazze said:

“It feels amazing… I hope many more will come.”

He also highlighted his growth under pressure:

“In playoffs I played with more heart and more confidence.”

The NAVI rifler’s performances helped solidify his reputation as one of the best young players in CS2 right now.

Head-to-Head: NAVI vs Falcons at BLAST Open

Another key argument came from the NAVI vs Falcons match at BLAST Open Rotterdam 2026, where NAVI secured a 2–1 victory.

While kyousuke started strong on Mirage, NAVI completed the comeback on Inferno and Dust2. According to HLTV stats, kyousuke finished the series with a 0.93 rating, while makazze delivered more consistent impact across maps.

This direct matchup further fueled the narrative that makazze is currently more reliable in tier-one play.

Mauisnake Criticizes kyousuke’s Development

Despite acknowledging kyousuke’s elite mechanics, Mauisnake raised concerns about his progression:

“His aim might be one of the best in tier one… but he hasn’t improved in the last nine months.”

He also noted that kyousuke’s best event with Falcons remains IEM Cologne 2025, where the Russian rifler posted a 1.34 rating in an explosive debut.

The analyst suggested that development under coach Danny “zonic” Sørensen has not translated into consistent improvement.

Falcons Context: Role Issues and Team Adjustments

kyousuke’s inconsistency may not be purely individual. Falcons have faced role conflicts and adaptation challenges since his arrival.

zonic previously admitted:

“We succeeded with getting kyousuke comfortable, but we neglected that NiKo and TeSeS were also in new roles.”

Additionally, Falcons captain kyxsan revealed the team struggled with preparation after kyousuke missed time due to visa issues, forcing the roster to readjust multiple times.

kyousuke Still Seen as Future Superstar

Despite recent criticism, kyousuke remains one of the highest-ceiling players in CS2.

HLTV ranked him among the top prospects of 2026

He delivered a 1.87 rating performance at IEM Krakow 2026

Top players continue to praise his potential

After IEM Cologne, apEX said:

“He’s an incredible player. I’m sure he will show even more.”

Meanwhile, NiKo made a strong statement about his value:

“There are not many players I would give my roles to — but kyousuke is one of them.”

kyousuke on Improving Under zonic

kyousuke has also spoken about internal changes within Falcons, including stricter practice routines:

“zonic wants us to watch more demos, fix mistakes, and improve as a team.”

He added that he has changed his approach significantly over the past year, learning from experienced teammates like NiKo while still maintaining his aggressive playstyle.

makazze vs kyousuke: Current Form vs Future Potential

The debate ultimately comes down to form vs potential:

makazze

ESL Pro League S23 MVP

Strong recent results with NAVI

Proven impact in big matches

kyousuke

Higher mechanical ceiling

Inconsistent but explosive performances

Still adapting within Falcons system

Conclusion: Mauisnake’s Take Has Weight — For Now

Mauisnake’s claim reflects the current state of tier-one CS2:
makazze is ahead right now in terms of consistency, results, and impact.

However, kyousuke’s long-term potential remains undeniable, and with Falcons stabilizing, the rivalry between the two young stars is far from settled.

As the 2026 season continues, this makazze vs kyousuke debate could become one of the defining storylines in competitive Counter-Strike.