nafany Reveals TDK Financial Struggles: “We’re Living at a Loss” in CS2 Project

Former Vladislav Gorshkov explains why TDK is self-funded and how ex-Gambit Esports core is fighting back in the current Counter-Strike 2 market

The reality behind one of the most talked-about independent rosters in Counter-Strike 2 has finally been revealed. Vladislav Gorshkov, former captain of Gambit Esports and Cloud9, has opened up about the financial difficulties of the TDK project, admitting the team is currently operating at a loss.

According to his recent interview with HLTV, the roster is funding its own journey through the competitive scene—covering travel, accommodation, and tournament expenses while chasing crucial Valve ranking points.

TDK CS2 Project: Playing Without Organizational Support

Unlike traditional teams backed by organizations, TDK is effectively running as a self-financed lineup. This puts the squad in a position similar to smaller esports organizations, but without the infrastructure or financial stability.

“We’re all genuinely living at a loss,” nafany admitted, highlighting the pressure of maintaining a competitive schedule without external funding.

The situation reflects a broader issue in the CS2 ecosystem, where even proven players are struggling to secure contracts.

Why Top CS2 Veterans Are Being Overlooked

One of the key takeaways from nafany’s statement is the shift in the transfer market. According to him, organizations are increasingly prioritizing younger, cheaper talent over experienced players.

This trend has left several high-profile names without stable teams, including former stars from Cloud9 and other CIS lineups.

Instead of waiting for offers, nafany and his teammates chose a different route—building TDK as an independent project to stay active and relevant in the rankings.

TDK Roster: Reunion of Gambit Core

The lineup was first revealed in early 2026 and marked a reunion of key figures from the legendary Gambit roster:

Vladislav Gorshkov

Sergey Rykhtorov

Coach Konstantin Pikiner

They were joined by players like Aleksandr Zagodyrenko and others, forming a mix of experience and firepower.

At the time, nafany explained the decision clearly: the team was created due to market conditions and their unwillingness to “wait and see.”

TDK Results: Strong Start Despite Challenges

Despite financial struggles, TDK has already proven its competitiveness.

The team secured a victory at ESL Challenger League Season 51 Europe Cup 1, defeating Alliance in the final. This result:

Earned them prize money

Boosted their Valve Regional Standings (VRS)

Helped them climb significantly in global rankings

Their rapid rise shows that the project is more than just a temporary mix—it’s a serious contender in the Tier 2 CS2 scene.

Roster Instability: Contracts Still a Problem

However, not everything is under TDK’s control.

nafany pointed out that some players are still tied to other organizations. A key example is Aleksandr Zagodyrenko, who was temporarily called back to play for BetBoom Team.

As a result, TDK had to use a stand-in during recent matches—highlighting the fragile nature of the project.

The Bigger Picture: CS2 Market Crisis?

TDK’s situation reflects a larger shift in the Counter-Strike 2 competitive ecosystem:

Organizations are cutting costs

Veteran players are struggling to find contracts

Independent teams are becoming more common

Even players connected to teams like BetBoom Team have spoken about uncertainty in roster decisions, reinforcing how unstable the scene currently is.

Can TDK Survive Long-Term?

TDK is essentially a high-risk, high-reward experiment.

The goal is clear:

Earn ranking points

Gain visibility

Attract long-term organizational support

So far, the results are promising—but the financial pressure remains a major obstacle.

For nafany and his team, the gamble is simple: win now, or risk fading out of the scene entirely.