paiN Bench nqz, Set to Sign saffee as Stand-In Ahead of Key CS2 Events

Brazilian team paiN Gaming are preparing for a crucial roster adjustment after AWPer Lucas Soares temporarily stepped away from competition, with reports indicating that Rafael Costa is set to replace him in the active lineup.

nqz Steps Away From paiN Lineup

According to HLTV, paiN confirmed that nqz is “temporarily stepping away” due to personal reasons, emphasizing the importance of his “well-being and full recovery.”

This development comes at a sensitive time for the team, as paiN had recently secured qualification for upcoming international tournaments and were building momentum in the competitive Counter-Strike 2 scene.

nqz has been a core piece of paiN’s roster for over two years, playing a key role in their rise within the Brazilian and international CS2 ecosystem.

saffee Expected to Return to paiN

Multiple reports, including from Brazilian outlet Dust2 Brasil, indicate that saffee will step in as a temporary replacement.

The move marks a potential return to familiar territory for saffee, who previously represented paiN before joining FURIA in 2022. After his stint there, he later played for MIBR before being benched in 2025.

If confirmed, saffee is expected to compete in upcoming events such as:

IEM Atlanta

CS Asia Championship

His experience at the highest level could provide stability during a critical stretch of the season.

Timing Raises Questions for paiN

The roster move is particularly surprising given nqz’s recent form.

Just days before the announcement, he was named MVP of Circuit X Mayhem São Paulo, underlining his strong individual performance. In a recent interview, nqz admitted the team had been under pressure:

“We came to Brazil afraid of missing the Major.”

Despite that pressure, paiN managed to deliver results — making his sudden absence even more impactful.

paiN’s Ongoing Development and Challenges

The situation highlights ongoing challenges within paiN’s long-term project.

Player Franco Garcia previously noted after a Major appearance:

“We need more experience.”

Team captain Rodrigo Bittencourt also emphasized internal discipline:

“We have to focus and be more professional.”

These comments reflect a team still working toward consistency at the top level — something that may now be tested even further.

saffee’s Redemption Opportunity

For saffee, this move could represent a major comeback opportunity.

While playing for MIBR earlier in 2025, he openly acknowledged the team’s struggles:

“Since the beginning of the year, it’s not been pretty.”

Despite that, he remains one of Brazil’s most experienced AWPers, with appearances at multiple top-tier international events, including Major tournaments.

His return to paiN could help stabilize the roster while also giving him a chance to re-establish himself in Tier 1 Counter-Strike.

Expected paiN Lineup (Projected)

Rodrigo “biguzera” Bittencourt

João “snow” Vinicius

Vinicius “vsm” Moreira

Guilherme “piriajr” Barbosa

Rafael “saffee” Costa (stand-in)

Coach: Henrique “rikz” Waku

What’s Next for paiN?

paiN have not yet announced a timeline for nqz’s return, leaving uncertainty around their long-term roster stability.

With important international tournaments approaching, all eyes will be on how quickly saffee can integrate — and whether paiN can maintain their upward trajectory in the global CS2 rankings.