ropz

Robin Kool, better known in the esports world by his in‑game alias ropz, is one of the most accomplished professional Counter‑Strike players of his generation. Born on December 22, 1999, in Jõgeva, Estonia, ropz began his gaming journey in his early childhood with Counter‑Strike 1.6, particularly excelling in the KreedZ (KZ) movement community. His sharp mechanics and natural game sense laid the foundation for a career that would take him to the top tiers of competitive Counter‑Strike.

Rise to Prominence

Ropz transitioned to Counter‑Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) around 2015–2016, initially competing with teams such as OnlineBOTS and AWTR. His big break came in April 2017, when he signed with mousesports. Over the next four years, he became one of the most reliable riflers in the scene, helping mousesports secure titles like ESG Tour Mykonos 2017, StarSeries i‑League Season 4, ESL One New York 2018, CS Asia Championships 2019, and ESL Pro League Season 10 Finals, where he earned his first HLTV MVP award.

Establishing Himself as an Elite Player

By 2018, ropz had cemented himself among the world’s best, consistently appearing in HLTV’s Top 20 Players rankings for seven consecutive years (2018–2024), peaking at #3 in 2023. His calculated lurk style, impeccable positioning, and clutch ability made him a cornerstone for any roster he played on.

The FaZe Clan Era

In January 2022, ropz joined FaZe Clan, marking a new chapter in his career. His impact was immediate—helping FaZe win multiple S‑tier events, including IEM Katowice 2022, IEM Cologne 2022, ESL Pro League Season 15, and most notably the PGL Major Antwerp 2022, his first Major championship. FaZe also secured the Intel Grand Slam Season 4 under his tenure, solidifying the team’s place in Counter‑Strike history.

Transition to CS2 and Continued Success

As Counter‑Strike 2 rolled out in late 2023, ropz maintained his elite form. He added more trophies to his collection, including victories at CS Asia Championships 2023 (MVP) and IEM Chengdu 2024, along with deep runs at the PGL Copenhagen Major 2024 and Perfect World Shanghai Major 2024.

Joining Team Vitality and Historic Achievements

On January 1, 2025, ropz officially parted ways with FaZe and signed with Team Vitality, joining their star‑studded lineup. The move quickly paid off: Vitality dominated the competitive scene, winning IEM Katowice 2025, ESL Pro League Season 21, BLAST Open Lisbon 2025, IEM Melbourne 2025, and capturing the ESL Grand Slam Season 5. This achievement made ropz only the second player in history to win two Grand Slams, after his former teammate Twistzz. Vitality’s success streak included a record‑breaking 25‑match LAN win streak, underscoring their dominance with ropz as a key contributor.

Legacy and Playstyle

Known for his calculated lurks, unflappable composure, and deadly clutch potential, ropz has been praised as one of the smartest riflers in Counter‑Strike history. His five HLTV MVP medals and extensive trophy cabinet reflect both his individual brilliance and his ability to elevate every team he joins.