The world of Counter Strike 2 has always been defined by legends, but a new star is emerging who could rewrite history. Liam “MaiL09” Tügel, a sixteen year old rifler currently playing for Metizport, has surged to the very top of the FACEIT global leaderboards, putting him on the brink of becoming the youngest FACEIT champion the platform has ever seen.
On September 2, 2025, MaiL09 reached an impressive ELO rating of 4,860, securing first place in a leaderboard filled with some of the most decorated names in the game. This rise is nothing short of remarkable. The FACEIT leaderboards are widely regarded as the most competitive proving ground in Counter Strike, where only the most consistent and mentally tough players thrive. For a player who is barely sixteen to dominate at this level has electrified the esports scene and set social media ablaze with praise.
MaiL09 is not a newcomer to the spotlight. Over the past year, he has built a reputation as one of Sweden’s most promising young talents, competing under banners such as GODSENT and Johnny Speeds. His breakthrough came earlier this year when he and his team triumphed in the Svenska Elitserien Spring 2025, a result that immediately marked him as a rising force to watch.
What sets MaiL09 apart is not just his raw aim but his consistency. Across more than 3,500 FACEIT matches, he has maintained a win rate of 57 percent, outperforming countless seasoned professionals. Among those on the leaderboard chasing him are names like Team Spirit rifler Ivan “zweih” Gogin, yet it is the young Swede who currently leads them all. According to FACEIT, if MaiL09 holds on to the number one spot until the season concludes, he will shatter the existing record held by Danil “Donk” Kryshkovets, who previously topped the Season 5 leaderboard.
The question now is not whether MaiL09 is talented but how far he can go. While chasing history on FACEIT, he is still grinding through tournaments with Metizport, who are ranked 79th in the Valve Regional Standings. The team has a tough road ahead if they hope to reach the top 32 and qualify for the StarLadder Budapest Major in November. Their recent showing at the BLAST.tv Austin Major, where they finished within the top 32, proved that they are capable of punching above their weight. September will be crucial, with the European Pro League Season 2 and ESL Challenger League Season 50 lined up to test the squad’s resilience.
For MaiL09, the future looks as bright as ever. If he manages to hold his ground on FACEIT, he will not only cement himself as the youngest champion in the platform’s history but also stand as living proof that a new generation of players is ready to take Counter Strike to even greater heights.
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