BIG changes AWPer: hyped benched, gr1ks from HEROIC joins the roster

After a series of disappointing results, BIG has decided to change its AWPer — Marcel "hyped" Köhn leaves the active lineup, while Gleb "gr1ks" Gazin from HEROIC will take his place. The organization announced the roster update on its X (Twitter) account.

hyped in BIG

hyped joined BIG’s main roster in January 2025. Over a little more than half a year, the team participated in several tournaments but failed to secure any major victories. Since the beginning of the year, BIG has been struggling with form — the team failed to qualify for the Austin Major in the USA, and their Tier-1 results have been as follows:

• Intel Extreme Masters Katowice 2025 – 13–16th place
• PGL Cluj-Napoca 2025 – 9–11th place
• Intel Extreme Masters Melbourne 2025 – 13–16th place
• PGL Astana 2025 – 12–14th place
• Intel Extreme Masters Cologne 2025 – 21–24th place

The team’s only notable finish with hyped came at MESA Nomadic Masters Spring 2025, where they took 2nd place and earned a $60,000 prize. During his time with BIG, hyped played 151 maps, averaging 65.9 ADR, 70.1% KAST, and a 0.96 rating. These numbers may have been a factor behind the organization’s decision to make a change.

gr1ks in HEROIC

Gleb "gr1ks" Gazin joined HEROIC in August 2025. During his short tenure, the team competed at FISSURE Playground #1 and Intel Extreme Masters Cologne 2025, finishing 13–16th at the latter. Across just 17 maps played for HEROIC, gr1ks averaged 70.8 ADR, 70.4% KAST, and a 0.97 rating.

Given the small sample size of maps and slightly better numbers, gr1ks doesn’t appear to be a clear upgrade over hyped just yet. However, it remains to be seen whether the young player can adapt quickly and unlock his potential as BIG’s new AWPer.

Current BIG roster:

• tabseN (IGL)
• Krimbo
• JDC
• prosus
• gr1ks
• xenn (Coach)

The updated roster will make its debut at NODWIN Clutch Series #1, taking place from September 29 to October 19.