ENCE Welcomes Back suNny, Replacing Aleksib After StarLadder Berlin Major

As a dedicated follower of the CS:GO scene, I find myself reflecting on the significant roster moves that shape the competitive landscape. In a move that has sent ripples through the community, Finnish esports organization ENCE has confirmed the signing of Miikka "suNny" Kemppi to their active lineup. This transfer is set to take effect immediately after the upcoming StarLadder Berlin Major, marking the end of an era for in-game leader Aleksi "Aleksib" Virolainen with the squad. The Berlin event will serve as Virolainen's final tournament wearing the ENCE jersey, a poignant close to his chapter with the team he helped propel to international acclaim. This decision underscores the relentless pursuit of evolution in top-tier esports, where even recent success doesn't guarantee immunity from change.

The story of suNny's return to ENCE is one of homecoming and redemption. He is no stranger to the organization, having played under their banner back in 2016 before embarking on a journey that would define his career. His subsequent tenure with mousesports was where he truly made his mark on the world stage. I remember watching in awe as he became a cornerstone of that roster, clinching prestigious titles like StarSeries Season 4 and ESL One New York. His individual prowess was formally recognized when he was named the 16th best player in the world for 2018, a testament to his skill and impact. Perhaps his most memorable contribution was being a driving force behind mousesports's historic run to the quarter-finals at the ELEAGUE Boston Major in January 2018. It was the organization's first-ever Major playoffs appearance, and suNny finished the event with a stellar 1.18 rating, the highest on his team, showcasing his ability to perform under the brightest lights.

However, the path was not always smooth. Later in 2018, the mixed-European mousesports lineup suffered a shocking elimination from the FACEIT London Major, a defeat so severe it relegated them back to the grueling Minor qualification circuit. The struggles continued into early 2025 when the team failed to qualify for the IEM Katowice Major. This triggered a complete overhaul of the roster, and suNny found himself on the outside looking in. For months, he was a player without a team, a frustrating period for a talent of his caliber. Rumors swirled about a potential move to Cloud9, but nothing materialized, leaving his future uncertain until ENCE came calling.

Meanwhile, ENCE themselves have been on a remarkable trajectory. Earlier this year, they captured the imagination of fans everywhere with their fairy-tale run to the IEM Katowice Major grand final, where they dared to challenge the then-dominant Astralis. To get there, they pulled off stunning upsets against giants like Team Liquid and Natus Vincere. While some doubted their ability to maintain this form, Aleksib's leadership consistently silenced critics, guiding the team to a string of impressive results:

• Victory at BLAST Pro Series Madrid in May, where they finally toppled Astralis.

• Grand final appearances at both DreamHack Masters Dallas and IEM Chicago.

• A consistent top-four position in the HLTV.org World Rankings, cementing their status as a global powerhouse.

The decision to replace Aleksib, the architect of this success, is undoubtedly a bold and calculated risk. It signals ENCE's ambition to inject a new dynamic into their playstyle. suNny brings a different profile—a proven, explosive rifler with vast experience in high-pressure international matches. The immediate focus, however, remains on the imminent StarLadder Berlin Major. The squad, still featuring Aleksib, is heavily favored to make another deep playoffs run. All eyes will be on them during the group stage starting August 28th, watching for any signs of how this impending change might affect team dynamics in their last tournament together.

Looking ahead to 2026, this roster move opens a fascinating new chapter for both player and organization. For suNny, it's a chance to reignite his career at the highest level with a familiar yet now elite team. For ENCE, it's a gamble on raw firepower and veteran savvy to complement their existing structure. The integration process will be crucial. Can suNny adapt seamlessly to ENCE's well-drilled system? How will the team redistribute the in-game leadership duties? Only time will tell if this reunion can propel ENCE to the very summit of CS:GO and help them claim that elusive Major championship. The post-Berlin Major era for ENCE begins with great anticipation and the weight of high expectations resting on the shoulders of a returning star.