Roster finalized: faveN returns to BIG to round out the team’s 2026 rebuild
Berlin, Germany – January 9, 2026 (17:00 CET) – Berlin International Gaming (BIG) today announced the signing of Josef “faveN” Baumann, completing the organization’s Counter-Strike 2 roster for the 2026 season.
Returning to BIG, faveN re-joins the organization after his previous stint and after gaining valuable experience across different teams, roles, and competitive environments. His team-first mindset and ability to deliver in high-pressure moments add another important layer as BIG enters 2026 with a clear competitive direction.
Earlier today, BIG confirmed Benjamin “blameF” Bremer as Team Captain and in-game leader (IGL) and welcomed back Tizian “tiziaN” Feldbusch as Assistant Coach alongside Head Coach Sebastian “xenn” Hoch. With faveN joining, BIG finalizes a lineup built for long-term competitiveness, combining new leadership, vast experience, and firepower.
CGO Roman Reinhardt on signing faveN
“Josef has experienced a lot over the last few years – different teams, different roles, different expectations – and still he has consistently shown that he can deliver. He knows exactly what he wants, he’s a true team player, and he has exceptional skill. That’s the kind of player you need if you want to build something long-term. He fits perfectly – both on the server and outside of it.”
Roman Reinhardt, CGO, Berlin International Gaming (BIG)
faveN on returning to BIG
“I’m more than happy to be back in BIG. The last time in BIG didn’t end like I wished and now I’m more than ready to achieve our goals. BIG feels like home and I just know together we can reach new heights. I will do everything to make this year a special one.”
Josef “faveN” Baumann, Player, Berlin International Gaming (BIG)
CGO Roman Reinhardt on the 2026 team direction
“With this setup, we didn’t just swap players – we deliberately worked on the identity of the team. We’re bringing experience, leadership, and BIG DNA together. Tizian creates closeness to the players and a deep understanding of our culture. Josef brings calm, team-first mentality, and the ability to perform even in difficult phases. With blameF, we have an IGL who gives the team a clear direction and sets the standard we expect from ourselves. It was important to create an environment where responsibility is taken, where there is clarity, and where everyone can develop – as individuals and as a unit. I’m convinced we’ve achieved exactly that. I’m really looking forward to the coming months and to seeing this team grow together.”
Roman Reinhardt, CGO, Berlin International Gaming (BIG)
CEO Daniel Finkler on the completed roster
“Bringing faveN back to BIG is a powerful piece of this rebuild. Over the past two years he has continued to develop, gained valuable experience, and we believe his ceiling is still incredibly high. He adds game intelligence and firepower, and he fits the culture we’re building. Together with blameF’s leadership and tiziaN’s return to the BIG family in a coaching role, we’re entering 2026 with a roster that combines international competitive experience on top-level with the raw talent needed to achieve our goals as a club.
Daniel Finkler, CEO, Berlin International Gaming (BIG)
BIG CS2 roster for 2026
Players
- Benjamin “blameF” Bremer – Team Captain / IGL
- Johannes “tabseN” Wodarz
- Jon “JDC” De Castro
- Josef “faveN” Baumann
- Gleb “gr1ks” Gazin
Coaching staff
- Sebastian “xenn” Hoch – Head Coach
- Tizian “tiziaN” Feldbusch – Assistant Coach
