BIG EQUIPA confirm 2026 roster: aiM and sosya join as BIG doubles down on women’s CS2

With ASTRA, Hanka, and Emmsan retained, BIG, as the reigning ESL Impact champion and HLTV Women’s Team of the Year 2025 announce their new 2026 line-up, and reaffirm commitment amid an uncertain landscape.

Berlin, Germany, January 23, 2026 After a historic 2025 season, including the ESL Impact Season 8 Finals title in Stockholm and being crowned HLTV Women’s Team of the Year, with Mayline-Joy “ASTRA” Champliaud named HLTV Women’s Player of the Year (2025), BIG EQUIPA are entering 2026 with a new roster and a clear statement of intent.

At a time when the women’s CS2 ecosystem is under pressure, following ESL’s decision to suspend ESL Impact after Season 8, BIG remains committed to providing stability and continued visibility for women’s Counter-Strike.

New additions for 2026: Welcome aiM and sosya

BIG EQUIPA welcome two new players to the roster:

🇬🇧 Mia “aiM” Cooper
🇷🇺 Sofia “sosya” Vasileva

They join the existing core that delivered BIG EQUIPA’s breakthrough year and global recognition. At the same time, we say thank you and farewell to two players who played key roles in BIG EQUIPA’s success:

🇺🇦 Alexandra “kyossa” Tykhonska, who has retired from competitive Counter-Strike after winning ESL Impact and the HLTV Team of the Year accolade.
🇵🇱 Wiktoria “vicu” Janicka, who has moved on to play with the former Imperial Valkyries core.

Statement Roman Reinhardt, CGO, Berlin International Gaming (BIG)

“At BIG, we are deliberately committed to our BIG Equipa roster, especially at a time when the scene is under pressure and losing visibility and structural support. For us, this is not a reason to step away. It’s a reason to step up.

If we talk seriously about equal opportunity in esports, we have to be willing to support the structures behind it, even when they’re not in the spotlight. Visibility doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built.

We’re also honest about reality. We closely monitor how the scene develops and we can’t ignore economic factors. Still, our clear focus is to do everything we can to stay invested and provide stability.

One thing is clear: without teams, there is no scene. And without tournaments, there is no future. That’s why responsibility doesn’t stop with organizations. Tournament organizers play a key role.

Consistent formats, real exposure, and long-term commitment are essential for the growth of female CS, and this is where major organizers need to step up.BIG will continue on this path as long as we can stand behind it responsibly. Not because it’s easy. But because it matters.”

Statement Dominic Hirsch, Team-Manager BIG EQUIPA

“Welcome to the BIG family aiM and sosya. With these new additions, we are looking forward to the coming season with motivation and ambition and want to give our best. Both players bring valuable experience, strong individual skills, and a high level of motivation, making them a great fit for our team. #GOBIG”