Maxim "kyousuke" Lukin, known as CEMEN_BAKIN, has been making waves in the CS2 scene as the next big prospect, captivating the attention of many enthusiasts in the community. Despite being just 16 years old, his exceptional skills have garnered immense praise, with more and more talent scouts tipping him for stardom by the end of 2025.
Hailing from Russia, Kyousuke's CS journey began five years ago under the guidance of his elder brother, following the typical family tradition of gaming. His competitive spirit led him to register on FACEIT in 2021, embarking on a rigorous grind that has seen him play over 6,100 matches on the platform, surpassing even the seasoned stars in the arena.
Showing remarkable dedication to his craft, Kyousuke made the bold decision to leave home at 15, opting for online exams to complete his schooling while residing in a separate apartment close to his mother's residence. With aspirations of pursuing higher education to ease his mother's concerns, the young prodigy signed with Team Spirit at the age of 16, caught the eye of OverDrive on FACEIT.
Characterized by his unique monikers inspired by media references, Kyousuke draws parallels to Semyon Bakin from a Russian TV show and an anime character, despite confessing to never having watched any related content. Currently ranked 18th on FACEIT, Kyousuke experienced a slight dip in rankings due to inactivity in December, previously vying for the top spot with the likes of donk, hinting at his potential to break new ceilings.
While his official match appearances remain limited, Kyousuke's time with Spirit Academy has yielded promising results, boasting a commendable 1.29 rating across 60 maps on HLTV. His mechanical prowess shines through in his gameplay, evident in his ability to outshine renowned opponents during showmatches, showcasing his talent in full throttle.
Highlighted by analysts like Alex 'mauisnake' Ellenberg and professional players such as Jame and STYKO, Kyousuke has garnered attention and acclaim for his exceptional skills, with industry insiders predicting a bright future ahead. Tipped as a breakout talent for 2025, the young gun has already attracted interest from teams like Cloud9, signaling his rising stock in the esports market.
While speculation surrounds his potential buyout value, with estimates reaching $1 million, Team Spirit remains cautious about rushing his transition to the main stage, opting to nurture his talent within the academy setup. Recognizing the hype surrounding Kyousuke, Spirit aims to capitalize on his potential growth, suggesting a prolonged stay in the developmental phase for the prospect.
