Kazakhstani esports player Danil Molodoy Golubenko, competing as part of the Brazilian team FURIA, has won the Thunderpick World Championship 2026. In the decisive match, FURIA defeated BetBoom Team to retain its championship title, El.kz reports.
Grand final determines the outcome
The grand final took place in Malta and ended with a 3–2 victory for FURIA. All five maps were played, with the outcome decided only after the full series had been completed.
The Brazilian team opened with a 13–6 win on Dust2. BetBoom Team then claimed victories on Ancient and Nuke, before FURIA levelled the score on Mirage and secured the title on Cache, winning the decisive map 13–6.
Performance of the Kazakhstani AWPer
Golubenko plays as an AWPer for FURIA. During the final series, he recorded 85 kills, the highest number among players on his team.
The victory further strengthens the player’s record on the intl Counter-Strike 2 stage. Golubenko joined FURIA in 2025 and helped the team win the Thunderpick World Championship that year.
Prize money
The tournament’s total prize pool amounted to US$1 mln. FURIA received US$500,000 for first place, while runners-up BetBoom Team earned US$250,000.
The victory enabled FURIA to retain its title and reaffirm its success at the previous championship. Golubenko’s performance as a member of one of the tournament’s leading teams also marks a notable achievement for Kazakhstan’s esports sector.
