The HLTV Awards 2025 ceremony in Belgrade honored Viktor Golubenko, widely recognized by his in-game alias molodoy, as the Rookie of the Year. This accolade underscores his remarkable ascent in the competitive scene, a distinction made even more significant as it coincided with his 21st birthday. HLTV highlighted Golubenko’s consistent individual performance throughout the year, which distinctly set him apart from other emerging talents.
Golubenko experienced a pivotal breakthrough in 2025 following his signing with FURIA in April. Throughout the year, he maintained an impressive average rating of 1.17, with a slightly lower rating of 1.14 while competing with FURIA. His contributions were instrumental in securing titles at prestigious events such as the FISSURE Playground 2, Thunderpick World Championship, IEM Chengdu, and BLAST Rivals S2. In recognition of his outstanding performances, Golubenko was awarded MVP honors at FISSURE Playground 2 and IEM Chengdu, in addition to receiving EVP awards at both IEM Cologne and the Thunderpick World Championship. His stellar year also culminated in a commendable No. 6 placement on HLTV’s Top 20 Players of the Year list.
In a social media post reflecting on his achievements, Golubenko expressed his gratitude, noting, “Top 6 and Rookie of the Year in my very first year is something to strive for, especially when it all happens on my birthday.” This statement encapsulates the significance of his accomplishments during a year that has seen him rise rapidly in the ranks of professional esports.
Earlier reports from Qazinform News Agency detailed Golubenko’s MVP performance at an international tournament, which brought further attention to his growing reputation in the competitive gaming scene. The combination of his personal milestones and professional honors paints a promising picture of Golubenko’s future within the esports community.
As esports continues to evolve, the recognition of players like molodoy highlights the emergence of new talent capable of making impactful contributions to their teams. The landscape of competitive gaming remains dynamic, with young players frequently challenging established stars. With multiple titles and awards already under his belt, Golubenko’s trajectory suggests that he is poised to play a significant role in future tournaments, potentially shaping the narrative of competitive esports for years to come.
