FOKUS signs former ENCE AWPer Paavo Heiskanen

FOKUS announced the signing of 21-year-old Paavo Heiskanen, known as “podi”, to its Counter-Strike roster. The Serbian-based organisation added the AWPer to fill the sniper role left by 17-year-old Georgi “Jorko” Mitev, who moved to Team Liquid to take Roland “ultimate” Tomkowiak’s spot. FOKUS remains one player short after Erik “ztr” Gustafsson exited when his loan from GamerLegion reached its end.

Heiskanen was benched by ENCE in May after the Finnish club ended its international project and promoted its academy roster. He had been promoted into ENCE’s main team earlier in 2024 and was seeking opportunities on the tier-one scene following his removal from the main lineup.

FOKUS’ current active core now includes Mateo “Matheos” Prišlin, Sebastian “volt” Maloș, Matias “Banjo” Kivistö and Paavo “podi” Heiskanen, with Jakub “kuben” Gurczyński serving as coach. The organisation must still sign a fifth player to meet tournament rules that require a five-player roster.

Erik “ztr” Gustafsson asked to explore his options late last month as his loan from GamerLegion neared its end, leaving FOKUS to practise and compete with a temporary four-man lineup. The club will finalise a new permanent signing before returning to a full roster for events.

Heiskanen is available immediately after his release from ENCE’s main rotation. FOKUS will integrate him into the team’s tactical work while continuing the search for the final roster addition.