Oleksandr Zinchenko exits PassionUA after three years

On 23 June 2026 Oleksandr Zinchenko ended his partnership with Ukrainian esports club PassionUA and exited the organisation. He offered few details during a brief Twitch broadcast and focused on reflecting on his time with the club.

Zinchenko helped launch PassionUA in August 2023 and acted as founder and primary media partner. As an AFC Ajax defender he used his public profile to promote the brand and pursue commercial opportunities across Europe. During his involvement the club appeared at the Counter-Strike 2 Majors in Shanghai and Budapest and secured sponsorships with adidas, VBet and Lorgar.

Artemijs Rjabovs, who became the club’s effective owner in May 2025, thanked Zinchenko for his early support and wrote that the founder’s backing helped lay the foundation for PassionUA’s growth. Rjabovs added the organisation will keep its focus on upcoming competitive and commercial plans.

PassionUA confirmed the exit on 23 June 2026 but did not disclose any financial terms or changes to the ownership structure. The club confirmed it will continue operations under current management.

The announcement arrives as PassionUA’s Counter-Strike 2 division undergoes restructuring. The club’s active playing roster has been reported as available for sale as management prepares a rebuild after a commercial push that began at the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025.

Zinchenko’s involvement was mainly as a public face and media partner rather than a day-to-day operator. His profile helped open networking channels within European sports and helped secure partner agreements while the club established its corporate network.