In a dynamic video announcement, NRG Esports has signaled its re-entry into the competitive Counter-Strike arena with the unveiling of their North American roster for CS2. The reveal, which featured co-owner Sapnap and CEO Andy Miller, ended weeks of speculation as the organization confirmed its return to the fray.
NRG's Strategic Comeback
The buzz around NRG's potential comeback to competitive Counter-Strike had been building momentum earlier in the month. CEO Andy Miller put rumors to rest during his appearance on the "The Crossover," a podcast dedicated to League of Legends, where he affirmed NRG's intentions to make a mark in the North American region.
At the helm of the new squad is Damian Steele, known in the gaming community as Daps. At 30, Daps is a seasoned veteran of the Counter-Strike scene, with an impressive resume that includes a coaching stint with Team Liquid in both 2022 and 2023. His history with NRG dates back to 2018-2019, just before the team's previous CS:GO roster was sold off. Daps' return to NRG is a homecoming of sorts, and his experience is expected to be invaluable for the team's success.
Assembling a Formidable Roster
Daps is joined by Vincent Cayonte, or Brehze, who returns to NRG after a four-year tenure with Evil Geniuses. The 25-year-old player previously shared the stage with Daps in NRG, before transitioning to Evil Geniuses. Brehze's decision to return to NRG comes after what many considered a lackluster year for his former team in 2023.
Another notable addition to the lineup is Josh Ohm, known as oSee, who recently parted ways with Liquid following the team's decision to bench him amidst a broader restructuring effort. With Liquid scaling down their CS2 team to just two players, oSee found a new beginning with NRG.
The roster is further bolstered by Jadan Postma, also known as HexT, who left Evil Geniuses on November 28 after an 18-month period with the organization. Lastly, Justin Coakley, going by FaNg, rounds out the team. FaNg's move followed a period of inactivity after being benched by Complexity, paving the way for Jonathan Jablonowski's inclusion in that team.
A Glance at NRG's Esports Legacy
Since its inception in late 2015, NRG has been a prominent name in the North American esports landscape. The organization's initial foray into CS:GO was marked by the acquisition of the former Method squad, which included Fatih "gob b" Dayik, Nikola "LEGIJA" Ninić, Samuel "SileNt" Portillo, Justin "Just9n" Ortiz, and Peter "ptr" Gurney. This early roster set the foundation for NRG's growth and popularity in the esports world.
NRG's golden era in CS:GO spanned from 2018 to 2019, featuring an all-star cast with Tarik Celik, Ethan Arnold, and Peter "stanislaw" Jarguz, alongside Brehze and Tsvetelin "CeRq" Dimitrov. Under the guidance of coaches like Daps and Chet "ImAPet" Singh, the team soared to become one of the best in North America. A crowning achievement from this period was their fourth-place finish at the 2019 StarLadder Berlin Major. Following their transition to Evil Geniuses, the roster continued to excel, claiming victories at the 2019 ESL One: New York and the StarSeries i-League Season 8.
The September 2019 sale of its then fourth globally ranked CS:GO roster to Evil Geniuses marked a significant shift for NRG. The transaction, reported to be worth $3 million by insider Guillaume "neL" Ratier, saw the organization stepping away from Counter-Strike competition—until now.
The Changing Landscape of North American CS
NRG's re-entry into Counter-Strike coincides with considerable changes in the North American esports ecosystem. Team Liquid's unexpected relocation from NA to EU and persistent rumors about Evil Geniuses potentially exiting esports have left the region with a dwindling number of major organizations. NRG's return could not only fill a void but also reignite competitive spirit within the North American scene.
With this strategic assembly of seasoned veterans and promising talents, NRG Esports is poised to reclaim its status as a formidable contender in the global Counter-Strike community