NRG Esports Announces Comeback to Competitive Counter-Strike with New CS2 Roster
In a move that's set the esports community abuzz, NRG Esports has made a dramatic re-entry into the competitive Counter-Strike scene with its new roster for CS2. This development follows a series of speculations and confirms CEO Andy Miller's hints during his appearance on the "The Crossover" League of Legends podcast. Sapnap, co-owner of NRG, joined Miller in a video announcement to reveal the North American team, which includes several returning players.
NRG's Strategic Roster Revival
The revitalized roster is being led by the seasoned veteran Damian Steele, known in the gaming world as Daps. At 30, Daps is no stranger to the high-stakes world of professional CS, having previously played for NRG from 2018 to 2019. His return comes after a coaching stint with Team Liquid throughout 2022 and 2023, bringing with him a trove of experience and strategic insight.
Daps is joined by Vincent Cayonte, or Brehze, who is making a comeback to NRG after a four-year tenure with Evil Geniuses. Brehze, 25, had shared the stage with Daps in their previous run with NRG. Despite his impressive skills, Brehze's return follows what was deemed a disappointing year for Evil Geniuses.
Josh Ohm, better known as oSee, is another notable addition to the team. Following his benching at Liquid amid a significant restructuring of their CS2 team, oSee has found a new home with NRG. His move underscores the fluid dynamics of team rosters in the competitive CS landscape.
Jadan Postma, who goes by HexT, has also signed on with NRG. His departure from Evil Geniuses on November 28 marked the end of an 18-month period with the organization. HexT's decision to join NRG further bolsters the team's lineup with fresh talent and enthusiasm.
Completing the roster is Justin Coakley, known in-game as FaNg. Previously benched by Complexity to make room for Jonathan Jablonowski, FaNg has seized the opportunity to continue his competitive career with NRG.
A Look Back at NRG's CS Legacy
NRG Esports' history with Counter-Strike dates back to late 2015 when it first entered the scene by acquiring the former Method squad. The original lineup included Fatih "gob b" Dayik, Nikola "LEGIJA" Ninić, Samuel "SileNt" Portillo, Justin "Just9n" Ortiz, and Peter "ptr" Gurney. This move marked the beginning of what would become a significant chapter in the organization's growth and popularity.
The zenith of NRG's CS:GO era came between 2018 and 2019, with a star-studded roster that boasted talents like Tarik Celik, Ethan Arnold, and Peter "stanislaw" Jarguz, alongside Brehze and Tsvetelin "CeRq" Dimitrov. Daps and coach Chet "ImAPet" Singh were at the helm during this golden period, leading the team to remarkable successes, including a fourth-place finish at the 2019 StarLadder Berlin Major. Following their transfer to Evil Geniuses, they continued their winning streak with victories at prestigious tournaments such as ESL One: New York and StarSeries i-League Season 8.
However, in September 2019, NRG stepped back from the competitive CS arena, selling its then fourth globally ranked roster to Evil Geniuses for a sum that insider Guillaume "neL" Ratier reported to be around $3 million. This sale marked a temporary end to NRG's presence in the CS competitive circuit.
The Changing Landscape of North American CS
NRG's resurgence comes at a time when the North American Counter-Strike environment is undergoing significant shifts. Team Liquid's surprise relocation from NA to EU and rumors of Evil Geniuses' potential exit from esports altogether have left the region with only a handful of major organizations. Amidst this backdrop, NRG's return is seen as a positive sign for the vitality and competitiveness of the North American CS scene.
The newly assembled team carries the weight of NRG's storied legacy while charting a course for new achievements. With a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, NRG's latest foray into CS2 signals a renewed commitment to excellence and a promising future for the organization in the esports arena.
