In a move that has reignited the excitement of Counter Strike enthusiasts, NRG Esports has made a triumphant return to the competitive scene with the announcement of their new roster for CS2. The revelation came through a video featuring co-owner Sapnap and CEO Andy Miller, confirming speculation that had been gaining momentum earlier in the month.
Andy Miller had previously teased this development during an episode of the League of Legends podcast "The Crossover," where he disclosed plans for NRG's resurgence in the North American competitive circuit. This strategic re-entry is marked by the introduction of a lineup that blends seasoned talent with fresh blood.
A Blend of Experience and Talent
At the helm of this newly minted team is Damian Steele, known in the gaming community as Daps. A veteran in the Counter Strike arena, Daps, at 30 years of age, brings an extensive track record of accomplishments. His most recent stint was with Team Liquid, where he served as a coach throughout 2022 and into 2023. Daps is no stranger to NRG, having played for them between 2018 and 2019 before transitioning just ahead of the team’s previous CS:GO roster being sold.
Joining him is Vincent Cayonte, better known as Brehze, who returns to NRG from Evil Geniuses. The 25-year-old sharpshooter shared a history with Daps on the former NRG squad before it transitioned to Evil Geniuses. After four years and a particularly challenging 2023 season with EG, Brehze has come back to where he once carved his niche.
NRG’s roster is further bolstered by the addition of Josh Ohm, or oSee, transitioning from Team Liquid after being benched amidst a major restructuring that left Liquid with only two players on their CS2 team. This upheaval led oSee to seek a new home, culminating in his recruitment by NRG.
Jadan Postma, who goes by HexT, is another noteworthy acquisition, parting ways with Evil Geniuses on November 28 after an 18-month tenure. His arrival at NRG is anticipated to add a dynamic edge to the team’s strategic play.
The final piece of the NRG puzzle is Justin Coakley, alias FaNg, whose last few months were spent on the bench following Complexity’s decision to bring Jonathan Jablonowski on board. FaNg's transition to NRG is expected to inject new vigor into the team's lineup.
NRG Esports' Legacy in Counter Strike
NRG Esports established itself as a formidable force in the North American esports landscape shortly after its inception in late 2015. The organization quickly gained traction by acquiring the former Method squad, which included Fatih "gob b" Dayik, Nikola "LEGIJA" Ninić, Samuel "SileNt" Portillo, Justin "Just9n" Ortiz, and Peter "ptr" Gurney.
The period between 2018 and 2019 saw NRG's CS:GO team ascend to new heights, assembling a star-studded roster with the likes of Tarik Celik, Ethan Arnold, and Peter "stanislaw" Jarguz. Alongside Brehze and Tsvetelin "CeRq" Dimitrov, and under the guidance of coaches Daps and Chet "ImAPet" Singh, the team etched its name as a top contender in the region. Their achievements include a commendable fourth-place finish at the 2019 StarLadder Berlin Major. Following their transition to Evil Geniuses, the team also clinched victories at prestigious tournaments such as the 2019 ESL One: New York and the StarSeries i-League Season 8.
Despite these successes, September 2019 marked a significant shift when NRG withdrew from competitive CS, selling its then fourth-ranked global roster to Evil Geniuses for a reported $3 million. This sale, as insider Guillaume "neL" Ratier revealed, was a pivotal moment for the organization.
The backdrop to NRG's comeback is a North American CS landscape undergoing substantial changes. With Team Liquid's surprising relocation from NA to EU and rumors swirling about Evil Geniuses potentially exiting esports, the scene is ripe for NRG's renewed presence. Only a handful of major NA organizations remain, setting the stage for an intriguing chapter in the region's competitive Counter Strike narrative.
As fans and competitors alike watch closely, NRG's strategic re-entry into the fray could be the catalyst for a revitalized North American Counter Strike ecosystem. With a blend of experience and emerging talent, NRG Esports appears poised to reclaim its