In a move that's set the esports community abuzz, NRG Esports has announced its re-entry into the competitive Counter-Strike arena with a new roster for the upcoming game CS2. This development comes on the heels of widespread speculation and was confirmed by NRG CEO Andy Miller during an appearance on the "The Crossover" League of Legends podcast. The organization is poised to make a splash in the North American region with a lineup that blends seasoned veterans and fresh talent.
NRG's Veteran Leadership
The newly minted team will be helmed by Damian "Daps" Steele, a storied figure in the CS scene. At 30, Daps's experience is extensive, with a notable track record of achievements including a coaching stint for Team Liquid throughout 2022 and 2023. Daps is no stranger to NRG, having played for the organization from 2018 to 2019, departing just before the sale of their former CS:GO roster. His return marks a significant full-circle moment for both him and the organization.
Star Players Reunite
Accompanying Daps is Vincent "Brehze" Cayonte, formerly of Evil Geniuses. The 25-year-old sharpshooter previously competed with Daps under the NRG banner before transitioning to Evil Geniuses. After four years and a particularly challenging 2023 season, Brehze is making his way back to NRG, rejoining his old teammate and looking to recapture past glories.
Adding to the roster's firepower is Josh "oSee" Ohm, who arrives from Team Liquid after being benched amid a significant restructuring that saw the team pare down to just two players. With a need to find a new competitive home, oSee brings his talents to NRG, further solidifying the team's promising composition.
Rising Stars and Strategic Additions
Jadan "HexT" Postma also joins the ranks, leaving Evil Geniuses behind after an 18-month tenure. His departure on November 28 came as part of the ongoing shifts within the North American CS landscape, signaling a new chapter for the young player with NRG.
Completing the lineup is Justin "FaNg" Coakley, who found himself sidelined following Complexity's decision to bench him to make room for Jonathan "EliGE" Jablonowski. FaNg's transition to NRG offers a chance to prove his mettle in the competitive circuit once more.
A Look Back at NRG's Esports Legacy
NRG Esports' journey in competitive CS:GO dates back to late 2015 when the organization made its initial foray into the scene. The team started strong by signing the former Method squad, which included notable names like Fatih "gob b" Dayik and Peter "ptr" Gurney. From 2018 to 2019, NRG's CS:GO team saw remarkable success, boasting an all-star lineup featuring legends such as Tarik "tarik" Celik, Ethan "Ethan" Arnold, and Peter "stanislaw" Jarguz, alongside Brehze and Tsvetelin "CeRq" Dimitrov. During this golden era, the team cemented itself as a powerhouse in the region, with coaches Daps and Chet "ImAPet" Singh at the helm.
NRG's accomplishments in this period were significant, with a fourth-place finish at the 2019 StarLadder Berlin Major standing out. After transitioning to Evil Geniuses, the roster continued to impress, securing wins at prestigious tournaments such as ESL One: New York and StarSeries i-League Season 8.
However, in September 2019, NRG made the decision to withdraw from competitive CS:GO, selling its then fourth-ranked global roster to Evil Geniuses for a reported $3 million—a transaction disclosed by insider Guillaume "neL" Ratier.
Shifting Tides in North American CS
NRG's comeback occurs amidst a tumultuous time for North American Counter-Strike. Team Liquid's surprising relocation from NA to EU has left fans reeling, and there are whispers that Evil Geniuses may exit esports entirely. Such changes leave only a handful of major organizations in the NA scene, a stark contrast to the landscape that NRG left in 2019.
With the unveiling of its new roster, NRG Esports is not just rekindling its relationship with Counter-Strike; it's reigniting the competitive spirit that once defined its legacy. As the team prepares to navigate the transformed terrain of North American esports