In an exciting development for esports enthusiasts, NRG has announced its re-entry into the competitive Counter-Strike scene with the unveiling of a new North American roster. This news was shared in a video announcement by co-owner Sapnap and CEO Andy Miller. The revelation confirms earlier speculations that had been circulating about NRG's comeback to the CS sphere, which Miller had previously hinted at during an episode of the "The Crossover" League of Legends podcast.
NRG's New Lineup
The team’s return is headlined by the recruitment of veteran CS player Damian Steele, better known as Daps. At 30 years old, Daps brings an extensive track record of accomplishments, including a recent coaching stint for Team Liquid throughout 2022 and 2023. His history with NRG dates back to 2018-2019, before he left just prior to the organization selling its former CS:GO roster. His leadership and experience are expected to be pivotal for the new team.
Daps will be joined by Vincent Cayonte, alias Brehze, who makes a switch from Evil Geniuses. The 25-year-old rifler reunites with Daps, his former NRG teammate, after a four-year period with Evil Geniuses that culminated in a less-than-stellar 2023 season, prompting his return to NRG.
Another significant addition is Josh Ohm, or oSee, transitioning from Team Liquid after being benched amid their decision to pare down their CS2 team to just two players. oSee's move to NRG offers him a fresh start and an opportunity to continue competing at the highest level.
Jadan Postma, also known as HexT, strengthens the lineup further following his departure from Evil Geniuses on November 28. His nearly one-and-a-half-year tenure with EG adds another layer of experience to the NRG squad.
Completing the roster is Justin Coakley, going by FaNg, who found himself without a team after Complexity Gaming decided to bench him to make room for Jonathan Jablonowski. FaNg's transition to NRG signifies a new chapter in his professional career.
A Look Back at NRG's Esports Legacy
NRG Esports has been a prominent name in the North American esports landscape since its inception in late 2015. The organization initially gained recognition 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.
Between 2018 and 2019, NRG's CS:GO team saw considerable success, assembling an all-star cast featuring Tarik Celik, Ethan Arnold, and Peter "stanislaw" Jarguz. Alongside Brehze and Tsvetelin "CeRq" Dimitrov, they formed a powerhouse that established NRG as one of the top teams in the region. During this golden era, Daps and coach Chet "ImAPet" Singh led the team to notable finishes, including a commendable fourth place at the 2019 StarLadder Berlin Major.
Following their successful run, the team achieved further victories at prestigious events like the 2019 ESL One: New York and StarSeries i-League Season 8 under the Evil Geniuses banner. However, in September 2019, NRG made the difficult decision to exit the competitive CS scene, selling its then fourth-ranked global roster to Evil Geniuses for a reported $3 million, as disclosed by insider Guillaume "neL" Ratier.
The Changing Landscape of North American CS
NRG's resurgence in Counter-Strike comes at a time when the North American esports scene is undergoing significant shifts. Team Liquid's unexpected relocation from NA to EU has sent ripples through the community, and there are unverified reports suggesting that Evil Geniuses may withdraw from esports entirely. Such developments would leave only a handful of major organizations within the NA region.
With these changes, NRG's return is not just a revival of their own competitive ambitions but also a crucial moment for the North American Counter-Strike ecosystem. Fans and players alike will be watching closely to see if NRG's new roster can live up to the legacy of its predecessors and contribute to revitalizing the region's presence on the global stage.
As the CS2 competitive circuit heats up, all eyes will be on NRG's blend of seasoned veterans and young talent to see whether they can recapture the magic that once made them a formidable force in esports. With such a