NRG Esports Announces Return to CS2 with New Roster
In a recent video announcement, NRG Esports marked its re-entry into the competitive Counter-Strike scene with the unveiling of a new North American roster in CS2. The reveal, featuring co-owner Sapnap and CEO Andy Miller, comes amid a whirlwind of speculation that had been building throughout the month. Miller had earlier hinted at this development during an appearance on the League of Legends podcast "The Crossover," confirming the organization's intent to compete within the North American region.
NRG's Veteran-Led Roster
The team's lineup is headlined by seasoned CS player Damian Steele, better known as Daps. At 30 years old, Daps is returning with a trove of experience under his belt, including stints as a coach for Team Liquid throughout 2022 and 2023. His history with NRG dates back to 2018-2019, just prior to the organization selling its former CS:GO roster. His return is seen as a homecoming, bringing leadership and strategic depth to the squad.
Accompanying Daps is Vincent Cayonte, alias Brehze, formerly of Evil Geniuses. The 25-year-old sharpshooter has a past with Daps from their time together in NRG before transitioning to Evil Geniuses. After a four-year tenure and a lackluster 2023 season with EG, Brehze is making a comeback to NRG, adding firepower and a competitive edge to the team's dynamic.
Josh Ohm, known in the gaming community as oSee, is another high-profile addition to the roster. Previously benched by Liquid amidst a significant restructuring of their CS2 team, oSee was compelled to find a new team. NRG provided the perfect opportunity for the talented player to continue his professional journey.
Jadan Postma, who goes by HexT, also joins the ranks following his departure from Evil Geniuses on November 28. His 18-month stint with EG equipped him with valuable experience that will contribute to NRG's competitive aspirations.
Completing the lineup is Justin Coakley, or FaNg, who found himself sidelined after Complexity Gaming reshuffled its roster to accommodate new player Jonathan Jablonowski. FaNg's move to NRG is anticipated to be a fresh start for the skilled player, rounding out a roster brimming with potential.
A Look Back at NRG Esports' Legacy
Since its inception in late 2015, NRG Esports quickly made a name for itself with a CS:GO team that catalyzed the organization's growth and popularity. Initially signing the former Method squad, which included players such as Fatih "gob b" Dayik, Nikola "LEGIJA" Ninić, Samuel "SileNt" Portillo, Justin "Just9n" Ortiz, and Peter "ptr" Gurney, NRG laid the groundwork for what would become a formidable presence in the esports arena.
The period between 2018 and 2019 saw NRG's CS:GO team rise to prominence, boasting a stellar lineup with legends like Tarik Celik, Ethan Arnold, and Peter "stanislaw" Jarguz. With Brehze and Tsvetelin "CeRq" Dimitrov completing the roster, and Daps alongside Chet "ImAPet" Singh in coaching roles, the team established itself as a powerhouse in North America. Their achievements include a notable fourth-place finish at the 2019 StarLadder Berlin Major and victories at ESL One: New York and StarSeries i-League Season 8 under the banner of Evil Geniuses.
Despite this success, NRG withdrew from competitive CS in September 2019, selling its then fourth-ranked global roster to Evil Geniuses for a reported $3 million, according to esports insider Guillaume "neL" Ratier.
The Changing Landscape of North American CS
NRG's resurgence in the Counter-Strike sphere coincides with significant shifts in the North American esports landscape. Notably, Team Liquid's unexpected relocation from NA to EU left fans stunned, while rumors circulate about Evil Geniuses potentially exiting the esports scene, which would dramatically reduce the number of major organizations within the region.
As the dust settles on these developments, NRG's reassembled roster stands as a beacon of hope for the North American Counter-Strike community. With a blend of seasoned veterans and hungry talent, the team looks poised to make a significant impact in the competitive circuit of CS2.
As the esports world watches on, NRG's bold move signals not only a return to form but also a commitment to reigniting