In a video announcement that caught the esports community's attention, NRG Esports marked its re-entry into the competitive Counter-Strike scene with the unveiling of its new roster for CS2. The reveal, featuring prominent figures such as co-owner Sapnap and CEO Andy Miller, was not entirely unexpected. Speculation had been rife earlier in the month, but it was during an episode of the "The Crossover," a League of Legends podcast, that Miller confirmed the swirling rumors: NRG was set to make a comeback in the North American circuit.
The Veteran Returns
At the helm of the team is the seasoned professional Damian Steele, better known by his alias Daps. At 30, Daps is no stranger to the high stakes of competitive play, boasting an impressive track record that includes a coaching stint for Team Liquid throughout 2022 and 2023. His history with NRG dates back to 2018-2019, just before the organization sold its former CS:GO roster. Now, Daps is poised to lead once again, bringing his extensive experience to bear in this new chapter for NRG.
A Familiar Face
Accompanying Daps is Vincent Cayonte, or Brehze, a name well-known to fans from his time with Evil Geniuses. Before his four-year tenure with EG, Brehze played alongside Daps in NRG. Despite a lackluster 2023 season with Evil Geniuses, Brehze's return to NRG signals a fresh start for the 25-year-old player, who is eager to recapture his former glory.
New Additions
NRG's roster is further bolstered by the addition of Josh Ohm, alias oSee, transitioning from Team Liquid after being benched amidst a significant reshuffle that saw the team pare down to just two players. In seeking a new team, oSee has found a home with NRG, ready to contribute his skills to their competitive ambitions.
Jadan Postma, known in-game as HexT, also joins the lineup, having parted ways with Evil Geniuses on November 28 after an 18-month period. His move adds yet another layer of skill and potential to the NRG roster.
Rounding out the team is Justin Coakley, going by FaNg, who previously found himself sidelined when Complexity Gaming restructured their team, adding Jonathan Jablonowski to their ranks. With his move to NRG, FaNg looks to turn a new page and carve out success with his new teammates.
A Legacy Rekindled
NRG Esports' journey in Counter-Strike began in late 2015, quickly establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with by acquiring the former Method squad. This initial roster laid the groundwork for what would become a storied presence in the scene, featuring players like Fatih "gob b" Dayik, Nikola "LEGIJA" Ninić, Samuel "SileNt" Portillo, Justin "Just9n" Ortiz, and Peter "ptr" Gurney.
The pinnacle of NRG's success came between 2018 and 2019, with a star-studded lineup that included Tarik Celik, Ethan Arnold, and Peter "stanislaw" Jarguz, alongside Brehze and Tsvetelin "CeRq" Dimitrov. Under the guidance of coaches like Daps and Chet "ImAPet" Singh, the team soared to new heights, culminating in a fourth-place finish at the 2019 StarLadder Berlin Major. Following their sale to Evil Geniuses, they continued their winning streak, claiming titles at the 2019 ESL One: New York and the StarSeries i-League Season 8.
Despite these achievements, September 2019 saw NRG exit the competitive CS scene, selling its top-ranked roster to Evil Geniuses for a reported $3 million—a transaction disclosed by insider Guillaume "neL" Ratier. Yet, the landscape of North American Counter-Strike has since shifted dramatically, with Team Liquid relocating to Europe and rumors suggesting Evil Geniuses might withdraw from esports entirely. In this context, NRG's resurgence represents more than just a return; it's a revival of the competitive spirit within the NA region.
As the esports world watches, NRG Esports stands at the threshold of a new era, armed with a blend of seasoned veterans and promising talent. Whether they will replicate past glories or forge a new legacy remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: NRG's journey in CS2 will be one of the most closely followed narratives in the