BIGGEST COUNTER-STRIKE NEWS FROM WEEK 28
This week has been full of surprising news, from new roster changes on the top teams in the world to personal statements about difficult decisions and criticism.
Get the overview here.
ROBBAN QUITS COACHING
Robert “RobbaN” Dahlström, the long-standing coach of FaZe Clan, has announced his departure from coaching. His tenure with FaZe, spanning over five years, saw the team win multiple CS:GO trophies, including an Intel Grand Slam. Despite his success, RobbaN has decided to seek his “next challenge,” hinting at a possible return for CS2. His coaching career was not without controversy, as he was involved in the widespread coaching bans of 2020, which led to his suspension from two major tournaments. Despite this setback, RobbaN helped FaZe reach the number one spot in the world on six different occasions. His departure marks the end of an era for FaZe Clan, and the esports community is excited to see his next move.
After many years of coaching, I’ve decided it’s time to move on to the next challenge. This decision hasn’t been easy to make but, in the end, I feel this is the right way to go. I’m very proud of all the players I have coached during my time and all the trophies that we have…
— Robert Dahlström (@RobbaN) July 13, 2023
CLOUD9 IS SIGNING ELECTRONIC AND PERFECTO
Cloud9 has confirmed the signing of Denis “electroNic” Sharipov and Ilya “Perfecto” Zalutskiy, former players of Natus Vincere (NAVI). The duo replaces Vladislav “nafany” Gorshkov and Timur “buster” Tulepov. electroNic, who had previously assumed the role of in-game leader at NAVI, is expected to continue in this capacity at Cloud9. Perfecto, known for his supportive plat style, will complement the team’s dynamics. This move follows NAVI’s decision to bench both players earlier in the season. The new Cloud9 lineup is expected to debut at the IEM Cologne Tournament. The signing has been met with positive reactions from the community, with many believing that the addition of the two players will significantly enhance Cloud9’s performance.
Be afraid. Be very afraid 😈 pic.twitter.com/PE2WHariHL
— Cloud9 CS:GO (@C9CSGO) July 14, 2023
ALEKSIB SPEAKS OUT ABOUT JOINING NAVI
Aleksi “Aleksib” Virolainen, the 26-year-old In-Game Leader (IGL), has joined Natus Vincere (NAVI) despite facing criticism and doubts about his worthiness. Aleksib’s career has seen highs with ENCE and lows with teams like G2 and Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP). In an interview with HLTV he acknowledges his recent career trajectory “doesn’t look pretty” on paper but is determined to prove his value. Aleksib’s move to NAVI is a significant cultural shift, as he has mostly played in international lineups. He appreciates the straightforwardness of NAVI, contrasting it with the careful approach of his previous international teams. Aleksib is aware of the community’s divided opinion about him but is fueled by the criticism.
I mean obviously I care, and obviously it kinda hurts that a lot of people might be saying that I don’t deserve it or whatever. To be honest that fuels something in me, that I actually deserve this, but at the same time I get it, on paper it doesn’t look pretty.
ZONIC SHARES INFO ABOUT WHY DUPREEH WAS REPLACED WITH FLAMEZ
In an interview with Dust2.dk Vitality’s coach, Danny “zonic” Sørensen, has shed light on the decision to replace Peter “dupreeh” Rasmussen with Shahar “flameZ” Shushan. Despite dupreeh’s strong performance in the last six months, the decision was made with a long-term perspective, including economic considerations. FlameZ, who was available for free, was seen as a great opportunity for the team’s future. Zonic emphasized that the decision was not based on dupreeh’s performance but on the potential of flameZ and the future of CS2.
We get a super sharp player, a young player for the future. We could risk facing the same problem (regarding replacements) later, where we do not have the opportunity to get a player who I feel can replace Peter in the long run.
SPROUT REVEALS NEW ROSTER
Sprout, the German esports organization, has unveiled its new roster, featuring three new signings: Ihor “w0nderful” Zhdanov, Rasmus “raalz” Steensborg, and Olle “spooke” Grundström. These players replace Victor “Staehr” Staehr, Laurențiu “lauNX” Țârlea, and Adrian “XELLOW” Guță. w0nderful, a former Spirit AWPer, is the most notable addition, having been benched from Spirit despite being their top performer. Raalz, a veteran player, rejoins Sprout for the second time but will not return as the in-game leader (IGL). Instead, the IGL role will be taken up by 18-year-old Daniil “alpha” Demin. spooke, a former member of the academy squad of 00NATION, completes the new lineup. The organization also announced plans to field an academy lineup.
Sproutlings, let us officially introduce you to the finalized line-up. 🌱🤝
— Sprout (@sproutGG) July 10, 2023
Alongside our two Danes, @BERRYCSGO and @ZyphonCS, we add @alphaddv, @w0nderfulof, @spookecs to the team as well as reunite with @RAALZCS.
👉 Read all here: https://t.co/eabxYvS9G9 pic.twitter.com/eSwyXOKOag
IMPERIAL SIGN HEN1 AND FELPS
Imperial has officially announced the addition of Henrique “HEN1” Teles and João “felps” Vasconcellos to their roster. They replace Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo and Marcelo “chelo” Cespedes, who recently moved to FURIA. HEN1 and felps join existing members Ricardo “boltz” Prass, Vinicius “VINI” Figueiredo, and Jhonatan “JOTA” Wilian. The team’s head coach, Rafael “zakk” Fernandes, has confirmed that VINI will take up the role of in-game leader. The newly formed team will debut at the IEM Cologne 2023 event in two weeks, following a 10-day boot camp.
🟢⚪ VAMOS FALAR DE @HEN1 E @felperaa NA IMPERIAL? 🟢⚪
— Luis Peacemaker (@peacemaker) July 10, 2023
O "LAST DANCE" DA IMMORTALS !
Link nos comentários 👇 pic.twitter.com/G08GXymW6p
ASTRALIS TO VOTE ON DELISTING FROM NASDAQ
Astralis is set to vote on delisting from the NASDAQ First North Growth Market Denmark. The decision comes after a consistent decline in its stock price, despite meeting financial targets and seeing growth in revenue. Since its public listing in December 2019, Astralis‘ stock price has dropped by 80%. The organization believes that being publicly listed has limited value due to the limited liquidity of its shares. Delisting could save Astralis over 2 million DKK in direct costs and an additional 1 million DKK in indirect annual costs. The vote, requiring two-thirds approval, is scheduled for August 8th, 2023. If approved, Astralis‘ shares will continue to be tradable for a period of 10 weeks before being removed from the NASDAQ First North Growth Market Denmark.
INTO THE BREACH ANNOUNCE NEW ROSTER LINE-UP
Into the Breach (ITB), a rising esports team has announced the signing of Aurimas “Bymas” Pipiras and Adam “NEOFRAG” Zouhar, following the departure of Cai “CYPHER” Watson and Sebastian “volt” Malos. Bymas, a 19-year-old Lithuanian rifler, is making a comeback to competition after a year, having previously played for MOUZ. NEOFRAG, a Czech rifler, was part of OG’s summer revamp and is now set to showcase his skills under the leadership of in-game leader Thomas “Thomas” Utting and coach Gustavo “Juve” Alexandre. The new roster aims to maintain a place within the top 15 and continue to attend EPT and other major events. The team will debut at the EPL European Conference and later compete in IEM Cologne.
MOUZ NXT TALENT GETS THE CHANCE ON MAIN LINEUP
MOUZ, the German esports organization, has completed its roster with the addition of 16-year-old Jimi “Jimpphat” Salo, a graduate of their academy team, MOUZ NXT. Jimpphat, the younger brother of former ENCE star Jere “sergej” Salo, has been promoted after a 16-month tenure with MOUZ NXT. This makes him the fourth player from the academy to join the main team. MOUZ also confirmed Kamil “siuhy” Szkaradek as the new in-game leader. The new lineup, with an average age of 19.8 years, is the youngest among top-tier teams. The team is set to compete at the IEM Cologne Play-in on July 26.
I'm really happy and excited to tell you that i'm now part of the main team. It's been a long ride and now it's my biggest step so far! #VAMOUZ pic.twitter.com/ETrjgengWV
— Jimi Salo (@jimpphatCSGO) July 11, 2023