In a strategic move signaling their return to the competitive Counter Strike scene, NRG Esports has unveiled a new North American roster. The announcement was made in a video featuring co-owner Sapnap and CEO Andy Miller, confirming weeks of speculation about the organization's re-entry into the esport with the advent of CS2.
The news first came to light during an episode of the "The Crossover," a League of Legends podcast, where Miller hinted at the team's plans. This development marks a significant moment for the North American region, as NRG commits to once again compete on its home turf.
NRG's Veteran-Led Roster
At the helm of the new lineup is Damian Steele, better known by his in-game alias, Daps. At 30 years old, Daps is a seasoned veteran of the Counter Strike community, bringing a storied career filled with achievements, including a recent coaching stint for Team Liquid throughout 2022 and 2023. His history with NRG dates back to 2018-2019, just prior to the team's departure from the scene when their roster was sold.
Rejoining Daps is Vincent Cayonte, or Brehze as he is popularly known. Brehze's last four years were spent with Evil Geniuses, but following a less than stellar 2023 season, he has returned to his former stomping grounds at NRG. Previously, Brehze and Daps shared a roster spot on NRG before the team transitioned to Evil Geniuses.
Another notable addition is Josh Ohm, whose in-game moniker is oSee. His transfer follows a benching from Team Liquid, which is currently undergoing a major overhaul, paring down its CS2 team to only two players. With limited options, oSee found an opportunity for a fresh start with NRG.
Jadan Postma, also known in the gaming world as HexT, has parted ways with Evil Geniuses after an 18-month tenure. His arrival at NRG adds further depth to the newly minted roster.
Completing the lineup is Justin Coakley, known as FaNg. After being sidelined for several months due to Complexity Gaming's roster changes — specifically the acquisition of Jonathan Jablonowski — FaNg has found a new home with NRG.
A Look Back at NRG's Competitive Legacy
NRG Esports' journey in competitive Counter Strike began in late 2015. The organization quickly made a name for itself by acquiring the Method squad, featuring players such as Fatih "gob b" Dayik, Nikola "LEGIJA" Ninić, Samuel "SileNt" Portillo, Justin "Just9n" Ortiz, and Peter "ptr" Gurney.
Their most notable period of success occurred between 2018 and 2019, when NRG's CS:GO team became a dominant force in the region. The all-star roster at the time included Tarik Celik, Ethan Arnold, and Peter "stanislaw" Jarguz, alongside Brehze and Tsvetelin "CeRq" Dimitrov. The team's performance earned them a reputation as one of the best in North America, if not the world. Daps and coach Chet "ImAPet" Singh were instrumental during this golden era.
During this peak, NRG achieved a fourth-place finish in the 2019 StarLadder Berlin Major. Following their transition to Evil Geniuses, the team continued to triumph, claiming victories at the 2019 ESL One: New York and the StarSeries i-League Season 8.
However, NRG's initial foray into CS ended in September 2019 with the sale of its then fourth-ranked global roster to Evil Geniuses. The deal was reportedly worth $3 million, according to esports insider Guillaume "neL" Ratier.
Shifting Tides in North American CS
NRG's resurgence comes at a pivotal time for the North American Counter Strike landscape. Team Liquid's unexpected relocation from NA to EU has left fans stunned, while rumors circulate about Evil Geniuses potentially exiting esports. If these rumors hold true, it would leave NRG as one of the few major organizations representing the North American scene.
With such a rich history and a renewed commitment to excellence, NRG's return to CS2 is poised to reignite the passion of North American fans and add a new chapter to the organization's storied legacy. As the esports world watches, NRG's blend of experience and new talent will be put to the test as they strive to