NRG Bolsters Valorant Roster with Former Evil Geniuses Stars
In a significant move ahead of the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) Americas 2024, NRG has announced the addition of Max "Demon1" Mazanov and Ethan "Ethan" Arnold to their Valorant roster. The duo's departure from Evil Geniuses (EG) marks a major shift in the competitive landscape, as they left due to unresolved contract disputes.
Ethan is no stranger to NRG, having been associated with the organization twice before; initially in Counter-Strike and subsequently in Valorant. His return signifies a strong commitment from NRG to elevate their game and challenge for top honors in the upcoming season.
A Fond Farewell
Their former teammates at EG, Corbin "C0M" Lee and Alexander "jawgemo" Mor, have expressed their sentiments on missing playing alongside Ethan. This change comes after a year where NRG and EG were locked in a fierce rivalry during the VCT 2023 season, finishing second and third respectively in league play.
Recap of the Previous Season
At the international stage, both teams had contrasting fortunes; NRG secured a commendable fourth place at Masters Tokyo 2023, while EG excelled by securing the runner-up position. However, it was at the Champions event that EG truly shone by clinching the championship, whereas NRG faced an early struggle, bowing out in the group stages.
With the acquisition of Demon1 and Ethan, NRG aims to fortify their lineup and make a robust challenge in the 2024 season. They join a talented roster that includes Marved, Victor, and Crashies, forming what has been dubbed the "Revenge Tour" team—a clear signal of NRG's intentions to overturn last season's disappointments.
Uncertain Future for Evil Geniuses' Valorant Squad
Meanwhile, the future looks uncertain for the remaining players of EG's Valorant squad. Following the departure of key players and facing organizational challenges, there are concerns that EG might disband its Valorant team altogether. Rumors have circulated about potential salary cuts or player releases during the VCT 2024 roster shuffle.
Notably, EG had declined offers for Demon1, Ethan, and Boostio from other teams prior to their eventual departure. In preparation for the changes, EG practiced without the trio as early as November. Adding to the speculation, EG might be considering an exit from esports entirely, as evidenced by their withdrawal from ESL's Counter-Strike Louvre Agreement and the sale of their CS:GO division—including a BLAST Partnership slot—to Cloud9. EG's spot in the ESL Pro League and other events will become available to another team starting January 1.
Players Express Relief Over New Beginnings
The move to NRG seems to have been met with enthusiasm by the players themselves. Both Demon1 and Ethan shared the same exclamation on social media following the announcement: "Holy shit I'm free." This sentiment underscores the relief they feel embarking on a new chapter in their careers with NRG after the contractual issues that led to their departure from EG.
Looking Ahead
As the Valorant scene continues to grow and evolve, the movements of top-tier players like Demon1 and Ethan will undoubtedly shape the dynamics of the competition. NRG's strategic reinforcement of their team with experienced and skilled players suggests a promising year ahead for them in the VCT Americas 2024. Fans and competitors alike will be watching closely to see if this newly formed "Revenge Tour" team can live up to its name and dominate the circuit in the coming months.
On the other side, the community awaits further developments regarding Evil Geniuses' involvement in Valorant and esports more broadly. The decisions made by EG in the near future will have lasting implications not just for the organization but also for the players and fans who have supported them throughout their esports journey.
As the VCT Americas 2024 approaches, all eyes will be on NRG to see how this revamped roster will fare against the competition. With stakes higher than ever, the upcoming season promises to deliver intense action and thrilling matchups as teams vie for supremacy in the ever-expanding world of Valorant esports.