NRG Bolsters Valorant Roster with Former Evil Geniuses Duo
In a significant move within the Valorant competitive scene, Max "Demon1" Mazanov and Ethan "Ethan" Arnold have been announced as the latest additions to NRG's roster for the upcoming VCT Americas 2024. The acquisition of these two players comes after their departure from Evil Geniuses (EG), which was attributed to unresolved contract disputes. This marks Ethan's third tenure with NRG, having previously represented the organization in both Counter-Strike and Valorant. His return is a testament to the strong relationship he has maintained with NRG over the years.Rivalry and Reunion
The transfer carries particular weight given the history between NRG and EG, who were neck-and-neck rivals during the VCT 2023 season, securing second and third places respectively in league play. Their competition peaked at Masters Tokyo 2023, where NRG finished fourth while EG claimed the runner-up position. However, at the Champions event, NRG faced challenges in the group stages, and it was EG who ultimately emerged victorious, clinching the championship title. With the addition of Demon1 and Ethan, NRG aims to fortify their squad ahead of the 2024 season. The new lineup, which includes notable players such as Marved, Victor, and Crashies, has been dubbed the "Revenge Tour" team, signaling NRG's intent to dominate the competition and settle old scores.Uncertain Future for Evil Geniuses
On the other side, the future looks uncertain for the remaining members of EG's Valorant team. Following the departure of key players, there are concerns regarding the stability of the organization's presence in esports. EG has faced a series of organizational challenges that could potentially lead to the disbandment of its Valorant division. Amidst the VCT 2024 roster shuffle, rumors surfaced about possible salary cuts or even player releases. Despite receiving offers for Demon1, Ethan, and another player known as Boostio, EG chose not to engage in negotiations, raising questions about their long-term strategy. In November, the team practiced without the trio, further fueling speculation about EG's commitment to maintaining a competitive Valorant squad.Esports Exit on the Horizon?
Compounding these issues, EG made headlines with its decision to withdraw from ESL's Counter-Strike Louvre Agreement. This move will leave EG's spot in the ESL Pro League and other related events open to another team starting January 1. Additionally, the sale of its CS2 division, including a BLAST Partnership slot, to Cloud9, hints at a broader strategic pivot away from certain esports ventures.The sentiment shared by both Demon1 and Ethan upon their release from EG was captured succinctly in their identical exclamation: "Holy shit I'm free." This expression of relief underscores the friction that must have existed towards the end of their tenure with EG.