Berlin, June 21st 2023 – As we move into a new season of competition and have Counter-Strike 2 looming around the corner, it is time for us to set forward a team that can challenge this new era and take the German scene to new heights!
Since the formation of BIG, our philosophy was building a team and organization that represents the German scene, and helps move the scene forward by developing talent and building the esports community in Germany. For this very reason, it was of paramount importance to us that we stay with a German core and have individuals that the community can identify with.
Our academy project has always been a cornerstone of our Counter-Strike philosophy, as our aim is to develop our own talents and prepare them for the main roster in the long run. It is also what helps us have a new generation of players ready for the advent of Counter-Strike 2, and ensure our longevity in the title. This exact crop of players will be part of the extensive changes we are making to our main roster.
First to be promoted is David “prosus” Hesse, who has been delivering lights-out performances on the academy lineup, and has earned his spot as one of the longest active players in our academy system. Elias “s1n” Stein will also make his return, already demonstrating his capacities as a player at the Rio Major, and bringing with him valuable leadership abilities.
Johannes “tabsen” Wodarz will remain our team captain, his experience and leadership will prove essential in helping our new young talents acclimate to the next level and emerge as shining stars. Karim “Krimbo” Moussa will also continue to be part of our lineup, being a character that not only our new players can look up to, but a motivation to older players as well.
The final piece to the puzzle is former ESL Meisterschaft champion Mateusz “mantuu” Wilczewski, who is joining the team as our new main AWP. He has already shown to fit the team perfectly with his mentality and skillset. Remaining in his position as head coach is Fatih “gob b” Dayik, now supported by Dustin “DuDe” Großmann as assistant coach and Lukas “sAu” Baumann as analyst.
Statement Roman “Roman R.” Reinhardt, Chief Gaming Officer
“With the integration of prosus and s1n into our main lineup, we are counting on two outstanding German talents from our Academy team. It was our plan from the start to prepare them as well as possible for this point in time.
We put years into their education and worked closely with them and their families on our vision. Now it’s time to “let them off the leash” and give them a chance to prove themselves. With the team we continue to implement the philosophy and basic concept of our founder Yilmaz Ozan.
With mantuu we have the perfect complement. He knows the German scene, has already won the ESL Meisterschaft, and fits BIG perfectly in terms of his style and character. With this line-up we will continue with our goal of setting forth a team that represents the scene, and that our fans can be proud of.”
Moving to the bench and transfer list will be Nils “k1to” Gruhne, while Marcel “hyped” Köhn will make his return to the academy lineup. Josef “faveN” Baumann will take a break from competition to spend time with his new family. Our new line-up will already debut in a few weeks at the BLAST Premier Fall Groups in Copenhagen. For any questions you may have about the new roster, make sure to send them in for the Coinbase Pressconference with Roman R. next week!