Following our entry into youth development together with OMEN in August 2018 and the subsequent five-week application and casting phase, we can today present our first official BIG. OMEN Academy team to the public.
This was preceded by the evaluation of hundreds of applications, replays, and motivation letters, and the review of selected talent during the intensive casting phase by our experts Alexander "kakafu" Szymanczyk, Michele "zonixx" Köhler, and Fatih "gob b" Dayik.From the outset, the goal was to build a strong academy team as a foundation for the professional roster. To achieve this, our expert team had to assess a wide range of skills. In addition to in-game potential, communication skills, overall teamwork, and tactical decision-making were all decisive factors.-In the end, we agreed on a highly talented academy team that not only impressed on an in-game, communication, and tactical level, but with an average age of just over 18 also offers the necessary room for development.Under the name BIG. OMEN Academy, we welcome the following players to Berlin International Gaming:
Statement Daniel Finkler, CEO
"Our highly successful CS:GO team has reached the top tier internationally and most recently reclaimed "Champion" status for the second time at the Major, following a second-place finish at ESL One Cologne. Building a strong academy team made up of young, up-and-coming talents with the potential for a professional career ultimately also helps secure our success in one of the most prestigious esports titles. With OMEN, we have also found a partner who will sustainably support us in this endeavor, especially in youth development. We are very excited to welcome our first Academy Team at Berlin International Gaming and look forward to the upcoming competitions."
Statement Rosa Maria Alcauce, Campaign Manager PC-Gaming and eSports at HP
"It is important to us to sustainably support and promote esports in Germany, and youth esports in particular. The cooperation with BIG and the founding of the BIG. OMEN Academy team is an important and central part of the OMEN Academy, through which HP is offering ambitious gamers a platform at a professional level alongside the OMEN portfolio for the first time and supporting them on their path to a pro career. We are excited to follow the journey of the newly founded academy team."
Statement Michele "zonixx" Köhler, Coach
I am very happy that after an intensive application and casting phase, we were able to put together a highly talented lineup. Contrary to my original expectations, the number of talented applicants was very high, and I see a lot of potential for strong newcomer teams in the future. Thanks to OMEN's support, I was proven wrong here and had the chance to invest my time in this new generation of talented players. Going forward, I wish not only our selected players, but also the remaining applicants and the talents in the top 20, a lot of ambition and hard work. Use your talent!
Statement Alexander "kakafu" Szymanczyk, Coach
After analyzing more than 300 applications and a long casting phase, we are excited to finally introduce the young BIG. OMEN Academy team. I am very satisfied with the selection we made and see the necessary potential in these players. In the end, the decision was very difficult for us. For this reason, we also decided on an expanded roster with six players. Paul2k earned a spot on the team through his young age and undeniable talent, but will initially start on the bench to work on his skills together with us and the team. The team will make its debut in the 99damage league. Additionally, we will register for the upcoming ESL Meisterschaft. Accordingly, the main focus at the start will be on national competitions. Our preliminary goal is promotion to the highest division in each competition.
Alexander "ReacTioNNN" Grassauer, Player
"Of course I was very excited when I found out that I was among the final 20 applicants for the BIG. OMEN Academy team. The anticipation before the casting phase began was accordingly huge. Overall, I was not 100% satisfied with my performance during the first test matches, which made me all the happier about the final acceptance. I am very happy with the current lineup and think that with the help of Kakafu and Zonixx, we can improve significantly. My personal goal at BIG is a rapid promotion to Division 1 of ESL Meisterschaft and the 99damage league."
Our BIG. OMEN Academy team makes its debut on October 7, 2018 at 18:00 CET in Division 2.1 of the 99damage.de league.
For all further information and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @bigclangg. We look forward to your support! #WORKHARDDREAMBIG