Worst and best transfers of the season in CS: GO
Elen StelmakhThe next season passed quite calmly. The mass of loud transitions was not observed, for which there are several logical explanations. First of all, we are talking about the coronavirus and the economic crisis, which have hit hard on the financial performance of organizations.
However, amid all the turmoil, we saw a transfer of device from Astralis to NIP, which was rumored to cost the Swedish organization a million dollars. This transition is difficult to call the best, but it can hardly be called a failure either. However, there is a bunch of transitions right away that definitely fit exactly one of the categories. For this reason, we decided to collect all the worst and best transfers of the season in CS: GO.
Disclaimer: Thematerial is purely subjective. The information provided is the personal opinion of the author.
Worst transfers
FalleN ⇒ Liquid
Source:Twitter.
Already in January, the scene was rocked by the transition of FalleN to Liquid. On paper, the transfer seemed exemplary, if not a few buts.
Firstly, the Brazilian was the captain of all his previous teams, which, coupled with the presence of Stewie2K, automatically fueled a conflict of interest. Secondly, FalleN became famous for his game with AWP, which also led us to the figure of Stewie2K, who for a long time served as the main sniper in Liquid.
In this form, the team existed for several months, until the Brazilian finally took over the duties of IGL. Nevertheless, the big difference in styles began to get in the way of the team, in which a conflict arose in the fall. We know the result - FalleN did not stay at Liquid and went to Brazil to collect another Last Dance.
Jackinho ⇒ fnatic
In the same January, fnatic was looking for a young and promising player for the role of AWP. The Swedes have long understood that JW doesn’t pull, while “HeWhoMustNotBeNamed” himself happily handed his role over to the rookie. At first, Jackinho lived up to expectations, showing quite a mature game.
However, in the spring, the young man began to make mistakes, pulling the team's results with him. In this form, fnatic held out for several months until she went to emergency measures, finally leaving JW and returning to her roots.
However, Jackinho's fall misses were the final straw, with the result that fnatic shaved off the young sniper and finally switched to the British development model.
junior (Triumph) ⇒ FURIA
Source:Twitter.
In February, the Brazilians finally quarreled with HEN1, entering the transfer market in search of a new sniper. The organization decided to take the risk of recruiting a talented sniper from Triumph.
Initially, there were many questions about this transition. Firstly, the American did not speak Portuguese, which forced FURIA to switch to English. Secondly, the junior missed the starting championships due to problems with coming to Europe, which is why the debut and adaptation were postponed for some time.
But as soon as a new sniper appeared in the squad, FURIA's results went downhill. And the junior himself did not show himself confidently, gradually fanning the fire of the conflict. As a result, the Brazilians held out for several more months to bring the player back to America, dubbing this transition one of the worst in their history.
acoR (MAD Lions) ⇒ MOUZ
In January, MOUZ decided to part ways with legend chrisJ, quickly finding fresh reinforcements from the MAD Lions for the Dutchman.
At first, the sniper's play did not raise any questions - the semi-finals of cs_summit 7, victory at Snow Sweet Snow # 3 and Flashpoint Season 3. However, after the international pause, acoR's confidence disappeared somewhere, while MOUZ was actually left without AWP.
In this form, the team made it to the end of the season, and failed to achieve success. At the same time, questions invariably arose to the figure of the Dane, since acoR not only did not create MOUZ space, but also made mistakes in simple moments, not killing where a high-class sniper does.
Now, the future of acoR in MOUZ is in doubt. Apparently, the organization will take torzsi from the second line-up without giving the Danish a second chance.
ex-100 Thieves ⇒ EXTREMUM
Source:Twitter.
At the beginning of the year, it seems, the main scam of the season happened. The Russian organization, having clearly seen enough of StarLadder Berlin Major 2019, decided to pick up the abandoned roster of 100 Thieves. To a heap, EXTREMUM returned the coach to the team, with whom she achieved success.
However, after several months, it became clear that the Australians were far from ideal, having failed to prove themselves at any TIER-3 tournament. Of the positive, it was possible to single out the third place at cs_summit 8, but after that the team was unable to consolidate its success.
In the fall, EXTREMUM failed at the last RMR tournament, missing PGL Major 2021. From that moment it became clear that the days of the roster were numbered. As a result, the organization admitted its mistake and sent the train home, having simply lost a lot of money.
Kyojin (Kumiho Gaming) ⇒ Vitality
Subjectively, the worst transfer not only of the season, but also of the last few years. Vitality, realizing that Valve and squads of six or more players were incompatible, moved Nivera to the bench. At this point, the RpK asked to be released, actually solving the problems of the organization.
However, the French have definitely sniffed too much, taking Kyojin out of nowhere. For you to understand the scale of the tragedy, the 22-year-old player did not have experience even at the TIER-3 level, let alone the TOP teams. On top of that, Kyojin had just managed to unblock it, which seemed to add questions.
Nevertheless, everything was shown by the play of the Frenchman, who not only did not fit into the structure of Vitality, but also acted extremely insecurely. As a result, every player's action on the server was accompanied by wild nervousness, which led to a bunch of errors. To the heap, we can recall the statistics of Kyojin, which, given his position and role on the maps, clearly did not pull on the TIER-1 level.
MICHU ⇒ Evil Geniuses
Source:Evil Geniuses.
Another unfortunate example came from North America, where Evil Geniuses decided to take on a Pole who has spent recent seasons at a dubious level.
The results do not need to be described, as Evil Geniuses has failed wherever possible. Suffice it to recall 0-5 at the group stage of ESL Pro League Season 14, as well as a complete failure in the Legends of PGL Major 2021.
As a result, the organization admitted its mistake, quickly parting not only with MICHU, but also with other passengers of its failed composition.
gade ⇒ BIG
In the summer, the Germans lost their main star, which decided to try to revive the Space Soldiers. As a result, BIG took gade out of the abyss of Danish events under the names North and HYENAS, giving the player freedom.
However, the results of the German team were both in doubt and continued to disappoint fans. As a result, the Dane did not manage to fully fit into the squad, playing here and there.
At the end of the season, it became clear that gade would not last long in BIG, while the organization itself, according to rumors, had already drawn up a list of applicants.
Lucky (Tricked) ⇒ Astralis
Source:Astralis.
The promising transition of a young sniper from Tricked could be a breath of fresh air for Astralis, who, after the device left, did not solve the problem with the AWP.
The Dane quickly disappointed, however, by making too many short-range mistakes. Failure, another failure, and then a change of roles, coupled with a reshuffle in the composition. The result is known to us - Lucky gave the role of a sniper to gla1ve at all, while the fate of the young man in Astralis seems to be a foregone conclusion.
O PLANO ⇒ 00 Nation
The saga of the failed MIBR roster has been dragging on since January. As a result, the team gathered under the O PLANO tag, showing tolerable play for the first time. At this time, the Brazilians even finished fourth at cs_summit 8 and took the DreamHack Open June 2021: North America silver.
In September, the guys found their own organization, which gladly gave shelter to Brazilians in Norway. However, at that moment, the team abruptly stopped playing, as it seems, having enjoyed a lot of money.
Here you are 0-5 in the framework of Intel Extreme Masters XVI - Fall: North America, as well as a complete lack of results even at the TIER-3 level. The organization did not admit its mistakes, giving the Brazilians another chance.
Up to a bunch of 00 Nation is ready to sign a death warrant for itself, actively participating in negotiations with coldzera. And if the transition takes place, then the once legendary player will come to destroy another team, along the way, gaining unlimited control over the management of the squad.
coldzera (FaZe Clan) ⇒ Complexity
Source:Twitter.
The Brazilian's career has been going downhill for the third year, but the name is still taking the player out. Back in the summer, coldzera became disillusioned with FaZe Clan, sitting down on the bench.
Here the cold hurried in advance, waiting for the next difficulties in the Complexity camp. As a result, the Brazilian gladly accepted an offer from a team that dreamed of going to PGL Major 2021.
The results of this story need not be summed up, since Complexity, together with coldzera, lost a lot of championships, missing the main tournament of the season in Stockholm to a heap. We already know the future of the Brazilians, but in any case, this fleeting romance will remain among the worst transfers of the season.
Best transfers
B1T (NAVI Junior) ⇒ NAVI
Interestingly, the best transfer of the season formally took place at the end of 2020. Then NAVI actively tested the six-player model, alternating flamie and B1T from time to time.
However, the fact that the Ukrainian missed Intel Extreme Masters XV - World Championship (actually played on the same map), as well as the subsequent rule changes from Valve and the final departure of flamie, allow us to speak of the B1T transfer as something that happened in the context of the past season.
There is no need to explain - B1T quickly entered the NAVI roster, becoming an indispensable player in the roster, which in the future will win all the key tournaments of the season. At the same time, the Ukrainian showed an individually strong game, which is unusual for a player who previously played at TIER-3 level. Therefore, given the combination of success and history itself, B1T is the best transfer of the year in CS: GO.
degster (ESPADA) ⇒ Spirit
At the beginning of 2021, ESPADA disbanded - the team that managed to create hype at the end of the season. At the same time, the star of that line-up was the young sniper degster, who was already at that time ready to go for promotion.
Let's put aside all rumors about a possible relationship between ESPADA and Spirit, since enough has been said on this topic. However, in January, the “dragons” first rented out the talent, and after that they bought the player out for an unnamed amount.
For all Spirit's troubles in 2021, degster was invariably the one to drag the team with him. The result of this adventure was reaching the semifinals of Intel Extreme Masters XV - World Championship and BLAST Premier: Spring Showdown 2021, as well as third place in StarLadder CIS RMR 2021.
Yes, the ending of the story confuses the cards a little, but degster not only perfectly fit into the roster, but also became the leader of Spirit, albeit for a short time, as the team was in for a quick decline.
Twistzz (Liquid) ⇒ FaZe Clan
Source:Twitter.
At the end of 2020, the Canadian announced his desire to try himself on European soil, tired of being content with local championships with Liquid. As a result, the organization made concessions to the player, sending him on a journey to FaZe Clan.
This is not to say that the Twistzz transfer helped the team to take a bunch of trophies. However, the very fact that after Kjaerbye the Canadian gave FaZe Clan the main thing - stability.
Do not forget that the 22-year-old player became one of the main creators of the team's success in Intel Extreme Masters XVI - Cologne, reaching the semifinals for FaZe Clan.
With all the rumors hovering around the band's future, Twistzz seems untouchable. In addition, the experience gained at Liquid, as well as successful adaptation in Europe, helped the Canadian to quickly get used to the new team and take a role that is 100% suitable.
Sjuush + refresh (MAD Lions) ⇒ Heroic
In February, there was a seemingly imperceptible transfer of two players who did not have time to prove themselves properly in their careers. However, Heroic has put their trust in the former duo MAD Lions to replace niko and b0RUP.
As a result, in a month, newcomers will help Heroic win ESL Pro League Season 13, beating Gambit in a beautiful final. It is possible to describe for a long time about the individual contribution of the players to the game of the team. However, to describe the value of the transfer, it is enough to remember one iconic clutch from refresh.
You can say as much as you like that Heroic had a weak season compared to last year. But, given the scandals and long investigation, these two helped the team not only not to fall, but also to stay afloat.
hades ⇒ ENCE
Source:ENCE.
Few expected to see ENCE flourish with allu. However, in May the organization took a chance and invited the Pole hades, who was previously remembered for his performances for local bands.
This transfer instantly took the team to a new level, while the sniper himself became one of those who can be relied on in difficult times. And if before the arrival of hades the team showed mediocre results, then since the transfer ENCE has gained stability.
Starting in June, the team managed to gain experience at the TIER-2 championships in order to take the silver Intel Extreme Masters XVI - Fall: Europe, thereby going to PGL Major 2021.
Yes, the end of the season for ENCE and hades failed. However, the Pole became an indispensable player in the team, which, according to rumors, was actively interested in MOUZ.
Zyphon, roeJ + HooXi (MAD Lions) ⇒ Copenhagen Flames
Throughout the season, the Copenhagen Flames were thrown from side to side, as the organization could not find the optimal lineup. A miracle happened in May, however, as the management found the right mix, bringing in an Astralis Talent native as well as a seasoned bunch of the latest Danish iteration of MAD Lions.
At first, Copenhagen Flames was kneading the dirt at small championships, gradually playing up the ligaments. However, in the fall, the team burst through, while the newcomers became foundational to success.
At this time, Copenhagen Flames finished seventh at Intel Extreme Masters XVI - Fall: Europe, thus qualifying for PGL Major 2021. Many thought that the team would be blown away in Stockholm without showing even half of their recent feats. However, the Danes surpassed themselves, finding themselves one step away from reaching the playoffs of the championship, losing very little to the NIP.
In addition, the Copenhagen Flames managed to keep their roster intact, which, given the background, could be the main reason for success in the new season.
mezii (Endpoint) ⇒ fnatic
Source:Fnatic.
In August, the fnatic management got tired of setbacks and defeats and decided to return to basics. As a result, the organization bought mezii from Endpoint, which managed to whitewash its name after a complete failure in Cloud9.
The Briton quickly got used to the new team, fortunately, ALEX was called up with him. However, mezii himself adapted not only psychologically, but also individually, becoming one of the leaders of the team.
For a while, fnatic continued to junk, until at the end of the season it gave out a good streak without defeats, simultaneously winning DreamHack Open November 2021 and REPUBLEAGUE Season 2. And considering all the team’s troubles in the past, the mezii transfer definitely benefited fnatic.
smooya (Movistar Riders) ⇒ fnatic
Another good example of fnatic's ingenuity came in the fall part of the season. To be honest, smooya's transition to a stronger club has been asking for a long time. However, the British continued to drag the Movistar Riders with dead weight. But this could not last long, since the player himself decided to leave the team, and then fnatic also began to search for a new sniper.
The union immediately bore fruit, as the team instantly qualified for Intel Extreme Masters XVI - Winter. Do not forget that in the future the team will become the winner of DreamHack Open November 2021 and REPUBLEAGUE Season 2, while smooya himself will quickly fit into the game model and become one of the leaders.
FL1T (forZe) ⇒ Virtus.pro
The last on the list, and according to the calendar, is the transfer of FL1T from forZe to Virtus.pro. Farewell to SANJI has long been asking, but the organization dragged on until the last, waiting for the start of PGL Major 2021.
As a result, the Russian quickly blended into the new team, having to adjust to the changes in the course of the championship. It is interesting that in this form Virtus.pro managed to reach the quarterfinals of the tournament in Stockholm, becoming stronger and stronger from match to match.
The end of the season for FL1T and Virtus.pro was a success, as the player helped the team to reach the semifinals of Intel Extreme Masters XVI - Winter. Already now, many experts believe that after this transfer the team has become much stronger. In addition, a full-fledged offseason will allow Virtus.pro to finally build their model in such a way as to meet their expectations. At the same time, during these two months FL1T managed to prove that he moved to the new club for a reason.
Elen Stelmakh is a creative individual dedicated to advancing gaming culture through articles and visual design. As a full-time EGamersWorld author and designer for a gaming website, Elen not only creates content but also infuses it with energy and creativity.