OG Esports is turning heads with a significant shake-up in its Counter-Strike 2 lineup. In a decisive move, the team has decided to bench Nico ‘nicoodoz’ Tamjidi and Christoffer ‘Chr1zN’ Storgaard. This decision comes on the heels of the team missing out on a spot in the upcoming StarLadder Budapest Major set for November.
Key Departures and New Opportunities
Chr1zN ends his tenure as the in-game leader after 14 months, while nicoodoz’s journey as the team’s AWPer concludes after just six months. Nicoodoz’s arrival in April had breathed new life into OG Esports, leading to their participation in the BLAST.tv Austin Major, where they advanced to Stage 2. Chr1zN, on the other hand, joined the roster in August 2024 and maintained his role through various strategic changes.
Shortly after these changes, OG Esports reiterated its dedication to the Counter-Strike community with a statement unveiling its ongoing efforts to craft a team aligned with its values of resilience and passion. Current rankings place the team at 28th in the Valve Regional Standings, and there’s speculation that Casper ‘CadiaN’ Møller might join the fold, according to reports.
OG Esports in 2025
The recent benching marks another chapter in OG Esports’ 2025 story. Earlier in July, the team parted ways with Maciej ‘F1KU’ Miklas, a player who had been with them for three years. Meanwhile, outside the realm of gaming, OG Esports has witnessed a surge in its fan engagement ventures. Their fan token has achieved an impressive market cap exceeding $100 million since its inception in 2020.
Ownership dynamics have shifted as well, with The Chiliz Group acquiring a controlling 51% stake in the organization, positioning co-founder Xavier Oswald as the new CEO. This strategic shake-up in OG’s roster and leadership underscores the organization’s commitment to evolving and competing at the highest levels.