Throughout its twenty-five-year lifespan, Counter-Strike has become inseparable from the world of esports. Throughout more than two decades of competition, numerous talented individuals have emerged as prominent figures, yet the majority of them have since receded into obscurity. Nevertheless, on occasion, they have the ability to stage a resurgence. Today, we will discuss a few talented individuals who have the potential to make a significant impact in CS2 if they choose to pursue it.
Jacky Stewie2K Yip
Let's begin with an individual who has recently made their presence known. Jacky Yip is widely regarded as a prominent figure in the history of North American Counter-Strike. He achieved a significant victory with Cloud9 and secured the Intel Grand Slam title with Team Liquid. No player in the region has gained more accolades and honors.
Regrettably, Stewie2K has experienced a lackluster period in recent years: initially, the downturn of Team Liquid, followed by the disastrous tenure with Evil Geniuses. At present, the American player is in search of a fresh team, and his triumph at IEM Dallas alongside G2, where Stewie2K stepped in for HooXi, demonstrates that the veteran should not be underestimated and that he still possesses the ability to create a significant impact.
Adil ScreaM Benrlitom
Now, shifting our focus to Europe, let's explore the experiences of veterans who have ventured into Valorant. The master of precision showcased his exceptional skills in Riot Games' shooter, including a notable performance at the World Championship, where he secured a commendable 3rd-4th place. However, both he and his brother Nivera have experienced a lack of noteworthy achievements in recent times.
Nivera has made it known that he is making a comeback to Counter-Strike, which raises the possibility that his brother might do the same. Indeed, we honestly long for the semi-finalist of the inaugural Major in CS history, as the Belgian brought a captivating presence both in-game and outside of it.
Nicholas Nitr0 Cannella
Let's not overlook Stewie2K's teammate, with whom he secured the coveted gold bars of the Intel Grand Slam. After Valorant was launched, Nitr0 found himself switching between different games with great enthusiasm. He participated in Valve's shooter and then dived into Riot Games' title. Recently, he became inactive in M80 Valorant, and there are compelling rumors that Nicholas is considering a comeback to Counter-Strike 2.
What other accomplishments is nitr0 recognized for? He came in second place at ESL One Cologne 2016. During that period, nitr0 participated in the Major final alongside a youthful yet exceptionally gifted s1mple. Altogether, he dedicated approximately seven years to Team Liquid, a duration second only to EliGE. In Valorant, Nitr0 made it to the semi-finals of the Major in Berlin in 2021.
Mikhail Dosia Stolyarov
When it comes to charisma, one cannot overlook Dosia, the foremost champion in Krakow, along with Gambit Esports. Mikhail is renowned for his captivating charisma and his unorthodox gameplay choices. At present, Mikhail primarily works as an analyst. However, if a promising opportunity presents itself, there is no reason why he wouldn't consider making a comeback. There's no denying his impressive longevity, as he has consistently competed at a top level for approximately 15 years. A comeback from his retirement in esports is definitely within the realm of possibility.
Joshua Steel Nissan
Now, let's discuss a player whose legacy is defined by the lingering question, "What if?" Steel was a member of the notorious iBUYPOWER team that was embroiled in a scandal involving match-fixing. Despite the departure of numerous banned players, Steel has chosen to stay engaged in the scene, occasionally taking on the role of an analyst and staying in top form by participating in competitive pub matches.
Reports indicate that his lifetime ban in CS has been substituted with a ten-year disqualification, set to conclude in early 2025. It appears that Steel is diligently preparing for a comeback, and if that's the case, we won't have to wait much longer. Luckily, he held the position of captain, and captains are not limited by age - look at FalleN or Karrigan for proof.