Reports indicate that Alex “ALEX” McMeekin is at the top of the list to lead FunPlus Phoenix’s CSGO roster.
After a rough entrance into Counter-Strike: Global Offensive’s competitive scene, FPX is reportedly looking at former Vitality in-game leader ALEX to lead its return to CSGO, according to a report from DBLTab. FPX was at the center of a controversy during FLASHPOINT 1 when it attempted to acquire Danish CSGO team Heroic’s roster at the start of the tournament.
The deal fell through when Heroic’s cornerstone player, Patrick “es3tag” Hansen, suddenly jumped ship after deciding to wait out his contract with Heroic in order to sign with Astralis at its expiration in June. The deal for the remainder of the Heroic roster failed as a result, despite FPX publically announcing the new roster’s signing. The loss of this roster turned FPX’s entrance into CSGO from what should have been a big deal into something of a disaster, as the esports organization famed for its success in League of Legends was forced to field the now-defunct Bad News Bears in its place, finishing seventh in the team-owned league.
ALEX targeted as new in-game leader for FPX’s CSGO return
ALEX has sat on Vitality’s bench since March 2020, stating that CSGO’s competitive circuit required more time spent towards traveling than the player and Vitality had agreed upon. As a result, ALEX was ultimately replaced by Kévin “misutaaa” Rabier in Vitality’s active lineup. According to reports, Vitality has set ALEX’s buyout upwards of $600,000, leading to teams expressing little beyond passing interest in one of the few top in-game leader talents available in the game.
Fans have heard little about FunPlus Phoenix’s return to competitive CSGO since the end of FLASHPOINT 1. In an interview with WIN.gg, FLASHPOINT commissioner Christopher “MonteCristo” Mykles and league representative Duncan “Thorin” Shields said that they were sure of FPX’s return to Counter-Strike competition.
“[FPX is] an extremely prestigious organization and one that we really want as part of the Flashpoint ownership group. It was unfortunate that things got rushed for them because they were really excited about joining the league and the whole es3tag and Heroic roster thing fell through, but they’ll be back with a top-tier team,” MonteCristo said.
