Is nitr0 returning to CSGO after leaving 100 Thieves Valorant?

100 Thieves has confirmed Nicholas “nitr0” Cannella’s departure from its Valorant roster, and fans are hopeful that he might return to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. 

nitr0 quit competitive CSGO in 2020 to pursue a career in Riot’s tactical shooter after its blockbuster release. But the pro player has now left the 100 Thieves organization and his future looks unclear. Reports suggest that a return to CSGO is on the cards for the legendary pro. 

Thank you so much 100T for the opportunity to compete under such a great organization. More on my future soon! https://t.co/GLIjoPGIb4

— Nick Cannella (@nitr0) December 7, 2021

In 2020, a plethora of CSGO pros made the transition to Valorant, with nitr0 being one of the first to do so. With nitr0 on its roster, 100 Thieves put its name on the Valorant map by winning First Strike. Despite a star-studded roster, the team’s performance declined as Valorant meta developed. The team still managed to make it to the semifinals of Masters Three Berlin. 

100 Thieves’ latest performances across several tournaments has left a crack in its Valorant roster. After winning First Strike, the team failed to bring the same energy to Valorant’s first LAN event in Iceland. A similar fate followed them at VCT Masters Berlin, as the team saw itself out of the biggest Valorant circuit. 100 Thieves previously moved Joshua “steel” Nissan to the bench, and he later departed the roster. With nitr0 out, the team is left with the trio of Spencer “Hiko” Martin, Peter “Asuna” Mazuryk, and Ethan “Ethan” Arnold. 

Is nitr0 returning to CSGO? 

Rumors of nitr0 returning to CSGO have been ripe for a while, as credible reports claim that a switch back is on the horizon. CSGO fans are hopeful that he returns home, and it may be likely that their wishes come true. 

nitr0 was one of the original members of Team Liquid’s 2015 CSGO roster. The North American team saw its peak with nitr0 at the front. Team Liquid’s 2021 complications and roster issues have triggered rumors of Jacky “Stewie2K” Yip and Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo quitting the side. This means that the organization is likely focusing on rebuilding its CSGO roster, and it shouldn’t be a surprise if nitr0 ends up on the new Team Liquid roster. 

The organization has already announced that Keith “NAF” Markovic is staying for good. With Jonathan “EliGE” Jablonowski also active, nitr0’s addition would mean the return of the star trio from the 2018-2019 peak Liquid lineup. It remains to be seen how accurate these reports are, but nitr0’s departure from 100 Thieves has surely built up the hopes of CSGO fans.