Today marks the end of one of Counter-Strike’s longest player-organization partnerships with Fnatic and JW set to split up.
The Swedish veteran has announced that he is leaving his longtime home. He first joined Fnatic in August 2013, where he stayed for the entirety of his career with the exception of a six-month stint on GODSENT. Along with Freddy “KRIMZ” Johansson, JW is practically synonymous with the organization, but will enter free agency as he searches for a new team.
During his time on Fnatic, JW and company won three official CSGO majors. His biggest payday with the organization was in 2017 at the World Electronic Sports Games, where Fnatic won first place and $800,000. Occasionally known as Wonderchild, he is a key figure in the early era of organized CSGO esports.
JW’s tenure at the top level of CSGO wasn’t without controversy. Much like his teammate Robin “flusha” Rönnquist, JW has been accused of hacking several times, sometimes even by other professional players. Despite complaints and rampant fan speculation, he has enjoyed enormous success in CSGO in a LAN setting where hacking would be much easier to detect.
JW’s incredible aim allowed him to play as both an entry fragger and AWPer at different stages of his career. His movement and coordination with his teammates was also heralded as second-to-none.
In the process of announcing his free agency, JW left his future ambiguous. Several iconic CSGO pros have switched over to rival tactical shooter Valorant, including some from JW’s peak era. Fans have already begun speculating about a similar transition for JW but in a recent interview he suggested that he plans to remain in CSGO.
“I have decided that I don’t want to leave the game that I love and have played for so long.” he said.
His social media statements also reveal an inclination to stick with CSGO. Until he finds a team, JW will work on qualifier events and his own personal stream.
“I will work hard on my game, try to stream some and try to play in as many qualifiers as possible until I know what’s next for me. In the end, all in all, it’s been one hell of a ride but nothing lasts forever and it is time for me to start writing the next chapter,” JW wrote on Twitter.
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