OpTic Gaming replace refrezh with cajunb, aims for top 10
OpTic Gaming’s in-game leader Mathias “MSL” Lauridsen
announced
a major roster move on Twitter earlier today.
The team has replaced Ismali “refrezh” Ali with Rene “cajunb” Borg in an attempt to have more consistency. This comes after a string of disappointing performances in recent tournaments, including an 11th-place finish at ESL Pro League Season 9.
“After four months with ups and downs, we have decided to make a roster change. It was clear to me that we needed experience and stability to make us a more consistent team. After having played with cajunb in the past and during the qualifier, we felt he was the guy we needed,” MSL said.
He went on to say that the team “clicked” with cajunb during that time.
“He brings a lot of experience, stability, doesn’t make many mistakes (which is rare these days) and is really good individually,” MSL
added.
cajunb, formerly of a number of top teams including Cloud9, had taken refrezh’s spot earlier this month. He helped OpTic qualify for ESL One New York, which will take place in September. As the new roster’s first live event, there’s pressure to perform at this tournament next month. cajunb will also be on the team’s roster for DreamHack Open Summer.
The 21-year-old refrezh has been playing professional Counter-Strike since 2016. He was OpTic’s rifler until he became inactive today.
“I want to say thanks to refrezh for our time together. I think you have a lot of potential and you in the future will achieve great success. We couldn’t fit two players with the same roles, and this was the natural change. I wish you good luck and I’m quite sure you’ll find a great home very fast!” MSL said.
MSL noted that the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive team is still looking for a home after the Immortals aquired OpTic Gaming. The
$100 million deal
left the CS:GO team with an uncertain future, since Immortals already had their own team in MIBR.
He added that only three players would need to be bought out. These includes MSL, Kristian “k0nfig” Wienecke, and Nikolaj “Niko” Kristensen.
“Our goal is to get back into the top 10 within four months. So, if it sounds interesting for you as an organization, you can contact our coach,” MSL said.
Olivia Richman
About Olivia Richman
Olivia has worked in media ever since graduating from college, with her coverage ranging from traditional newspaper reporting to digital coverage of all things gaming, online betting, and nerd culture. She has traveled around the world pursuing that coverage, from the far coasts of the United States to the busy downtown core of Tokyo, Japan. Olivia’s favorite games include Overwatch and Super Smash Smash Bros, and she has been published at Esports Illustrated, Inven Global, EsportsInsider, Upcomer, and elsewhere.
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