NRG Reportedly Signing Most Of OpTic Gaming’s Inactive Roster
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| Author Xavier Geitz
It didn't take long before OpTic Gaming's former core to find new homes.
The biggest news to come out of RosterMania 2022 thus far is the Dot Esports reported acquisition of yay and Zellsis by Cloud9. With those two added to the roster, Cloud9 officially has a superteam on its hands for VCT 2023.
Well, it appears another partnered team from the Americas league is making big moves behind the scenes.
According to a report from Dot Esports, NRG is finalizing a deal to acquire five members of OpTic Gaming's inactive roster. They will apparently be adding in-game leader Pujan “FNS” Mehta, Victor Wong, Austin “crashies” Roberts, and head coach Chet Singh to the organization.
The math adds up. Just yesterday, NRG head coach JoshRT announced that he is an unrestricted free agent, with his contract with NRG expiring at the end of the year. Core team members tex, Ethan, eeiu, and hazed also announced that they are now restricted free agents.
— NRG s0m (@s0mcs) September 30, 2022
s0m is the last remaining member of NRG's core, and it looks like he's sticking around.
— Jimzo (@Marved6) September 30, 2022
In a recent tweet, Marved basically confirmed these acquisition reports are accurate. He posted a meme of six characters, with only one left around. Of OpTic Gaming's former core, Marved is the only one yet to find a new home. It's worth noting that Marved has thrown out the idea of becoming a streamer full-time.
What Does This Acquisition Mean For NRG?
NRG had a somewhat lukewarm 2022 season, with Cloud9 sending them home for good in a 2-0 sweep in the NA Last-Chance Qualifier.
OpTic Gaming, on the other hand, was the most consistent team of the year. Two second-place finishes in North America Stage 1 and Stage 2 Challengers, a third-place finish at Stage 2 Masters – Copenhagen, and a first-place finish at Stage 1 Masters – Reykjavik. And, of course, their second-place finish at Champs 2022. That's quite the year.
Sure, NRG's acquisition doesn't include, yay, the most vital former member of OpTic Gaming and the best Valorant player in the world, but they are still obtaining most of OpTic Gaming's core. Some may have considered NRG one of the weakest teams in the Americas League. That sure isn't the case anymore.
After this deal finalizes, NRG will have one active spot left on the roster. It will be interesting to see who fills it.
When not busy writing about Esports, the latest and greatest digital gaming deals, and reviewing video game, you can find Xavier wandering Morrowind's Telvanni Coast, tirelessly petitioning for a Timesplitters 2 remake, or trying to understand the Concept of Love.