According to sources with knowledge of the situation, BLIX understands that European organization OG are set to part ways with Nikolaj “niko” Kristensen and Shahar “flameZ” Shushan. The departure of the duo was previously reported by Belarusian insider, Harumi, on May 16th, with the insider also suggesting Adam “NEOFRAG” Zouhar could also depart OG.
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These key departures will likely mark the beginning of a wide scale overhaul for OG, as it is understood further changes in the lineup could be predicated by offseason market options.
flameZ had been a part of OG’s starting lineup since mid-2021, having joined as part of a general shuffle that saw founding members Nathan “NBK-” Schmitt and Issa “ISSAA” Murad benched.
Sources tell BLIX that flameZ’s contract has expired, with the organization and the Israeli rifler failing to find an agreement on an extension.
The Shushan’s situation is related to his will to explore other options as his contract with OG expires. Several different teams currently show their interest in flameZ’s services.
While niko also joined OG in mid-2021, he was benched in mid-2022, having only recently returned to the roster in early-2023 as a stand-in for IGL Nemanja “nexa” IsakoviÄ. Following his return to the squad, OG have struggled through middling performances, with their only result of note being a 3rd-4th place finish in the online Brazy Party event.
At the final CS:GO Major, BLAST.tv Paris, OG bombed out after losses to ENCE, NIP and GamerLegion in the Challengers Stage. This poor start to 2023 likely set the stage for changes after OG finish their final LAN commitment, IEM Dallas 2023, which is set to begin on May 29th.
For the moment, OG are expected to enter the off-season with:
- Adam “NEOFRAG” Zouhar
- Maciej “F1KU” Miklas
- Abdulkhalik “degster” Gasanov
- Casper “ruggah” Due (Coach)
- Alexander “kakafu” Szymanczyk (Assistant Coach)
Follow BLIX for the Counter-Strike off-season updates.
