Image credit: StarLadder
The North American Counter-Strike 2 landscape is witnessing a significant reconfiguration within the NRG organization as it prepares for the 2026 competitive season. In a move that prioritizes full-time dedication, NRG has officially announced the departure of Zechrie `XotiC` Elshani and the immediate return of veteran player Joshua `oSee` Ohm to the active roster.
This personnel change occurs at a pivotal moment for the organization, which is under new operational management and aiming to solidify a consistent presence in Tier 1 global competition.
The Entrepreneurial Exit: Why XotiC Stepped Down
XotiC, who initially joined the roster in July 2025 replacing oSee, is stepping away from competitive Counter-Strike due to pressures outside the server. His decision hinges on the inability to sustainably manage the demands of professional esports alongside significant business commitments.
As XotiC himself articulated, the attempt to split focus led to a degradation of performance in both arenas. It is a classic narrative in modern esports: the relentless commitment required at the highest level frequently conflicts with entrepreneurial aspirations. While few athletes attain the luxury of balancing both, the professional Counter-Strike calendar, replete with travel, practice schedules, and high-stakes qualifications, proved incompatible with running multiple ventures.
“Balancing competitive CS with running multiple businesses has become increasingly difficult, and trying to split my focus has ultimately meant neither gets the attention it deserves,” XotiC stated regarding his exit.
During his tenure, XotiC contributed substantially, notably helping NRG secure qualification for the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, a significant achievement for the team.
oSee`s Reclamation: Returning from the Bench
To fill the vacant slot, NRG has recalled Joshua `oSee` Ohm, who has been on the sidelines for five months since his initial benching. oSee is a known entity within the North American circuit, having spent over two years under the organization’s banner.
His prior contributions include securing multiple Tier 2 titles, such as ESL Challenger League Season 49: North America and Fragadelphia 18. His return represents not a gamble, but a known quantity—a tactical decision to re-integrate a player familiar with the team’s structure and competitive ethos, albeit one who has been out of the immediate high-pressure rotation.
The pressure is now squarely on oSee to translate his domestic success into international results, addressing the team`s acknowledged weakness in Tier 1 events throughout 2025.
Operational Context: The DarkZero Transition
This roster alteration is occurring amidst a fundamental organizational shift. In late December, DarkZero Esports completed the acquisition of all NRG esports team assets. Crucially, the teams—including the CS2 roster—will continue to compete globally under the established and recognizable NRG moniker.
This operational framework means that while the branding remains consistent, the strategic direction and financial backing originate from a different entity. This subtle yet profound change adds a layer of scrutiny to the 2026 campaign. The new ownership structure likely mandates stronger performance metrics, particularly in the elite international ecosystem.
The 2025 season highlighted NRG`s capacity to dominate at the Tier 2 level but struggled consistently against the world`s elite. The newly configured roster, featuring the returning oSee, must now demonstrate that this operational stability translates into sustained competitive momentum.
Looking Forward: The 2026 Debut
The revised NRG roster will face its first competitive test at Fragadelphia Miami 2 2026, scheduled to run from January 2nd to 4th at the ROK Esports Center. This event will serve as a crucial barometer for the team’s cohesion and oSee’s immediate impact.
For NRG, 2026 is poised to be a defining year. With new ownership providing the necessary structural support, the organization`s focus must shift entirely to establishing itself not just as a prominent North American fixture, but as a perennial contender on the global Counter-Strike stage. The move to replace a talented but distracted player with a motivated and established veteran signals a strict commitment to competitive dedication for the season ahead.
Oliver Brampton 
Callum Darby