5 most promising teams of the last CS:GO season

The recent professional Counter-Strike shakeup might just be the most monumental we’ve witnessed. While it’s too soon to pinpoint the off-season’s victors, here’s my personal ranking.

Vitality

Change: Welcoming flameZ in place of dupreeh.

Many were caught off-guard by this move, myself included. Then again, looking past Vitality’s impressive past season victories like IEM Rio and BLAST.tv Paris Major, this seems like a shrewd long-term strategy. Dupreeh’s prowess is undeniable, but flameZ’s addition was impeccably timed. There’s undeniable chemistry between Israeli players Spinx and flameZ. Additionally, Shushan has joined Vitality following the end of his stint with OG.

As Vitality preps for Counter-Strike 2’s launch, they have ample time to develop a gameplay strategy with flameZ. Even if their performance dips in 2023’s latter half, the ultimate goal remains: gearing up for Counter-Strike’s next iteration and PGL Copenhagen Major 2024.

Cloud9

Change: Gained electroNic and Perfecto from NAVI; sidelining nafany and buster.

Honesty time: Cloud9 is shaping up to be a formidable force, potentially occupying HLTV’s top-3 for 2023.

ElectroNic and Perfecto’s additions have made Cloud9 an intimidating opponent due to their sheer skill. Thus, having electroNic, an experienced IGL, is refreshing for the team. They’re poised to be title challengers soon. At the very least, they’ll be consistent playoff fixtures. This off-season couldn’t have been more favorable for Cloud9.

Apeks

Change: Onboarding CacaNito as jL’s successor, who was acquired by Natus Vincere.

I had hoped Apeks would retain the roster that astonishingly progressed at BLAST.tv Paris Major. However, despite losing jL, CacaNito is proving to be an invaluable addition. With him on board, Apeks retains their structure and firepower. Their progress trajectory looks promising. Nawwk’s consistency does raise concerns, but when he’s at his best, Apeks is a force to be reckoned with.

NiP

Change: Benched Aleksib and reinstated hampus.

It’s been a tumultuous period for NiP, with their roster decisions and market moves leading to fluctuating results. However, with hampus returning to active duty, it feels like brighter days are ahead. His leadership style and mindset align more with the team than Aleksib’s. Given time, NiP will likely rise through the ranks.

MOUZ

Change: Re-engaging siuhy from GamerLegion and elevating Jimmphat from MOUZ NXT in place of dexter and JDC.

In brief, MOUZ’s decision to swap IGLs, with siuhy taking over from dexter, seems astute. While it might be questioned JDC’s departure, Jimpphat’s potential is undeniable. MOUZ’s recent moves might just be the boost they need.