The North American competitive Counter-Strike 2 scene is witnessing its first major roster adjustment ahead of the 2026 season, as NRG Esports confirms the departure of Zechrie ‘XotiC’ Elshani and the immediate return of veteran AWPer Joshua ‘oSee’ Ohm.
The transition marks the end of a relatively short but impactful run for XotiC and the start of a crucial redemption chapter for oSee, who spent the latter half of 2025 on the bench. This shift comes at a pivotal moment for the organization, which is navigating new ownership while simultaneously targeting stronger performance at the highest echelons of competitive CS2.
The Conflict of Commitment: XotiC’s Business Decision
Zechrie ‘XotiC’ Elshani’s departure from the active NRG roster was not the result of poor performance, but rather a calculated decision prioritizing burgeoning external commitments. The athlete confirmed that the challenge of balancing the rigorous demands of professional Counter-Strike with the operation of multiple personal businesses had become untenable.
“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 decision.
This situation highlights a growing trend in modern esports where professional players, often possessing entrepreneurial drive, confront the dichotomy between the exhaustive training schedules required for elite performance and the management responsibilities of their commercial ventures. For XotiC, who joined NRG in July 2025 and notably helped the team qualify for the StarLadder Budapest Major 2025, the difficult choice was made to step away from the server to secure his future off-server.
oSee’s Return: A Redemption Arc in the Making
Filling the vacant slot is Joshua ‘oSee’ Ohm, who returns to the active lineup after an enforced five-month hiatus. OSee’s tenure with NRG spans over two years, during which he was instrumental in securing multiple Tier 2 titles, including the ESL Challenger League Season 49: North America and Fragadelphia 18.
The return of oSee is a stabilizing force for the team`s composition. He brings a deep familiarity with the organization`s structure and existing player dynamics. Crucially, the player who XotiC replaced is now returning to complete the circuit. This internal rotation is often preferred by organizations as it minimizes the integration time and risk associated with introducing external talent.
OSee’s immediate test will be at Fragadelphia Miami 2 2026, scheduled for January 2nd through 4th. This event serves as an immediate barometer of the team’s form and the synergy of the reactivated lineup as they prepare for the rigors of the competitive year.
The Corporate Context: NRG Under New Management
The roster move occurs against the backdrop of a significant organizational restructure. In December, North American organization DarkZero Esports completed the acquisition of all NRG esports teams’ assets. Despite the transactional ownership change, the teams—including the flagship CS2 roster—will continue to operate and compete under the established and recognizable NRG brand name.
The operational decision to maintain the NRG moniker ensures continuity for fan engagement and sponsorship fulfillment. However, the influence of DarkZero’s management and strategic vision will undeniably shape NRG’s approach moving forward. This acquisition underscores the business complexity underpinning competitive esports, where player performance is intrinsically linked to corporate strategic maneuvers.
Setting Sights on Tier 1 Dominance
NRG’s 2025 competitive cycle saw commendable success in the Tier 2 landscape, culminating in crucial qualification for a Major. However, the organization publicly acknowledges a deficiency in converting that success into consistent results at elite Tier 1 events.
The focus for the 2026 Counter-Strike 2 season is clear: establish a definitive, challenging presence at the highest level of international competition. The swap from XotiC, whose focus was divided, to the fully committed and proven oSee signals an attempt to maximize the roster`s competitive commitment and ensure peak performance consistency. The pressure is now squarely on the revitalized lineup to translate the organizational investments and structural stability into quantifiable Tier 1 victories.
