With the release of Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) as a direct replacement to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), Valve’s team-based first-person shooter (FPS) is more popular than ever. Undoubtedly, 2023 was a landmark year for the ever-popular esports title, with high-impact and sometimes shocking team transfers thrown into the mix.
Let’s take a look at the seven most notable Counter-Strike player transfers in 2023. Then head over to our CS2 betting section to check out the latest odds.
Please note: The most notable Counter-Strike player transfers are subjective. This article’s picks and opinions do not necessarily reflect those of all Thunderpick staff.
EliGE to Complexity (June 23)
Long hailed as one of the best active players from the North American region, Jonathan “EliGE” Jablonowski’s transfer to Complexity saw the superstar replace Canadian Justin “FaNg” Coakley on the active roster.
Why Was This Transfer Notable?
Since EliGE’s transfer to Complexity, the team’s performance has seen an incredible improvement in top-tier events. Back in June of last year, Complexity was ranked 23rd in the world, but as of Jan. 1, 2024, Complexity have earned the 8th spot, according to HLTV.
cadiaN to Team Liquid (Dec. 6)
Casper “cadiaN” Møller’s departure from Heroic and move to Team Liquid sent shockwaves through the CS2 community. The legendary Danish in-game leader (IGL) will make strategic calls on the server for Team Liquid and handle the vital sniper role in 2024.
Why Was This Transfer Notable?
No matter how you cut it, Casper “cadiaN” Møller was instrumental to Heroic’s success. As the linchpin of Team Liquid’s roster rebuild, there’s hope that cadiaN can take the organization to new heights.
Aleksib to Na’Vi (June 30)
Following disappointing results with Ninjas in Pyjamas (NIP) and subsequent removal from the active roster, the charismatic IGL Aleksi “Aleksib” Virolainen wasn’t teamless for long. On June 30, 2023, Na’Vi revealed its new roster that included Aleksib, Justinas “jL” Lekavicius, and Mihai “iM” Ivan.
Why Was This Transfer Notable?
Aleksib’s transfer from NIP to Na’Vi is arguably the most divisive Counter-Strike transfer of 2023. Opinions on the Finnish IGL’s ability and in-game calls differ, dividing the community with many thinking Aleksib does not deserve a spot on Na’Vi.
Speaking to HLTV.org, Aleksib addressed the issue: “It hurts that a lot of people might be saying I don’t deserve it.” As it turns out, Aleksib led Na’Vi to a third-place finish at the BLAST Premier World Final 2023, getting knocked out just before the grand final.
Jabbi & stavn to Astralis (Nov. 24)
Heroic benched Jakob “Jabbi” Nygaard and Martin “stavn” Lund on Oct. 25, 2023. One month later, the legendary Danish organization Astralis signed the young duo, securing their future in CS2 esports.
Why Was This Transfer Notable?
There are hopes that Jabbi and stavn can return Astralis to its glory days. Eyes are on these young players in 2024, and they both have what it takes to deliver excellent performances on the server.
gla1ve to ENCE (Nov. 27)
After Astralis benched Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander in June, we didn’t see the 28-year-old Danish player compete. On Nov. 27, 2023, ENCE announced the transfer of gla1ve and coach Jakub “kuben” Gurczynski to take over the leadership roles.
Why Was This Transfer Notable?
The ex-Astralis IGL, who led the team to a record four Major Championships, needs no introduction. The transfer of Lukas “gla1ve” Rossander to ENCE is easily one of the biggest of 2023, and many CS2 esports fans can’t wait to find out if gla1ve can repeat his success with a new squad.
sh1ro to Team Spirit (Dec. 17)
On Oct. 26, 2023, Dmitry “sh1ro” Sokolov shocked the community when he stepped down from Cloud9‘s active roster. After multiple rumors of where sh1ro would end up, Team Spirit officially announced the Russian star was joining their CS2 roster on Dec. 17, 2023.
Why Was This Transfer Notable?
Dmitry “sh1ro” Sokolov is widely considered one of the best AWPers in the world, ranked 4th in 2021 and 3rd in 2022. His presence in Team Spirit could see the organization flourish in top-tier events, and it won’t surprise us if they lift some trophies in 2024.
w0nderful to Na’Vi (Oct. 31)
When the GOAT of Counter-Strike esports, Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyliev, stepped away from competitive play, Na’Vi had the near-impossible job of filling his boots. Ihor “w0nderful” Zhdanov joining Na’Vi as the AWPer was one of the best moves the organization could make.
Why Was This Transfer Notable?
w0nderful replaces s1mple, resulting in the entire CS2 community watching the young AWPer’s performance. Following confirmation of the transfer, w0nderful said: “I know it’s hard to fully replace a player of s1mple’s caliber and fulfill everyone’s expectations, but trust me, I’ll do everything in my power!”
Other Major CS Player Transfers of 2023
While the seven Counter-Strike player transfers we’ve highlighted in this article are considered the biggest, there are others that may have a serious impact on the scene. Check out our picks for other notable CS player transfers:
- Denis “electroNic” Sharipov (Na’Vi to Cloud9)
- Ilya “Perfecto” Zalutskiy (Na’Vi to Cloud9)
- Justinas “jL” Lekavicius (Apeks to Na’Vi)
- Nils “k1to” Gruhne (BIG to OG)
- Mateusz “mantuu” Wilczewski (Free agent to BIG)
- Christopher “dexter” Nong (MOUZ to Fnatic)
- Nikolay “mir” Bityukov (Free agent to Virtus.pro)
- Robert “Patsi” Isyanov (Team Spirit to Liquid)
- Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo (Imperial to FURIA)
- Timofey “interz” Yakushin (Cloud9 to TSM)
- Valdemar “valde” Vangså (ENCE to TSM)
- Shahar “flameZ” Shushan (OG to Team Vitality)
- Victor “Staehr” Staehr (Sprout to Astralis)
- Audric “JACKZ” Jug (HEET to TSM)
- Peter “dupreeh” Rasmussen (Heroic to Preasy)
- Nemanja “nexa” Isaković (OG to G2 Esports)
- David “frozen” Čerňanský (MOUZ to FaZe Clan)
- Russel “Twistzz” Van Dulken (FaZe Clan to Team Liquid)
- Aleks “Rainwaker” Petrov (Liquid to 500)
Looking Ahead To 2024
As we look ahead to the upcoming year of CS2 esports, we’re excited to see how the transfers we picked play out for the teams involved. And with those teams competing in IEM, ESL, BLAST, and PGL events in 2024, among others, the competition is more heated than ever.
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