2018 has been the most successful year in the history of BIG. With a second wind generated from the failures of January, we reached the grand final of ESL One Cologne 2018 in front of our home crowd, made top eight at the FACEIT Major, and achieved numerous other playoff placements. Regardless, we keep on striving to improve and better ourselves every chance we get. As such, we are incredibly proud to announce that İsmailcan “XANTARES” Dörtkardeş will be joining the team on a permanent basis.

Considered as one of the most mechanically skilled players in the world, the 23-year-old Turk was a force of nature during his time with Space Soldiers, paving the way to many great results for his team with his incredible aim and skill. The raw firepower and in-game excellence he will bring to BIG will help take us to the next level, and will be a key factor in enabling us to take the final step towards the trophy.

XANTARES will be replacing Johannes “nex” Maget, who due to wrist pains which have been impacting his performance for the past few months, is unable to play. Now, during the Christmas off-season, nex will take time to receive the necessary medical attention, and will withdraw from competitive play until he is fully healed. Until then, please join us in wishing him a speedy recovery!

Statement Daniel Finkler, CEO

After a very turbulent and successful year 2018, we want to aim even higher in the upcoming periods. For months, Johannes “nex” Maget has been suffering from wrist pain, which affected his performance. After the ESL Pro League Finals in Odense, we mutually decided that he will now go for professional treatment in Berlin. Everybody in BIG wishes him a speedy recovery, and we will provide him with every support needed until he is ready to play again. With İsmailcan “XANTARES” Dörtkardeş we have signed one of the world’s best players with outstanding talent, who will be a permanent addition to the team. Welcome to BIG, XANTARES!

Statement İsmailcan “XANTARES” Dörtkardeş

As you know, I and my team have been working hard to win tournaments and represent our country as best as we can. However, we have been struggling with a multitude of issues for a while and internet infrastructure was only one of these. Therefore, to be able to achieve my individual best, I have decided to move on and part ways with my former team. To be able to play with my new team I’ll move to Germany. I know I’m leaving my family, my loved ones and my fans behind but that’s something I need to do to be able to achieve the individual success I’ve been striving for. I’d like to thank my former teammates who were more than just teammates, but also friends and supporters to me. I’d also like to thank you, my fans and followers for your never-ending support. I want you all to know that I’m still one of you, and I’ll be with you in my streams and on my social media. I want to thank you all once again for your support. – Uzun bir süredir bir Türk takımı olarak uluslararası başarılar sağlayarak veya sağlamaya çalışarak ülkemizi en iyi şekilde temsil etmeye çalışıyoruz. Ancak internet altyapısı gibi bazı teknik sebeplerden dolayı sürekli zorluklarla karşılaştık. Hedeflerimi gerçekleştirebilmek adına bazı zor kararlar almak zorunda kaldım. Bunların başında uzun süredir beraber mücadele ettiğim takım arkadaşlarımı bırakmak geliyor. Hedeflerim doğrultusunda ve gelen teklifler içerisinde en doğru kararın Alman temsilcisi BIG takımı olduğuna karar verdim. Bu doğrultuda Almanya’ya da yerleşmem gerekiyor. Arkamda sevdiklerimi, ailemi ve arkadaşlarımı bırakıyorum ancak hedeflediğim başarılar için fedakarlıklar gerekiyor. Beni bundan sonra BIG çatısı altında mücadele ederken izleyeceksiniz. Öncelikle uzun süredir takım arkadaşlığından çok bana dost ve yoldaş olan takım arkadaşlarıma teşekkür ediyorum. Desteğini hiçbir zaman esirgemeyen ve daima yanımızda olan siz değerli taraftarlarımıza ve takipçilerimize de ayrı teşekkürü borç bilirim. Ancak Almanya’ya yerleşiyor olmam sizden uzaklaştığım anlamına gelmiyor. Yayınlarıma oradan devam ederek sizlerle beraber olmaya devam edeceğim. İyi günler diliyor ve desteğiniz ve ayırdığınız zaman için teşekkür ediyorum.

Please give a warm welcome to XANTARES to the BIG family! #GOBIG