NRG sign iddqd, will compete in Monthly Melee

Ever since NRG announced they were restructuring their team, potentially changing up to three of their players, speculation has been rife over who will fill these spots. NRG began the process of vast and extensive trials to build a new roster that could propel them to the top of the North American and global scene. Many players have been touted as trialists so far, Kruise, harbleu, Grego to name but a few but up until now nothing had been confirmed.

Last night NRG made it official on their site that iddqd was the first new player to be signed during this rebuild.

Very happy to be a part of the @NRGgg family. Looking forward to the future! — André Dahlström (@iddqdOW) February 11, 2017

Since stepping down from active duty on Fnatic back in October last year there has been continuous speculation about where the World Cup Bronze Medallist would end up. Having been removed from the starting lineup of Fnatic for compatibility issues, it left his future unclear and raised concerns about his personality clashing with other teammates. Obviously, much of this was pure speculation at the time and NRG have wisely decided to sidestep the rumour mill altogether. The methodical trial process adopted by NRG that has led to the signing of iddqd should give fans hope that the top tier McCree has found a long term home this time.

From the official statement from NRG, iddqd had this to say about his new team:

”I am very excited to be back on the field playing professionally again, especially representing NRG and its colors. Dummy, numlocked and Seagull all share the same vision, to be the very best. I am dedicated to making that vision a reality.”

Brett Lautenbach, NRG President, also commented on their new acquisition:

”André embodies everything we love about the NRG brand. He’s a top tier competitor and major voice in his community. Most importantly he gels incredibly well with our existing roster and the guys are excited to get to work with him.”

While there is still a lot of work for NRG to do both in filling the final two spots in their roster and re-establishing themselves as a Tier 1 team. Securing the DPS duo of Seagull and iddqd is a great start and has surely made many Reddit users wet dreams come true. As well as giving NRG great visibility in the scene with both players being established Overwatch streamers in their own right.

I caught up with NRG’s main tank numlocked for his views on his new teammate and upcoming goals and event for the team:

Firstly, you've been trialling a lot of people and still are for the final two spots. What made iddqd the right fit for the team and what does he bring to you guys? numlocked: He's another big DPS threat that knows how to abuse any freedom he gets if he isn't focused. He opens a lot of flank plays which makes for more playmaking opportunities. You're now one step closer to completing the roster, can you say anything regarding the final two spots? Any names or timescales when you expect the roster to be complete? n: No names, but we're aiming to compete in the monthly melee at the end of the month, whether that be with a full line-up or some trials still, so you'll see then. Once the line-up is complete are there plans to get you all on the same continent? n: Yeah those plans are already underway, currently working on mine and iddqd's visas. Do you know anything about the team house at the other end? One big house or separate spaces? n: Separate spaces And presumably a shared practice area? n: yeah exactly That's pretty sweet. No top and tailing with dummy then? n: No spooning. Is that in the contracts? n: I mean, we're renegotiating soon... :thinking: Hahaha. Once you have the full team, what are your goals for the rest of the year? n: Work hard, play hard, win stuff. Sounds good. Thanks for your time and good luck with the rest of your trials and the move to NA.

The current starting line-up for NRG is: