I've been wrong many times in my life... in fact, I've been wrong more times today alone than I can remember. But I don't know if I've ever been more PUBLICLY WRONG than I was about this one particular issue. So I'd like to start this out with a sincere apology, and to a lot of people. If you don't care to read it, the TLDR for this whole post will be at the bottom.

After going through A LOT of demos in the past few weeks while scouting talent for this coming season (including a bunch recently on stream), I realized how wrong I was about the player "Brehze", whom I felt cheated against us in the ECS Qualifiers last season. I made a big deal about it, I argued (though respectfully) with the ECS admins, people on the forums, on my stream, etc. and was told how wrong I was over and over again. I refused to believe it.

Quickly moving on from ECS, people would ask me if I thought Brehze cheated, and I'd answer the same every time; "I don't know, I hope not because if not, he's the type of player NA needs, but I haven't watched their matches this season". Well, after going back and watching the guy play, I can say confidently that he does not cheat. He's actually pretty insane, and I was wrong.

So first and foremost, I'd like to apologize to Brehze himself-- it's not uncommon for players of your level to have to go through the "cheating accusation" phase, and I hope we can put all that behind us.

Secondly, I'd like to issue formal apologies to FACEIT and the ECS staff, namely Roald and his boss Mik. I hope I was respectful while disagreeing with you before, but you guys were right and I'm glad you stuck by your guns, despite my pressuring. Hopefully we do well in the qualifiers this time around, and we get to work with you two throughout the 2nd ECS season.

To everyone who told me I was an idiot and was wrong at the time, I apologize. You guys were right. And last but never least, to all of our fans, I'm sorry for carrying on the way I did after that qualifier. You guys deserved better than that.

Now, on to some more cheerful and exciting news. Today I'm hyped to announce the 5 we will be kicking off this season ESL's Pro League with:

Skyler "Relyks" Weaver

Noah "Nifty" Francis

Mitch "mitch" Semago

Vincent "Brehze" Cayonte

Matthew "no_one" Congdon

I believe this to be the strongest, highest skilled 5 player grouping we've ever fielded in CS:GO, and I can't wait to put in the work and build this team up.

Additionally, we are adding Jacob "Kaboose" Macdonald to the roster as a backup player.

Today we also say goodbye to Michael "Mainline" Jaber, who had been a part of our amazing growth and improvement, season after season. Mainline intends to continue competing, and we have released him from his contract to allow him to do so. Mike, it was a pleasure competing with you, working with you, and laughing with you, and I wish you nothing but the best.

With that, I'd like to say thank you to all of the fans for your continued love and support, and i hope we do you proud this season of Pro League. <3

-Ryu