From VALORANT to CS2: Nitr0's Journey Back to Counter-Strike

Key Takeaways

• Nick “nitr0” Cannella, a seasoned esports professional with accolades in both CS:GOO and VALORANT](/esports/valorant/), is eyeing a return to the Counter-Strike scene with Counter-Strike 2 (CS2).
• Nitr0 has a history of switching between VALORANT and Counter-Strike, marking his potential return to CS2 a notable event in the esports community.
• He has reached out to several professional CS2 teams in the North American region, indicating a serious interest in rejoining the competitive Counter-Strike landscape.

Nick “nitr0” Cannella, a name synonymous with excellence in both VALORANT and Counter-Strike, is reportedly making waves again by expressing his desire to return to the Counter-Strike arena with the newly launched Counter-Strike 2 (CS2). This move could see him adding yet another chapter to his already illustrious career.

The Road Traveled

Nitr0 is not your usual esports athlete. His journey through the competitive landscapes of VALORANT and Counter-Strike is one of both triumph and transition. With a trophy cabinet boasting accolades from IEM Grand Slam season two in CS:GO and the First Strike tournament in VALORANT, nitr0's versatility and skill have never been in question.

According to reports from Dust2.us, nitr0 is currently in talks with a "number of teams" within the North American region, signaling a strong interest in making a comeback to Counter-Strike, this time in its latest iteration, CS2. In his statement to the North American Counter-Strike outlet, nitr0 expressed a sentiment many professionals can relate to, stating, "VALORANT was not what I expected it to be and I didn’t see a future for myself. CS is home and with the lack of IGL’s in [North America], this is where I belong."

A Legacy of Switches

Nitr0's career is unique in its fluidity between two of the most competitive esports titles. After a successful stint with Team Liquid in CS:GO, culminating in nearly six years of dedication and a slew of major trophies, nitr0 made the switch to VALORANT in 2020. Joining 100 Thieves, he quickly made his mark by securing a First Strike trophy, solidifying the team's position as one of North America's top contenders.

However, the call of Counter-Strike was too strong to ignore. Nitr0 made a return to Liquid and CS:GO at the beginning of 2022, although the team struggled to replicate their previous successes. With the advent of CS2 and nitr0's subsequent shift to the bench earlier in the VALORANT scene, the stage seems set for a grand return.

An Opportune Time

The timing of nitr0's planned return could not be more opportune. The Americas RMR spots for the Perfect World Shanghai Major are more abundant than they have been in years, offering a golden opportunity for nitr0 to make an impact in the CS2 scene.

Nitr0's potential move back to Counter-Strike, particularly at a time when the scene is undergoing significant changes with the introduction of CS2, is a testament to his passion and dedication to the game. It also highlights the ongoing evolution of esports, where athletes navigate through different titles, seeking challenges and opportunities to prove their worth.

As nitr0 prepares for what may be another defining moment in his career, the esports community watches with bated breath. Whether this transition will see him rise to new heights or face unexpected challenges is yet to be seen, but one thing is clear: nitr0's journey between VALORANT and Counter-Strike is a narrative worth following.

(First reported by: Dust2.us)