David’s Cup raises more than $10,000 in memory of Cynic
Last weekend, Nouns Esports and the Counter-Strike 2 community organized the David’s Cup event in commemoration of the late David “cynic” Polster. While NRG emerged as champions, it is easy to say that everyone who participated won. The event raised more than $10,000, exceeding Nouns’ initial goal of $5,000.
A community united for a cause
The gaming community supported David’s Cup, donating a total of $12,640 to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). This huge sum was made possible via the collaborative work of production teams, skilled individuals, and generous benefactors. In a tweet on May 12, Nouns Esports thanked everyone who helped make the event a success and honored David and his life.
Exceeding expectations
David’s Cup exceeded its initial objective on its first day. On May 11, alone, donations exceeded $8,700. Fans from around the world banded together to support this wonderful cause. Several North American CS2 companies competed in the event, with NRG winning the final match against Take Flyte 2-0. Following their victory, NRG’s Jadan “HexT” Postma thanked everyone who donated and emphasized the significance of raising awareness about mental health concerns.
The David’s Cup event was founded in memory of Cynic, a talented CS2 player who died suddenly in January at the age of 24. Apeks player STYKO has vowed to donate a portion of his proceeds from the PGL Copenhagen Major to the cynic’s family and the Twisten Foundation, founded after the late VALORANT professional Karel “Twisten” Ašenbrener, who died in 2023.
The cash raised through Nouns’ David’s Cup tournament will benefit NAMI. Established in 1979, NAMI is a community-based organization that tirelessly strives to educate, support, and increase awareness of mental health issues through its 600+ local affiliates. Along with direct donations, many teams and players were kind enough to offer signed jerseys and other items as incentives to get people to give money.
Donations for cynic, the David’s Cup tournament, and NAMI are still open and can be made here.