Sam “DaZeD” Marine Returns to Competitive Play, Reviving North American CS:GO
Sam “DaZeD” Marine, known for his strategic prowess in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, was recently unbanned by ESL on July 24. This marks his return to competitive play, which could potentially revitalize the North American CS:GO scene.
The Reality of North American Counter-Strike
North American Counter-Strike has often been compared to an overhyped movie that fails to live up to expectations. While there are talented players, the lack of discipline and adherence to fundamentals has held the region back. This is commonly referred to as the “NA CS” meme.
Unfortunately, in North America, players’ playstyle in pick-up games carries over into professional competitions. This casual approach, known as the PUG playstyle, includes unconventional tactics, misuse of utility, and inconsistent map control. A quick search on YouTube for “NA CS in a nutshell” will reveal countless clips of players pulling off absurd plays in absurd ways.
As a result, North American teams struggle to assert their dominance internationally. Teams like OpTic Gaming, Team Liquid, and Cloud9 have been unable to consistently perform at a high level. The last time a North American team won a major tournament was OpTic Gaming at ELEAGUE Season 2 in December 2016.
The Hopes for Change
The lifting of the ban on former iBuyPower players by ESL on Aug. 1 sparked excitement among professional players and fans. Many believed that if ESL overturned the bans, other tournament organizers would follow suit, except for Valve. However, this assumption has yet to be proven.
DaZeD has confirmed his plans to team up with Braxton “swag” Pierce and Keven “azk” Lariviere, both also banned for match-fixing in 2015. DaZeD, even during his ban, continued to showcase his tactical prowess by casting and analyzing various CS:GO events. He stayed optimistic and focused on keeping his skills intact.
The Impact of DaZeD’s Return
The return of DaZeD and his teammates has the potential to shake up the North American CS:GO scene significantly. Roster changes are likely to occur as in-game leaders seek to either team up with him or match his level of intensity to prove themselves. DaZeD’s presence as a revered competitor can inspire regional teams to improve and strive for international success.
DaZeD’s arrival could also bring innovation to a region that has been stagnant for too long, potentially dispelling the notorious “NA CS” meme. However, if their initial endeavors are unsuccessful, the competitive landscape could see significant changes as players aim to outperform each other and secure their positions.
DaZeD’s presence as the “new kid on the block” may also impact long-standing in-game leaders like Peter “stanislaw” Jarguz and Pujan “FNS” Mehta. Established leaders will strive to maintain their reputation, while newer leaders like Jake “Stewie2k” Yip and Tarik Celik may face the challenge of former pick-up game teammates turning against them in offline events.
This new dynamic of competition for the top in-game leader spot in North America has injected ambition into both experienced and young players. If they can match the talent and ambition that has been dormant for two years, North America has a chance to contend with the world’s best.
Sam Marine, DaZeD, Counter-Strike, Global Offensive, esports, North American CS:GO