TL;DR
- NRG confirms daps and ImAPet reuniting for Valorant roster after year-long separation
- ImAPet’s cryptic management comments suggest dissatisfaction with previous organizations
- Valorant attracting CS:GO talent despite lower Twitch viewership numbers
- Riot’s ongoing game improvements strengthening competitive foundation
- CS:GO cheating scandals creating opportunities for Valorant esports growth
NRG Esports has officially secured the services of former Gen.G in-game leader Damien “daps” Steele alongside 100 Thieves head coach Chet “ImAPet” Singh, confirming weeks of industry speculation about their Valorant ambitions.
The organization revealed its initial Valorant competitive lineup through an official Twitter communication, validating earlier reports about targeting experienced CS:GO professionals. Additional rumors connected Gen.G’s emerging talent Sam “s0m” Oh to NRG’s strategic planning, though neither party has confirmed the potential acquisition of this promising player.
Once
#NRGfam
always
#NRGfam…Welcome home
@daps
and
@chetsingh
Let’s get this Valorant team started.
pic.twitter.com/6Es9SSGUK5— NRG (@NRGgg)
October 5, 2020
Strategic Reunion: daps and ImAPet Return to NRG
This signing marks the professional reunion of daps and ImAPet under the NRG organization banner following their separation spanning over twelve months.
Both professionals previously collaborated within NRG’s Counter-Strike: Global Offensive division during 2019 before the organization transferred daps to Cloud9 in July. ImAPet maintained his position, guiding the NRG competitive squad to an impressive fourth-place achievement at the StarLadder Berlin Major tournament by overcoming Natus Vincere during the playoff rounds, ultimately falling to championship winners Astralis in the semifinal matches. NRG capitalized on the team’s competitive success through a strategic agreement that relocated ImAPet and the complete NRG roster to Evil Geniuses.
ImAPet departed from Evil Geniuses on April 4 this year to assume the head coaching position at 100 Thieves. A social media post accompanying his NRG return hinted that his experiences with both prior employers might have encountered difficulties. ImAPet specifically referenced “management” concerns in his communication, though he refrained from identifying which specific organization he intended.
Joined
@NRGgg
for Valorant. Excited to begin with a management I can believe in again and coaching for
@daps
once more— Chet Singh (@chetsingh)
October 5, 2020
Regarding his own position, daps has maintained public silence concerning his contractual agreement. Unlike regional esports competitor Cloud9, NRG has chosen not to disclose specific terms for the duo’s professional contracts, though Astralis competitor Lucas “Bubzkji” Andersen theorized that NRG likely presented both daps and ImAPet with more financially attractive offers than their previous teams could reasonably match.
im pretty sure 100T and EG paid better for cheT, than what he will get as a start salary in VALO, same with s0m.
— Bubzkji (@Bubzkji)
September 30, 2020
Valorant’s Competitive Ascent: Beyond Twitch Metrics
Riot’s tactical shooter continues its deliberate infiltration into CS:GO’s elite talent pool following the extensive redistribution of secondary-tier professionals from Valve’s established title during the summer launch period. While the game’s overall Twitch viewership metrics show decline, competitive organizations have initiated development of capable rosters utilizing CS:GO’s premium competitive talent.
100 Thieves recently unveiled its complete Valorant competitive lineup consisting of three highly experienced CS:GO veterans after announcing its inaugural signing during July. With leading esports organizations cautiously entering the Valorant competitive space, the responsibility now shifts to Riot Games to guarantee the title’s success as a sustainable esport.
A refinement to Valorant’s competitive ranking framework was revealed on October 5 and should progressively enhance the game’s fundamental competitive systems. Riot additionally maintains vigilant oversight of competitive equilibrium through Patch 1.09’s critically necessary operator adjustments. Moreover, organizations might achieve superior financial returns with Riot’s ecosystem even while CS:GO maintains viewership superiority on Twitch platforms. CS:GO professionals conventionally receive complete tournament prize distributions, and uncertainty remains regarding whether Valorant’s prize pool allocations follow similar distribution models or flow directly to victorious organizations.
Valorant methodically advances against Counter-Strike’s dominance, particularly following the Esports Integrity Commission’s introduction of compelling evidence demonstrating extensive competitive integrity violations within CS:GO’s professional scene. Currently, Valorant primarily needs to maintain its current developmental trajectory while the unquestioned leader of shooter esports addresses its competitive shortcomings.
Action Checklist
- Analyze current talent migration patterns between established and emerging esports titles
- Evaluate contract structures and compensation models across different esports ecosystems
- Monitor Riot’s ongoing game development and competitive balance adjustments
- Assess organizational communication strategies for roster announcements and management
- Track competitive integrity developments and their impact on talent acquisition decisions
No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » NRG signs ImAPet and daps, s0m signing uncertain NRG reunites CS:GO veterans daps and ImAPet for Valorant roster amid esports industry shifts