Oceanic Counter-Strike has been hit with a big setback just two weeks into 2024 after it was revealed that Vertex parted ways with its roster just before the start of the Copenhagen Major RMR qualifiers.
Last week, rumours were made about the possibility of the shocking move happening after the invites for the Oceanic RMR closed qualifier were made public but without the inclusion of Vertex.
In the place of Vertex, a virtually unknown team named “Bad News Kangaroo” was announced. This singular move raised the suspicion of something happening in the background, and this has been confirmed. Jordan “pz” White, Toby “BRACE” Barnes, Christian “ADDICT” Pendleton, Jared “HaZR” O’Bree, and Matthew “Valiance” Hartrick will all compete under the BNK moniker for now.
However, the director of Vertex, Jamie “JDU” Uncles, has given a clue that this separation from its roster doesn’t signify the end of the road in CS2 for the Wolfpack.
Vertex are releasing the CS team after their departure from the LCO after just two splits but Vertex will still be active in Oceania according to JDU.
“2023 was very successful, but it burnt me mentally. Fast forward to March [2023], we played nine officials in four months. The game was basically dying, and ultimately, the decision was down to me. Although the year was a huge success, and I’m extremely proud of the boys, it just burns you when you don’t know what’s coming up, and everything changes so quickly.” JDU said.
It’s the end of one of the region’s most competitive squads since its formation in 2020. The Wolfpack was consistent in battling for the top spot in Oceania, and they appeared at ESL Challenger Melbourne, IEM Sydney, and the CCT Online Finals in Europe.
Bad News: Kangaroos will begin its run for Oceania’s sole spot at the APAC RMR with the Oceanic closed qualifier, which will be starting on Jan. 19.
Daniel Ademiju Idowu
