NRG has made an announcement that has shaken the esports world after publicizing the release of North American superstar Max “Demon1” Mazanov. Demon1 has now become a free agent, a position and situation he might not have envisaged when he joined NRG in 2023.
Demon1 shone after breaking through the Evil Geniuses lineup and became a world champion with the underdogs in 2023. He moved to NRG for better opportunities, but the year has not turned out well, as he’s now moved from a VALORANT world champion and MVP to a free agent.
Since arriving NRG, the team failed to reach Americas playoffs in the first VCT split, and Demon1 was benched in between splits. Despite doing that in a bid to better their fortunes, NRG failed to qualify for Americas playoffs, nor qualify for any international LANs on the year.
“He’s too good to keep on the bench, so we’re giving him the chance to shine elsewhere. Thank you for everything, Demon1.” NRG’s post on X/Twitter.
Despite the poor performances from both NRG and Demon1 are well documented and the latter couldn’t even shine half as brightly as he was with Evil Geniuses in 2023, the decision to let him go by NRG is still shocking.
Acquiring him, and his former EG teammate Ethan was financially heavy on NRG up to the extent that the former coach Chet revealed spending some of his own personal money on their buyouts. Ethan, FNS, and W streamer s0m are the ones left signed to NRG’s VALORANT team.
Fortunately for Demon1, he will have suitors interested in him from Americas and outside especially with his experience in the VCT world. Offers could also come in from the EMEA although it may have to be a big one for him to consider it or from the Pacific region.
