NRG
NRG
North America
Rank #4
s0m
Sam Oh
brawk
Brock Somerhalder
mada
Adam Pampuch
skuba
Logan Jenkins
Ethan
Ethan Arnold
has announced the departure of Head Coach Michael "Mikes"
Hockom following a disappointing top eight finish at the Stage 1 Americas playoffs. Part of NRG for less than three months, Mikes cited “differences in opinion” as the reason behind his exit from the team.
A veteran name within the scene with roots dating back to 2021
ENVY
ENVY
North America
Rank #3
canezerra
Alex Banyasz
Eggsterr
Inspire
Hunter Schline
P0PPIN
Matteo Weber
ion2x
Ayan Rastogi
, Mikes experienced his fair share of events with top-tier teams, including a grand finals appearance at Masters Berlin with the same core that would go on to win 2022's Masters Reykjavik.
Following his stint with Envy, Mikes found a new home at
100 Thieves
100 Thieves
North America
Rank #5
zander
Alexander Dituri
Cryocells
Matthew Panganiban
eeiu
Daniel Vucenovic
Boostio
Kelden Pupello
Asuna
Peter Mazuryk
, where he began as an Assistant Coach, was promoted to Head Coach for the 2023 season, and then shifted back to his former role at his last year with the organization in 2024. His tenure with the Thieves saw him make appearances at Champions 2022, LOCK//IN 2023, and Masters Shanghai 2024 before signing with NRG in February.
Mikes leading 100 Thieves at São Paulo's LOCK//IN. (Photo: Lance Skundrich/Riot Games)
NRG have seemingly struggled all throughout their 2025 season. Despite entering the year off the back of two event wins at SEN City Classic and the SOOP Valorant League, the roster helmed by Pujan "FiNESSE" Mehta has only managed to break into the top eight of both Americas Kickoff and Stage 1, missing out on both Masters Bangkok and just recently Masters Toronto.
Now out of competition until Stage 2, the organization has opted to make changes within the team, starting with the release of Mikes. A replacement has not yet been named, but NRG have plenty of time to find a new pickup ahead of their most important stage of the year.
Mikes has stated that he is currently LFT and open to offers from teams interested in bolstering their coaching staff for the rest of the season, implying his intent to stay towards the top of Tier 1. However, he has also announced that this may be his final major esports opportunity, with a potential retirement on the horizon.
NRG
NRG
North America
Rank #4
s0m
Sam Oh
brawk
Brock Somerhalder
mada
Adam Pampuch
skuba
Logan Jenkins
Ethan
Ethan Arnold
is now:
Discord