In the event that s0m retires (which seems likely), who do you guys think will replace him? My best guesses are (in no order):
-crashies
It seems like crashies will be coming back to the US (according to FNS stream and his twitter/insta posts). I think he replaces s0m in terms of personality (helping to mid round and constantly hyping up the team) and in terms of role considering he played Viper in 2024 NRG and Killjoy in 2023 NRG (allowing him to fill skuba's role and skuba to go to smokes like he played on OXG). Lastly, I think Ethan has a decent friendship with crashies and would benefit from having a mid rounder on the team (considering that neither of them retire).
-neT
I think neT's contract with C9 is ending, and I think that he would be a good fit in NRG's system. I think he fits similarly to s0m's personality (especially bringing a hunger to win after NRG just won). I think he is good at being the vibes person and I think he puts a very good energy into the games he is in. In terms of role, he would do exactly what I mentioned crashies would do, although it seems like he has more experience on the senti/viper role considering he played it for C9.
-Marved
I'm not sure of Marved's friendship with Ethan after the 2024 stint, but basically he would be added into a winning culture while replacing s0m's role basically 1:1. He had some experience with IGLing so i'm sure he has some ability to mid round. As long as he is grinding (which it seems that Bonkar encourages), I think he would fit well, excluding the personality that s0m has.
-v1c
I believe that C9 is moving forward with v1c, but in the event that they don't I think he would be a great replacement for s0m. He replaces s0m's role at a 1:1 (smokes) and he brings a lot of those clutch plays that s0m did. I think he has some personality, but not to the degree s0m had. Lastly, v1c has an established chemistry with Mada and Brawk considering they all played for MxS.
-bang
I don't know what SEN is doing with their roster, but if bang leaves I think it will be similar to him replacing TenZ. While he replaces s0m's role 1:1, he is missing the personality that s0m had by quite a bit (considering he is usually on the quieter side). Ethan and bang played together on 100T for a little bit, but I am not sure of their friendship together.
-valyn
Probably the least likely one here, if valyn leaves his core to join this one I would be suprised to say the least. However, I think valyn would fit very well being an IGL (helping Ethan) and replacing s0m's role 1:1. He is always up there hyping the team up and making sure he is bringing the energy in order to stay in the match no matter what, similar to s0m.
There are probably more but I can't think of any right now. I know we aren't even a week into the off season but if s0m retires, who would you like to see join in his place?
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