One of the best players from Turkey, İsmailcan “XANTARES” Dörtkardeş will be joining an International CS: GO, team. This is a big step forward for the player, who has been exceptionally strong and skilled in the past years. The player has always been a surprise for their opponents, despite Space Soldiers on and off performance. İsmailcan “XANTARES” Dörtkardeş is one of the most skilled individuals from the region and it is not actually a huge surprise to see him move to the International stage.
Xantares joining BIG Gaming provides BIG with enough firepower, something that was holding them back from consistency. They were showing glimpses of brilliance but were unable to make a huge impact on the game.
— İsmailcan Dörtkardeş (@XANTAREScsgo) October 13, 2018
BIG Gaming: Renewed efforts in 2019
BIG always comes out stronger during the Majors and in LAN events. Their performance last year made them a household name despite not winning many tournaments. There have been rumours of the organisation looking to make changes, however, this change is out of necessity than choice. With Nex undergoing a medical issue, Xantares can find some time on the team. Meanwhile, Nex will have adequate time to recuperate and possibly make a comeback on the roster.
After a very turbulent and successful year 2018, we want to aim even higher in the upcoming periods. For months, Johannes “nex” Maget has been suffering from wrist pain, which affected his performance. After the ESL Pro League Finals in Odense, we mutually decided that he will now go for professional treatment in Berlin. Everybody in BIG wishes him a speedy recovery, and we will provide him with every support needed until he is ready to play again. With İsmailcan “XANTARES” Dörtkardeş we have signed one of the world’s best players with outstanding talent, who will be a permanent addition to the team.
Daniel Finkler, CEO
Xantares Statement
As you know, I and my team have been working hard to win tournaments and represent our country as best as we can. However, we have been struggling with a multitude of issues for a while and internet infrastructure was only one of these. Therefore, to be able to achieve my individual best, I have decided to move on and part ways with my former team.
To be able to play with my new team I’ll move to Germany. I know I’m leaving my family, my loved ones and my fans behind but that’s something I need to do to be able to achieve the individual success I’ve been striving for.
I’d like to thank my former teammates who were more than just teammates, but also friends and supporters to me. I’d also like to thank you, my fans and followers for your never-ending support. I want you all to know that I’m still one of you, and I’ll be with you in my streams and on my social media.
I want to thank you all once again for your support.
Future of BIG Gaming
Potentially a 6 man roster and swap for tournaments to be more creative and not readable. Maybe cs will be a 6-7 player game. At some point we will have the opportunity to change lineups during a game( different players for ct and t)
— tabseN (@tabseNcs) December 23, 2018
With Nex not actually out of the team, it leaves an important question for the organisation. How would they handle the influx of another member to their roster? Tabsen has already answered the question. He mentions that BIG Gaming might make a move to maintain a six-man roster. This would mean that they will move players in and out of the team. While it seems great on paper, we don’t know how exactly it will unfold. This is a question for another time and for now BIG Gaming have their eyes set on the IEM Katowice 2019 Major.
