Arctic Raptors have announced that Mohamad “Ducky” Nourelden has been replaced with dripmen’s Arkadiusz “ifan” Dabkowski. Meanwhile, the search to replace AWPer Slaven “AwaykeN” Lyubenov has ended with the young Bulgarian set to return to the team ahead of the next season.
Ducky’s exit comes due to an “unfortunate circumstance”, and might come as a surprise given the youngster’s form, being part of our “one to watch” series. He was part of the Arctic Raptors team that finished 3rd at EPIC.38, where he led his team in entry attempts and averaged a 1.11 rating. He also had the highest impact on the team during the first half of the ESL Premiership season.* His replacement, ifan, brings experience to the team having competed with CeX, Aura and most recently dripmen. The organisation say ifan’s addition “will bring a fresh perspective and invaluable experience to our Counter-Strike team, as we aim to compete in more European competitions.”
As for AwaykeN, the Bulgarian AWPer initially announced he wanted to return to his home scene following the ESEA Main season, with Arctic Raptors trialling new snipers in his place. However, it seems he has changed his plans and will line up with the UK organisation once again for the new season. “After exploring several options and trialling new players, it became evident that there was a uniquely tailored role that no free agents could fill as adeptly as AwaykeN” said Arctic Raptors in their statement. “We have full confidence that with him back on the team, we will solidify our position in ESEA Advanced and also aim for new milestones never seen before in the history of Arctic Raptors.”
This completes another roster change for Arctic Raptors who now have only in-game leader Rasmus “zodi” Frølich from the team that played EPIC.38 in February. The additions of Reegan “ReegaN” Ward and Marco “MMS” Salomone added two of the UK’s hottest rifling prospects, now backed up by the long-tenured ifan and the retention of ex-OG Academy AWPer AwaykeN alongside their Danish in-game leader.
The last time Arctic Raptors played Advanced they were relegated after just one season; the organisation clearly hope that by putting their faith in fresh talent their reward will be a longer stint in the division plus appearances in international competitions.
Arctic Raptors are now:
Rasmus “zodi” Frølich
Slaven “AwaykeN” Lyubenov
Reegan “ReegaN” Ward
Marco “MMS” Salomone
Arkadiusz “ifan” Dabkowski
Daniel “papp” Hart (Coach)
*EPIC and ESL Premiership stats by Mischief_CSGO
