As the Budapest Major comes ever closer, the race to grab VRS points is in full swing. Many teams are signing up for the numerous local LAN events that have sprung up, offering them a chance to battle it out for a coveted spot at the next Counter-Strike Major. Even EPIC.LAN is getting international attention!
Team Nemesis have secured a group stage entry to Urban Riga Open #1, slated to be held in Riga, Latvia. With $7,000 on the line and high-seed competition like OG and Passion UA, the teams will also be fighting for crucial VRS points just before rankings are locked in for the Budapest Major in November.
Team Nemesis are still an unfamiliar name in the Counter-Strike scene, having signed their first team at the tail end of July this year. Headlined by the former duo of Thomas “Thomas” Utting and Joey “CRUC1AL” Steusel, the international mix would be looking for a chance to make their mark on the scene and leave the tournament with a good impression and some much-needed VRS points.
They have already made a change to their roster as they swapped out coach Robin “robiin” Sjögren with former 8Sins coach Rupert Hoop.
The offline LAN event will kick off with a total of 12 teams, with four of them – namely OG, Passion UA, BIG, and Alliance – having secured a high seed ticket to the playoffs for themselves. The other eight teams have been divided into two groups, A & B, and will be looking to fight their way out to have a chance at the trophy. The tournament will start on 29th September, with some group stage action followed by the playoffs on 30th September to round out the tournament.
Sitting in Group A, Thomas and co. will be facing a Jesper “JW” Weckell-led Eyeballers for their opening matchup of the tournament.
Team Nemesis are:
Thomas “Thomas” Utting
Joey “CRUC1AL” Steusel
James “bevve” Slinn
Roberts “Frip” Poļakovs
Dawid “tein” Sladkowski
Rupert Hoop (coach)
Here’s a clearer overview of all Urban Riga Open #1 participants!
Who's taking the gold? 👀 pic.twitter.com/D6anymqAxH
— Urban Riga Open #1 (@UrbanContenders) September 2, 2025
