Two-time UKIC Division 1 finalists find a home, as Synical enter UK CS ahead of EPIC.LAN 45.
Previously representing Belfast Storm, the core of Connor “Finui” Finucane, Joe “dexie” Demmon, and Luke “Nem” Mear qualified for the finals of UKIC Season 4 Division 1 at the end of last year. 2025 proved to be a bit rockier for the squad as they headed into Season 6 of UKIC Division 1, with the roster capitulating after only 17 days together due to internal issues.
This meant they parted ways with the Northern Irish organisation and brought Nem back on the roster after his short-lived retirement, alongside veteran Harry “Nukeddog” Jenkins.
Expectations were very low for the squad now called 28AvgAge – a self-explanatory homage to their advanced years – as they were planning to play as a mix.
In what can only be described as a miracle, 28AvgAge would not only make the playoffs, but beat Owen “smooya” Butterfield’s team and subsequently make the UKIC Season 6 Division 1 Final.
28AvgAge would fall short in the finals, losing to NXT, who held onto their crown as they collected their fourth UKIC trophy in a row.
After their grand final run, 28AvgAge have been picked up by Synical to represent the organisation at EPIC.LAN 45 and all future events.
Synical was established in early 2021, starting in Call of Duty. The organisation has since branched into Halo and has been competing to a fairly high degree, and now moves on to its third esports. UKCSGO reached out to the owner ThirtyNine, about entering UK CS:
Synical expanded into Counter-Strike aiming to grow its global presence and rise through the ranks of one of the most iconic esports scenes in the world.
Finui and co have struggled at previous EPIC.LANs, as in the last three events they have placed 7th-8th, 9th-12th and 5th-6th. Unfortunately, EPIC.LAN 45 is set to be one of the most competitive LANs in recent history, not because of UK competition, but international teams.
As of now, FUT, Preasy, WildLotus, Alliance, and Glitchtech have signed up with international teams, alongside UK titans NXT and 8Sins, who will also be in attendance.
Synical will be sure to bring their usual escapades to EPIC.LAN 45
The Valve Ranking system includes an extra modifier increasing the relative power of LAN results over online results. Therefore, for these European teams seeking to rise up the ranks, EPIC.LAN is a great opportunity for them to get LAN wins.
So far, under Synical, the UKIC Season 6 Division 1 finalists will be retaining their UKIC spot as they qualify in the fourth and final qualifier to UKIC Season 7 Masters.
Heading into Season 7, UKIC conducted a major overhaul to seek VRS eligibility for their top division. This meant UKIC had to change the league format to match the “Tournament Operation Requirements” that Valve set for all tournament operators that run VRS events.
Therefore, for Season 7, all Masters spots were filled via Open Qualifiers, which would subsequently qualify the league as a VRS-ranked event. It took Synical four attempts, but they eventually got it over the line.
Synical will be competing at EPIC.LAN 45 and in UKIC Season 7 Masters as:
Connor “Finui” Finucane
Joe “dexie” Demmon
Luke “Nem” Mear
Seth “Xetherato” Jackson
Harry “Nukeddog” Jenkins
🎴Welcoming our first ever Counter Strike roster!
• Synical CS
👤 @Finuii
👤 @NemCSGO
👤 @dexieCS
👤 @Nukeddog
👤 @the_XethThe guys will be representing the Synical for all future online events/leagues & most importantly the @EPICLAN 🫡#syNSeason #SYNARMY pic.twitter.com/Uk3Ux94Rvo
— Synical (@ESSynical) July 7, 2025
