Bravado Gaming, a fan-favorite South African CSGO team, confirms that it will be stepping back from the competitive scene. This news comes after Denial Esports would pick up a majority of their roster, plus their head coach.
We're sad to announce that #projectdestiny has come to an end. Read the full press release here: https://t.co/p3XuQ2lYv7 #bvdgaming pic.twitter.com/5p8QCcFcRT
— Bravado Gaming (@bravadogaming) January 28, 2019
In 2017, Bravado Gaming started up Project Destiny, which was a vision by the organization to send their CSGO team to the United States. It was a huge step for South African esports, as Bravado was the first team to do so from the region. As a result, the roster would move to Phoenix, Arizona to begin their journey. Bravado would compete and win the ESEA Main Division, which would send them up to the ESEA MDL League.
However, their greatest achievement overseas was definitely their performance at DreamHack Open Winter 2018. Many people watched as Bravado Gaming as they took down OpTic Gaming, G2 Esports, and x6tence Galaxy to reach the Grand Finals of the event. Although they lost to ENCE Esports, it was an impressive showing that gave the South African team and scene plenty of exposure and traction.
Bravado’s Funding Problems
Unfortunately, Bravado Gaming also had plenty of money issues while in North America. According to the organization, “due to the lack of additional funding and increased debt to support the players in the USA, we’ve had no choice but to make the call and bring the Bravado Gaming CS:GO squad back to South Africa at the end of January 2019 after the Katowice Minor”. There were even some pro player who gave their support. Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo of MIBR and Dan “apEX” Madesclaire of Team Vitality would stream on Bravado’s behalf. All the donations would be sent to the organization.
To all our Brazilian fans who joined @FalleNCS on his stream for our crowd-funding, each one of you will be reimbursed – we're also releasing a press release for you in Brazilian Portuguese (translator is taking some time but should be ready tomorrow)
Thanks Brazil 🇧🇷<3
— Bravado Gaming (@bravadogaming) January 29, 2019
Bravado will be reimbursing all backers on their Indiegogo page, as well as anyone who helped donate to them along the way. The organization is saddened but still hopeful for the future, stating that “Project Destiny may have come to an end but not Bravado’s endeavors. Bravado plans on continuing its efforts to establish a world-class Counter-Strike team internationally while simultaneously working on a variety of projects impacting the social and competitive gaming scene throughout South Africa and various parts of the world.”
Denial’s Return to CSGO
Now, Denial has acquired four members of the ex-Bravado players, as well as their coach Tiaan “T.C” Coertzen. The only player that they were not able to pick up is Dimitri “Detrony” Hadjipaschali. He was the in-game leader and captain of Bravado through their journey. Detrony tweeted out a statement regarding his decision to stay with Bravado, saying, “I’d like to just emphasize that my family, girlfriend, close friends and Bravado Gaming encouraged me to move on with my teammates and to take the offer, but it was my own decision and only mine not to”.
I'd like to just emphasize that my family, girlfriend, close friends and @bravadogaming encouraged me to move on with my teammates and to take the offer, but it was my own decision and only mine not to.
— Dimitri H (@bvddetrony) January 28, 2019
As for Denial, this marks their return to competitive CSGO after a full year of inactivity. The last time Denial Esports was active, they would run into money problems and legal action taken against their former CEO. However, they are now under new management with a new CEO, Zachary “ZachtehCEO” Smith. ZachtehCEO has begun playing players and people that the organization owes. This was an attempt to restore Denial’s name in the CSGO community. Hopefully, Bravado and Denial have success in their future, wherever that may be.
What are your thoughts on Denial acquiring Bravado Gaming’s roster? Let us know what you think in the comments below! If you want more CSGO coverage, check us out here!
Published: Jan 28, 2019 10:24 pm