Report: ATK set to sign new lineup headlined by Fadey; TenZ to stand-in
After Cloud9 acquired their original roster at the start of January, Dust2.us has been able to confirm that ATK are set to re-enter CS:GO with a new roster headlined by Rhys "Fadey" Armstrong.
Additionally, former Cloud9 player Tyson "TenZ" Ngo is set to play with the team as a stand-in for the upcoming ESL One Rio 2020 Middle East Open Qualifier. For the moment Dust2.us has been able to confirm TenZ remains under contract with Cloud9, however ATK is looking to acquire the player on a permanent basis.
The move was hinted at earlier today by ATK CEO Warren "Flea" Barkhuizen, and the lineup are currently signed up as ATK on ESEA for the ESL One Rio 2020 Middle East Open Qualifier.
Outside of Fadey and TenZ, the roster also features a trio of lesser known South African players who currently play for Sinister5 and Energy. Among them are Gareth "MisteM" Ries and Josh "bLaze" Saunders who attended the StarLadder Berlin Major Asia Minor back in July 2019 with Energy.
Dust2.us knows from sources from within the team that they are set to fly out to Dubai in the coming days to prepare for the Middle East open qualifier as they look to claim a spot in the Asia Minor. Unfortunately, they are unable to be joined by their coach Daniel "sprayxd" Kogan due to the United Arab Emirates banning Israeli nationals from the country.
Following the conclusion of the Major qualification circuit, the team will return to South Africa for a few months, with the plan being to move to North America afterwards.
As such ATK's new team will likely consist of:
Rhys "Fadey" Armstrong- Rieghardt "flexeeee" Romatzki
- Gareth "MisteM" Ries
- Josh "bLaze" Saunders
Tyson "TenZ" Ngo (Stand-in)
Daniel "sprayxd" Kogan (Coach)
With TenZ seemingly set to play with ATK for the time being, Asuna’s Anime Aimers will likely be on the lookout for a new fifth ahead of the start of ESEA MDL Season 33. The team recently used Paytyn "Junior" Johnson as a stand-in in the first open qualifier for ESL One Rio 2020 North America Closed Qualifier however it is currently unknown if they will be using him on a permanent basis.
