Latvian becomes latest collegiate CS import
As first reported by Latvian website 1188.lv, a local talent from their region has become the latest EU player to take advantage of continued investment into collegiate esports in North America. 22-year-old Dans "danss" Sils is set to attend Lindenwood University, a private college in Missouri, as a player for their Counter-Strike team on a full-ride scholarship.
danss has enjoyed a unique career among his countrymen, starting his semi-professional journeymen in the domestic Latvian scene before being called up in quite a strange way. danss alongside Roberts "Frip" Poļakovs were signed by Mongolian organization D13 in July 2022. Despite only spending two months out in Asia, according to danss' friend Sandis "ayriks" Rainskis in a statement to 1188.lv it was a key factor in Lindenwood offering him a scholarship.
In this way, danss follows in the footsteps of his Estonian contemporary, Denis "swicher" Baranov, who famously played for Davenport University on their road to be the first collegiate team to win Advanced and qualify for ECL Challenger League.
Lindenwood Unviersty's lineup is currently:
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"CdK"
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Parker "deast" Waters
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"ciandor"
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Dans "danss" Sils
Lindenwood University recently competed in the Ace North American Masters open qualifier, where they were eliminated in the first round following 16-8 loss to SkriptovieV25.