Extra Salt release MarKE
Extra Salt have announced Edgar "MarKE" Maldonado's departure from the squad, saying that he is free to pursue other opportunities. This brings an end to MarkE's nine month tenure in the squad and makes him the second player to leave after Joshua "oSee" Ohm left the team to join Liquid at the end of December.
This news further adds fuel to the rumoured NA shuffle that would feature a new Extra Salt roster under Damian "daps" Steele, as well as the three remaining active Extra Salt players and coach Tiaan "T.c." Coertzen joining Complexity.
Since joining Extra Salt in March of 2021, MarKE was a key part in taking his team to the next level, as that roster would become arguably the top team playing in the North American region, winning ESEA Premier Season 39, DreamHack Open June North America, DreamHack Open March North America, multiple ESEA Cash Cups, and finishing second at FunSpark ULTI 2020.
Despite the success, there were several notable disappointing results, including failing to qualify to the BLAST Fall Showdown with a 2nd place finish at Fragadelphia Invitational: Fall 2021, and not qualifying for the PGL Stockholm Major.
MarKE is yet to comment on his future following this announcement, but should he decide to continue playing in this upcoming season several teams will be on the lookout for a player of his skill and experience.
As for Extra Salt, the organization mentioned in the same tweet that there would be a roster announcement next week on their end. That team will be expected to compete in ESL Challenger League Season 40, which is set to begin on January 18th.
For now, Extra Salt are:
Johnny "JT" Theodosiou
Justin "FaNg" Coakley
Ricky "floppy" Kemery- Tiaan "T.c." Coertzen (Coach)
- Aran "Sonic" Groesbeek (Inactive)
