The chemistry SK Gaming have forged through their recent performances is unprecedented in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and perhaps even Counter-Strike history – but with the loss of their coach, the Brazilian machine might need re-tuning.
Regardless of which organisational roof under which they hang their hats, SK gaming’s Brazilian god-squad has found themselves atop the podium; once again taking their second successive Major title in Cologne just a few weeks ago. As such, it was relatively surprising to hear that SK coach Wilton “Zews” Prado had been signed as a player by the team’s Brazilian brethren, Immortals.
While there is considerable debate as to the relevance and impact of Zews’ role as the coach of the now legendary roster, this will certainly affect the SK lineup moving forwards.
The Immortals roster have been dominating the competition in the up-and-coming scene in recent months. The dynamic AWPing abilities of young star Henrique “HEN1” Teles, coupled with the outright consistency of the rest of the lineup, has brought them preliminary success. The team has chosen to part ways with Gustavo ‘SHOOWTiME’ Gonçalves in lieu of acquiring Zews from SK. Rumours of this move have been circulating for several days, but its official announcement has both turned heads and drawn scepticism.
Not a fan of Immortals picking up zews. Not that I watched him play, but if he was good enough for them he would have been playing already?
— Petar Milovanovic (@Tgwri1s) July 22, 2016
This move is inherently risky for a team in Immortals’ position. A team that is ranked inside the HLTV top 10 making roster changes is strange enough in itself, but swapping out a player for a coach is a huge risk for the team to take. Zews is known in the community to be able to hold his own when playing for fun and practicing with his former team – but Rank S games will never come close to rivalling the quality of competition that Immortals will face when it counts. This roster move could make or break this entire lineup, a risk that apparently the team and organisation are willing to take.
Let me put it this way – if zews returns successfully (plays well, IMT stay top10), he’ll be the first almost-29-year-old to ever do that
— Petar Milovanovic (@Tgwri1s) July 22, 2016
There are of course potential rewards associated with taking this risk. Immortals may be looking to increase their teams overall experience by providing more concrete in-game leadership. Zews has some big shoes to fill as all eyes will be on him in the coming months to see if his addition pushes Immortals past the plateau they have found themselves sitting on currently – wiping the floor with middle of the pack squads, but falling just short of competing consistently with the cream of the crop. Perhaps at the next Major everyone will share in Sam Marine’s surprise when “A MANAGER!?” makes quick work of even the best CS:GO talents.
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