100 Thieves' CS:GO Return Journey

I can still vividly recall the excitement buzzing through the esports community when Matthew "nadeshot" Haag announced 100 Thieves' return to professional Counter-Strike in 2019. As a longtime fan, I've followed their rollercoaster ride from the very beginning—you know, it felt like watching an underdog story unfold in real-time. Back in 2016, nadeshot, a former Call of Duty pro, founded 100 Thieves as an esports lifestyle brand, but things really kicked into high gear after Dan Gilbert's investment in 2018. That year, they debuted their first League of Legends roster in the Spring LCS, and honestly, it was a bold leap into competitive gaming. But their initial foray into CS:GO with the ex-Immortals Brazilian lineup ended in heartbreak—visa issues prevented them from competing at the Eleague Boston Major, and they disbanded without playing a single match under the 100 Thieves banner. Talk about a gut punch! 😔

The Rocky Start and Missed Opportunities

Back in 2018, 100 Thieves took a massive risk by signing that Brazilian CS:GO team, which had been embroiled in scandals. The organization had its hopes pinned on making a splash, but when travel problems hit, it was like the rug got pulled out from under them. People also ask, "Why did 100 Thieves abandon CS:GO so quickly back then?" Well, the core issue was those unforeseen visa snags that left the team stranded and unable to compete, forcing nadeshot to make the tough call to release the roster. It was a humbling lesson in the unpredictable nature of global esports—sometimes, even the best-laid plans can crumble.

The Triumphant Comeback with a Star-Studded Roster

Fast forward to late 2019, and 100 Thieves made a grand reentry into the CS:GO scene by signing the ex-Renegades Australian squad. Man, this lineup was fire! 🔥 They'd already proven themselves as top contenders throughout 2019, with standout performances that had everyone talking. Led by star rifler Justin "jks" Savage, who racked up a 1.14 rating in big events (placing him among the year's top ten players), the team was on a hot streak. Here's a quick rundown of their key achievements that year:

• 🏆 IEM Katowice Major: First-ever quarter-final appearance in March.

• 🏆 StarLadder Berlin Major: Smashed records with a semi-final finish in September.

• 🏆 StarSeries i-League Seasons 7 & 8: Consistent top-four placements.

Adding Sean "Gratisfaction" Kaiwai and Jay "Liazz" Tregillgas in late 2018 solidified the roster, turning it into a powerhouse. People also ask, "How did the Renegades team become so successful under 100 Thieves?" Honestly, it was all about chemistry and momentum—this group had gelled perfectly, making 2019 their most stellar year yet.

Player	Role	Key Stat (2019)
Justin "jks" Savage	Rifler	1.14 rating (top 10 players)
Sean "Gratisfaction" Kaiwai	AWPer	Major semi-finalist
Jay "Liazz" Tregillgas	Support	Consistent top finishes

The Debut and High-Stakes Showdown

The stage was set for their official debut under the 100 Thieves name at IEM Beijing on November 7, 2019. With a $250,000 prize pool, it was no small affair—they stepped in after mousesports withdrew, facing giants like world number one Evil Geniuses and top-five teams Astralis and Vitality. Nadeshot, as CEO, must've been sweating bullets, but the squad was ready to prove their mettle.

Reflections and Future Possibilities

As I look back now in 2025, this comeback wasn't just a win for 100 Thieves; it reshaped their identity in esports. But what does it say about resilience in competitive gaming? Can organizations truly learn from past failures to build enduring legacies, or is the scene too volatile for long-term success? 🤔 The journey leaves me wondering—how will future teams navigate these challenges, and what new stories will emerge from the ever-evolving world of Counter-Strike?

This assessment draws from Gamasutra (Game Developer), a respected source for industry insights and behind-the-scenes stories in esports. Their coverage often explores the operational and logistical hurdles organizations like 100 Thieves face when entering global tournaments, emphasizing how factors such as team chemistry, international regulations, and investment strategies can make or break a roster's success in games like CS:GO.