Guild Eagles enters Counter-Strike acquiring Bad News Eagles roster

Guild Eagles enters Counter-Strike acquiring Bad News Eagles roster

Andre Guaraldo

14 Oct, 2023, 16:21

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Last updated: 10 Apr, 2025, 22:45

After an exhaustive two-year search, Bad News Eagles has finally found a new home as Guild announces the signing of the ex-Bad News Eagles roster. The team, which will now play under the Guild Eagles name, marks a significant milestone for both the organization and the players involved.

Guild's expansion in Counter-Strike

Guild, a UK-based organization, had previously entered the Counter-Strike scene with the signing of a female team in March. Now, with the acquisition of the ex-Bad News Eagles roster, Guild expands its presence in the Valve shooter by signing its first male roster, just in time for the upcoming PGL Copenhagen Major.

Guild Eagles identified the ex-Bad News Eagles roster as a perfect fit for their current Counter-Strike plans (credits: Guild Eagles Twitter)
Guild Eagles identified the ex-Bad News Eagles roster as a perfect fit for their current Counter-Strike plans (credits: Guild Eagles Twitter)

Benefits of acquiring a complete roster

Building a roster from scratch can be a time-consuming and uncertain process. Acquiring the complete Bad News Eagles roster offers Guild Esports a ready-made team with a proven track record. This not only brings an established synergy among the players but also eliminates the need for a lengthy trial and error phase. The roster's past success as underdogs adds a compelling narrative to Guild's entry into CS2, generating immediate fan interest and showcasing the advantages of signing a cohesive and experienced unit over piecing together individual talents.

The celebrated underdog story of the Bad News Eagles roster

The newly acquired roster, consisting of Flatron "⁠juanflatroo⁠" Halimi, Rigon "⁠rigoN⁠" Gashi, Genc "⁠gxx-⁠" Kolgeci, Sener "⁠SENER1⁠" Mahmuti, and Dionis "⁠sinnopsyy⁠" Budeci, has been without organizational support for almost two years. Despite this, they attended three Majors and consistently reached the Legends stage, becoming a much-celebrated underdog story in the Counter-Strike community.

The orgless sensation Bad News Eagles made multiple highlights after going far in a variety of tier 1 events (credits: PGL)
The 'orgless sensation' Bad News Eagles made multiple highlights after going far in a variety of tier 1 events (credits: PGL)

Coaching staff transition and Guild's vision

The coaching staff, consisting of Jonatan "⁠Devilwalk⁠" Lundberg and Kevin "⁠kRYSTAL⁠" Amend, has also transitioned to Guild. Lundberg praised Guild's vision, mentioning that despite receiving offers from multiple organizations during their time as an unsigned team, Guild was the most closely aligned with their goals in CS2. He expressed confidence in Guild's facilities and staff, affirming that it is the place where they belong to reach the next level.

Future plans and debut with Guild Eagles

The Guild Eagles roster, along with their coaching staff, is set to make their debut under the new organization in the CCT 2023 Online Finals 4. Their first challenge will be against Preasy in the upper-bracket quarter-final, providing an early glimpse of their potential with Guild. The roster, now officially representing Guild Eagles, consists of players from Kosovo and Switzerland, highlighting the diverse international composition of the team.

Valve Revamps Major Seeding Process and Stage Names - Strafe Esports
Guild Eagles will have plenty of time to prepare and qualify for their first big event in the new organization: the PGL Copenhagen CS2 Major (credits: PGL)

Guild's perspective on the acquisition

Jasmine Skee, CEO of Guild Esports, expressed excitement about the acquisition, stating that the trajectory of the Bad News Eagles roster has been inspirational and embodies the attitude valued at Guild Esports. She emphasized the organization's commitment to supporting the team on their journey in CS2, especially with the release of CS2 providing an opportune time to increase Guild's presence in Counter-Strike.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Guild Esports' strategic move to acquire the Bad News Eagles roster marks an important moment in their Counter-Strike journey. With a celebrated underdog story, a visionary coaching staff, and an imminent debut in the CCT 2023 Online Finals, Guild is poised to make a significant impact.

The decision to integrate an established roster not only reflects Guild's commitment to success but also underscores the benefits of embracing a complete unit rather than assembling one from scratch. As the team takes flight, the Counter-Strike community eagerly awaits the unfolding chapters of this partnership, anticipating a harmonious blend of talent, experience, and the potential for further underdog triumphs in the competitive scene.

Feature image credits: Guild Eagles Twitter

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