NRG confirm signing of CS:GO Major Champion Tarik

The California-based esports org NRG bolstered their CS:GO squad on February 28 with the signing of Tarik ‘tarik’ Celik.

Rumors surrounding his addition to the squad were circulating for a few weeks, but NRG laid them all to rest when they confirmed that the previous Major Champ would be a part of the team.

In the org’s video announcement, NRG investor and MLB World Champion Alex Rodriguez welcomed Tarik to the new squad, and even relished in some similarities the two shared.

“Hey [Tarik], what’s going on,” Rodriguez said. “From one World Champion to another, welcoming Brooklyn boy Tarik to the NRG family. Let’s bring home some trophies baby.”

• Read more: DeKay CS:GO Major Mailbag: Part 2: Karrigan, Mertz and playoff predictions

Tarik was previously a part of the Cloud9 squad that brought North America its first Major title in CS:GO. Soon after he joined MiBR, where the all-star squad had trouble putting together quality results.

This led Tarik to a stint in free agency where he was delighted to land on an up-and-coming NRG side.

• Read more: How to watch the IEM Katowice 2019 CS:GO Major – Stream, schedule, results and more

During the 2019 IEM Katowice, NRG stunned everyone when they got out of the Challengers Stage with a quick 3-0. However, they soon fell 0-3 in the Legends Stage but with only an 11 Round Differential across their matches.

This is an optimistic signing as NRG will hope the 23-year-old will provide the explosiveness and experience he’s shown throughout his career.

Tarik will round out a young NRG core along with Vincent ‘Brehze’ Cayonte, Cvetelin ‘CeRq’ Dimitrov, Ethan ‘Ethan’ Arnold, and Damian ‘daps’ Steele.