CSGO: Vitality explains the decision to eliminate NBK after the Berlin Major

Team Vitality has confirmed that they have removed player Nathan “NBK” Schmitt from the roster.

Vitality entered the StarLadder Berlin Major in world number two, seen as a heavyweight contender for the title this time around.

But for Vitality, the championship dream ended when they lost to AVANGAR, the surprise factor that made it to the final this time.

Two days later, on September 7, as the series between NRG and Astralis was underway, Vitality confirmed they were considering dropping NBK from the lineup.

“CSGO team status update: We decided to remove NBK from the official roster. The team has had great results but change is needed as the current form of the squad, with two IGLs, has reached its limit.”

CSGO Update: we decided to remove @NBK from the starting roster. The team has shown amazing results but a change was needed as the squad in its current form, with 2 in-game leaders, reached its limits.

— Team Vitality (@TeamVitality) September 7, 2019

According to Vitality, the team has hit “its limit” with its current roster using two IGLs. And the organization decided to keep Alex “ALEX” McMeekin, and put NBK on the bench.

The decision came after they were expected to win 3-0 easily in the Challengers Stage, but lost two games to Syman Gaming and DreamEaters, just enough wins to avoid being eliminated.

In terms of stats and frags, NBK is seen as a factor in helping the team survive the Challenger round – he did great in map 2 against HellRaisers, and had a good series against Grayhound to advance to the next round.

But in the New Legends round, while the whole team performed better, NBK performed worse. If his K/D difference was +33 in New Challengers, it is now -41 in New Legends and Champions.

However, Vitality did not criticize NBK: “NBK is professional, talented and dedicated, playing a key role in many winning achievements since the team was founded. However, the team has not been able to achieve stability recently and this decision is imperative if we are to move forward.”

NBK’s professionalism, talent & dedication played a big part in the many achievements recorded since the creation of the squad. However, the entire team had a hard time being consistent recently and a big decision was mandatory to go forward.

— Team Vitality (@TeamVitality) September 7, 2019

NBK is a talented shooter, but he is not a good leader, that’s why Vitality decided to use IGL as ALEX.

As for a replacement, it is rumored that G2 is considering replacing Richard “shox” Papillion. If possible, he will return to play for Vitality.

Vitality did not say what the future plans for NBK are, but they said they will announce soon.

“Currently, NBK still has a contract with Team Vitality and a decision on his future will be announced in the coming days.”

As of now, NBK is still under contract with Team Vitality and a decision regarding his future will come in the upcoming days.

— Team Vitality (@TeamVitality) September 7, 2019

Vitality will appear at BLAST Pro Series Moscow a week after the Major ends, so the team needs to find a 5th replacement, whether temporary or permanent, during this short period of time.