After stepping away from competitive Counter-Strike for nearly four months, Elevate is reportedly gearing up to re-enter the scene with a new Brazilian roster. The American esports organization is said to have finalized agreements with three players and a coach as they work toward rebuilding their presence in the game.
Among Elevate’s initial signings is Diogo “diozera” Oliveira Nunes, a promising rifler from the MIBR Academy. Joining him are Gabriel “lash” Sampaio, a skilled AWPer previously representing Yawara, and Sandro “skr” Kakeru, a versatile player from the orgless squad Bad News Chickens. Elevate has enlisted Lucas “zander” Carvalho, an experienced coach with a track record of working with North and South American teams over the past two years to guide this fresh lineup.
This development marks a shift in direction for Elevate, whose previous roster consisted of an American lineup featuring Wyatt “snav” Phillippi, Deni “dea” Ediev, and Derek “dare” Brown. That team competed under the timbermen banner after being released by Elevate following their failure to qualify for the Perfect World Shanghai Major Americas RMR in late August. Despite this setback, the roster had earned a spot at the PGL Major Copenhagen Americas RMR, showcasing potential that ultimately went unrealized under Elevate’s banner.
Interestingly, this is not the first time Elevate has turned to Brazil to rebuild its Counter-Strike presence. The organization has a history of fielding Brazilian lineups, with two iterations representing them between 2021 and 2022. The decision to once again invest in Brazil highlights the region’s ever-growing talent pool and potential for international success.
The revamped lineup reflects Elevate’s ambition to return with a competitive edge. Diogo “diozera” Oliveira Nunes brings a strong foundation in rifling, while Gabriel “lash” Sampaio adds precision and experience as an AWPer. Sandro “skr” Kakeru contributes flexibility and adaptability, making this trio a promising core for Elevate’s resurgence. Under the guidance of Lucas “zander” Carvalho, the team has the leadership it needs to navigate challenges and find success on the international stage.
As Elevate lays the groundwork for its comeback, the Brazilian roster is shaping up to be a pivotal chapter in the organization’s history. Their ability to leverage this lineup’s strengths will determine whether they can reclaim their place in competitive Counter-Strike and make a meaningful impact in future tournaments.
