ATK's potential replacements

ATK established themselves as one of the regions top sides last year, with wins in multiple ESEA Cash Cups and most notably ESL Challenger League Season 42 which paved the way for their recent qualification to ESL Pro League Season 17 via the ESL North America Conference.

However, since their successful qualification to EPL the team have hit a wall, with results taking a massive dip for the team that was previously thought to be the side most likely to take the step-up from domestic dominance to challenging internationally. The dip in form has coincided with the loss of one of their longest-serving members Rhys "Fadey" Armstrong, who stepped away from the game for personal reasons.

To replace the outgoing South African, ATK secured the services of Saad "Pluto" Siraj from Vendetta. Fadey was hardly the team's main star, averaging a 1.04 rating across his time on the lineup but he was a key cog in the ATK winning machine and Pluto failed to fill that role. Pluto posted a 0.97 rating whilst he was on the ATK team which in itself is a step down from the South African's production, but clearly, there were problems beyond that as the Pakistani rifler finds himself cut less than a month after his addition.

It was recently reported that the team would be employing the help of the North Macedonian talent Aleksandar "CacaNito" Kjulukoski for the ESL Pro League run. This addresses the hole in the lineup for their debut in ESL's premier league and is no doubt an exciting and ambitious addition for the ATK side. However, it does leave the question, who will step up for the side for the rest of their ECL run?

Ian "motm" Hardy

The easy answer to the ATK question is for the team to go back to who they know, and who better than their former player who has already stood in for them on occassion since his removal. motm posted a 1.09 rating during his time with ATK, so not only would the team benefit from having a player they are familiar with but also see a automatic upgrade in firepower. motm also still finds himself teamless, having not played any HLTV matches since standing in for ATK at the start of the year.

Whether this would be a temporary move or permanent, the team could decide after the season finishes but for a easy quick fix this seems to be the most plausible move for the short-term at least.

Jack "Jackinho" Ström Mattsson

Jackinho shot onto the pro scene in 2021 with Fnatic, the young Swede struggled to adjust posting just a 0.98 rating during his time on the legendary organization. Despite this, he proved himself at the tier two level with Young Ninjas and then lilmix posting a 1.12 rating during his time on both teams. Jackinho is still only 23 and recently announced he would be open to offers from North America.

The biggest issue with this move is the fact that Jackinho has predominantly been a AWPer during his fledgling career, a role already filled on the ATK side. However, the Swede has also often been used in a hybrid role and on Fnatic was arguably at his best with a rifle in hand instead of the big green.

Adam "Grizz" Golden

Having mentioned a few bigger names, ATK could always choose to go a different route and pickup a lesser known exciting young talent for a real firepower upgrade. The 18 year old rifler boasts a 1.22 rating on HLTV and in his debut ECL season he has already powered Limitless to a victory over ATK, posting a 1.21 rating in the match.

Whilst inexperienced, Grizz has shown no signs of failing to perform at the ECL level, and with an incredibly high ceiling could ATK be convinced to take a swing on one of North America's brightest talents? Joining mid-season would also give the young rifler some time to get consistent match reps in a low-pressure environment before expectations are ramped up for the next season.

Mario "malbsMd" Samayoa

Okay, yes oNe just made the RMR whilst ATK failed to do so which makes this move unlikely...at least for now. malbsMd has been one of the most talked about talents coming from South America for years having broken into the NA consciousness with his performances for Infinity and then oNe in the North American ESEA divisions. A year ago, the Guatamalan star finally got his big break on a team that was looking to challenge outside of the domestic scene and whilst his move to 00NATION was ultimately a failure he still showed a good level in a poor side posting a 1.09 rating. Since rejoining oNe malbsMd has regained his form including a mammoth 1.43 rating in the BLAST Paris RMR closed qualifier to help his team overcome the odds and make the RMR ahead of Evil Geniuses.

Despite their qualification to the next stage of the Major cycle, I feel it is fair to argue that oNe overperformed and the team's ceiling is much shorter than that of ATK. Whilst the move may not be doable now, after the RMR this is a move that ATK should at least enquire about the move, especially as malbsMd has previously said he would be open to playing for a NA team.

Aleksandar "CacaNito" Kjulukoski

Whatever move the team decides to make, they will have to decide soon as they are scheduled to play oNe and Disconnected in ECL this week. The team currently sits with a 1-2 record for the season after dropping their recent matchups against Limitless and Detonate, ATK will have to hope that their new fifth can propel them back to the top of the division. While it is unlikely that CacaNito can help out the squad immediately, he might be able to join them in the long-term after ESL Pro League.

CacaNito has turned heads recently with his standout performances in Europe's second tier. Over the last three months, the young rifler has posted a 1.16 HLTV Rating, a 1.25 Impact Rating, and a 68.8% KAST. There is some concern that the player might not be immediately ready to face off against the tough opposition in Pro League as he has not played a single Top 30 team within the last three months. Within the last twelve months, he has posted a 1.10 Rating, 1.09 Impact, and 69.5% KAST against Top 30 competition, which is a respectable output.

With ATK needing an immediate replacement, some of the international suggestions might not be on the mark. With the relationship with Pluto clearly not recoverable after a late tweet characterizing himself as the scapegoat of the team's recent struggles, they will need a domestic sub, and fast.