EG in talks with CIS AWPer, insider alleges

Earlier today, Aleksey "OverDrive" Biryukov claimed that Evil Geniuses are in talks with FORZE's recently transfer-listed AWPer, Aleksandr "zorte" Zagodyrenko. While details are sparse and the team are seemingly targeting multiple players, he would likely slot in for EG's current AWPer Jerric "wiz" Jiang.

zorte has been part of FORZE for over two years now, but the team has struggled to break out of domestic competition. They have achieved some successes recently, notably second place at BetBoom Playlist Urbanistic, first place at the CCT Online Finals #1, as well as qualifying for the BLAST.tv Paris Major, but being eliminated with a 2-3 record in the Challengers Stage.

zorte has been a consistent source of firepower for FORZE, donning a 1.13 average rating with the team over his tenure, including a 1.33 rating over seven maps at the Paris Major. If the move to Evil Geniuses does come through, it will be zorte's debut on an international team, with all his previous teams consisting of a majority-Russian lineup.

zorte would replace wiz on the big green in Evil Geniuses' main lineup, ending the young American's half-year with the Blue squad. wiz was promoted from EG Black to replace an exiting Tsvetelin "CeRq" Dimitrov, but unfortunately, mostly disappointed in the team's international showings. wiz currently has a 0.92 average rating with the main roster, a dramatic decrease from the 1.14 rating he showed with the academy lineup.

It is understood that Evil Geniuses' shopping list for new talents currently includes:

• Audric "JACKZ" Jug

• Mohammad "BOROS" Malhas

• Aleksandr "zorte" Zagodyrenko