- Slaava “Twista” Räsänen returns to professional CS:GO after his ban was lifted
- He’s creating a new Finish team comprised of new faces and veterans
- The hopes are the team will represent Finland in future CS:GO tournaments
After the end of his ban, Finish competitive CS:GO legend Slaava “Twista” Räsänen returns to the scene coaching Finland’s new team, which includes Allu as IGL.
Twista Returns
Finish CS:GO teams have had it difficult in the past two years. The last time a roster from the northern country performed spectacularly at the world scene was in 2019 when ENCE achieved runners-up finish at the IEM Katowice Major.
But Finland’s bad luck since then might soon be ending as a new roster comprised of some of its best CS:GO professionals is being currently assembled. These include one of the country’s most successful coaches, Slaava “Twista” Räsänen. He officially announced his return on February 1st after ESIC's ban for exploiting the “Coach Spectator Bug” back in 2020.
The new team consists of players with a lot of differing experiences – both new faces and seasoned veterans. Some might recognize Finnish CS:GO legend Aleksi “allu” Jalli who is designated as the team’s in-game leader. His new assignment will also mark his return to the game after nine months away from it.
Currently the Finish roster looks like this:
- Aleksi “allu ” Jalli – IGL/AWP
- Tuomas “ SADDYX ” Louhimaa – Lurker
- Lasse “ ZOREE ” Uronen – AWP
- Tony “ Arvid ” Niemelä – Rifler
- Olli “ oopee ” Piispanen – Entry Fragger
- Slaava “Twista” Räsänen – Coach
- Mikko “xartE” Välimaa – Assistant Coach
What Will the Team’s Strategy Be?
According to the Finish news outlet Pelaajat, which first reported on the team’s formation, the 34-year-old Twista said the roster’s main objective is to put a Finnish team at the top of the world once again. “The first step is to create our own working system for three months before setting our eyes on the top twenty,” said Twista in an interview for Pelaajat.
When asked about what roles each player would have, Twista answered there are not yet defined roles, apart from that of the in-game leader. However, he did say that some players will probably be expected to do certain things more often. “In principle, however, Olli (oopee) will act as an entry fragger, Tony (Arvid) and allu will be calling the shots, Tuomas (SADDYX) and Lasse (ZOREE) will be on the wings,” Twista explained.
The new Finish teams also have two AWPers – allu and ZOREE. Twista explained that this gives the team a lot of flexibility no matter if they play CT or T. Additionally, if one of the AWPers is having an off day, the other can easily pick up his role.
In the interview, Twista also explained the team is currently discussing offers with various interested parties and is still open to other offers. If all goes to plan we may soon see a Finish team once again at the top of world CS:GO tournaments.
