G2 part ways with NBK-, apEX

Nathan "⁠NBK-⁠" Schmitt and Dan "⁠apEX⁠" Madesclaire are on their way out of G2 Esports, the Berlin-based organisation have announced.

In a statement, G2 explained that the players are leaving G2 "following successful negotiations for their transfer", without mentioning, however, their future destination.

The pair have been strongly linked with a move to French organisation Vitality, who are looking to enter the CS:GO scene with a team also featuring ex-EnVyUs duo Vincent "⁠Happy⁠" Schopenhauer and Cédric "⁠RpK⁠" Guipouy, and former aAa talent Mathieu "⁠ZywOo⁠" Herbaut.

NBK- and apEX had been on G2's ranks since February 2017, when they were signed from EnVyUs together with Kenny "⁠kennyS⁠" Schrub.

Despite failing to live up to the hype, the team still won some international events during their first year, most notably the ESL Pro League Season 5 Finals and DreamHack Masters Malmö, but a disappointing start to 2018 saw the pair benched as Richard "⁠shox⁠" Papillon took the team's reins and brought in Edouard "⁠SmithZz⁠" Dubourdeaux and Kévin "⁠Ex6TenZ⁠" Droolans.

“I truly wish the best to NBK- and apEX for the next part of their CS:GO journey," G2 CEO and founder Carlos "ocelote" Rodríguez Santiago said in a statement.

"On a personal level, I love Nathan and Dan and I would have absolutely loved to have the opportunity to spend more time with them.

"They have been fantastic ambassadors for G2 Esports and the game. The decision to move them to the bench was not an easy one or a reflection of either player’s ability or character.

"Throughout their time at G2, they proved their ability and strength as players and professionals and I have no doubt they will continue to do so at their new home."

The announcement of NBK-'s and apEX's next destination is believed to be imminent, according to VaKarM, who claimed that the team were in Paris last weekend to sign their new contracts.