Valde's Transition from North to OG's Pioneering CS:GO Venture

As I reflect on the shifting landscape of competitive Counter-Strike in 2026, one of the most significant early moves that signaled a new era was Valdemar "valde" Bjørn Vangså's departure from the Danish esports organization North. This wasn't just a simple transfer; it was the catalyst for a storied Dota 2 dynasty, OG, to make its ambitious first foray into CS:GO. The news, which broke back in late 2019 and early 2020, confirmed the sale of the Danish star to a then-unnamed CS:GO team, ending his tenure with North that had begun in August 2017. For me, this move symbolized the increasing fluidity of talent and the bold cross-game expansions that would come to define the mid-2020s esports scene.

My memories of valde's time with North are filled with impressive highlights. He was a cornerstone of a squad that achieved notable successes. During his period with the team, North secured victories at DreamHack Open events in Montreal, Tours, and Valencia. One of their most memorable triumphs was defeating their domestic rivals, the powerhouse Astralis, to claim the DreamHack Masters Stockholm title in September 2018. This win was particularly sweet, proving they could topple the very best. Individually, valde's skill was undeniable. His sharp rifling earned him a spot as the 20th best player in the world for 2018, and he was widely regarded as one of the finest Danish talents not wearing the Astralis jersey. His consistency and clutch potential made every match he played a must-watch event.

The rumors that began swirling in October about his destination were incredibly exciting. The whispers pointed toward OG, an organization synonymous with unprecedented success in Dota 2. The prospect of them entering CS:GO was massive news. Reports suggested valde wouldn't be building this new project alone. The expected lineup, as pieced together from various sources, was shaping up to be a fascinating international mix:

• In-Game Leader: Aleksi "Aleksib" Virolainen, bringing strategic depth from his time with ENCE.

• French Veteran: Nathan "NBK-" Schmitt, adding experience and leadership.

• Jordanian Star: Issa "ISSAA" Murad, known for his explosive plays from HellRaisers.

• Danish Anchor: Valde himself, providing stable, high-level firepower.

However, constructing a top team is never straightforward. The project hit a significant snag in finding a dedicated sniper, the crucial AWPer. Names like the promising Elias "Jamppi" Olkkonen and the skilled Valentin "poizon" Vasilev were heavily linked to the squad, but deals for both reportedly fell through. This search for the final piece became a major subplot, highlighting the challenges of roster building. Eventually, focus shifted to a relatively less-known but talented player, Mateusz "mantuu" Wilczewski from ALTERNATE aTTaX, to complete the puzzle.

Looking back, valde's own words upon leaving North resonate strongly. In a heartfelt message, he expressed that it felt like the right time to "try something new" and embark on a different path in his career. He thanked his fans and North for an "unforgettable" journey. This sentiment, I believe, captures the essence of a professional player's career—periods of growth, stability, and then the courage to seek a new challenge. For OG, this was more than just signing a team; it was about transplanting a culture of winning. As the only organization to ever win two Dota 2 Internationals (and later achieving even more), their entry into CS:GO was met with a blend of sky-high expectations and curious optimism. The announcement of their full roster, when it finally came, wasn't just a player reveal—it was the birth of a new contender with a legendary name behind it. This move by valde and OG paved the way for the interconnected, multi-title esports empires we commonly see in 2026.