Sashi add chelleos as Asia VRS transition continues

Sashi have signed Michael “chelleos” Hawkins from Rooster, with the 26-year-old New Zealander taking Frederik “acoR” Gyldstrand’s place. The Danish organization is continuing its move away from a Europe-based setup, adding another Oceanic player to its Counter-Strike 2 lineup.

The decision follows the dispute over Sashi’s short-term additions of Tynan “TjP” Purtell and Jordan “Hatz” Bajic. Valve subsequently changed its regulations to stop teams from switching VRS regions at short notice. Teams that attempted such changes before the Singapore Major were told they would be removed from the qualification process unless they found a solution with Valve.

chelleos spent the past four years with Rooster, recording a 1.15 average rating mainly in regional tournaments. His résumé also includes several ESL Pro League seasons and ESL Challenger appearances during 2023 and 2024. Sashi now field TjP, Hatz, chelleos, Rasmus “Zyphon” Nordfoss and Anton “Anlelele” Huynh, coached by Nicolai “HUNDEN” Petersen.

ColdMath take

The signing gives Sashi an Asia VRS-majority core and reinforces their regional direction. chelleos also adds experience from ESL Pro League and ESL Challenger, although most of his recent matches came in Oceanic competition.