Smooya Leaves Movistar Riders, Joins Fnatic CS:GO Roster on Trial
Fnatic now has a British core!
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British AWPer Owen "smooya" Butterfield has joined Fnatic's CS:GO roster on a three month trial period with an option to extend further. This comes following his release from Movistar Riders, who released smooya from his contract earlier today on 15th October. However, the 22-year-old in a personal statement did mention that he is open to offers from Europe and North America for both CS:GO and Valorant.
Smooya had been offered a chance to play with Movistar Riders eight months ago in February 2021. During his time with the team, he managed to accumulate an overall HLTV rating of 1.25 but was benched six months later due to the organization undergoing a lineup restructure.
He was then picked up by Fnatic as a stand-in following the benching of Jack "Jackinho" Ström Mattsson but was dropped after just three matches, only to be signed by the organization on trial once again after a few days.
Smooya joins Fnatic CS:GO roster on trial for three months
Smooya has finally become a free agent as his contract with Movistar Riders expires, only to join Fnatic on a trial basis and establish the organization's first-ever British core comprising of Alex "ALEX" McMeekin, William "mezii" Merriman, and smooya.
Talking about his time with Movistar Riders, the British marksman had nothing but appreciation and praise for them.
Thank you so so much Movistar Riders for our time together and taking this step to help progress my career. I will forever be in debt to you.Owen "smooya" Butterfield
He further admired all the players that he spent time with, pointing out that the team provided him with a chance despite them having more worthwhile options. This helped smooya repair his reputation and prove his worth by playing CS:GO competitively.
There was a special shoutout for the coach of Movistar Rider's, Galder "bladE" Barcena, as smooya concluded his statement by talking a bit about his future.
For myself this means I'm now a Free Agent and will be open to all offers coming from EU/NA (Europe/North America) for both CS:GO & Valorant.Owen "smooya" Butterfield
Smooya has shown that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level. Even in his three-match stay with Fnatic, he put up a brilliant performance, helping the struggling organization qualify for the closed qualifiers of IEM Winter 2021: Europe.
This seems to have granted him a huge opportunity, with Fnatic signing him on a three month trial with an option to extend his contract even further.
I'm joining with a very open mindset and reasonable expectations for myself and the team, here to work hard every day not only in game but to develop myself as a person too. I've been waiting for a chance like this for years and I think now is the perfect time for this to happen.Owen "smooya" Butterfield
The new Fnatic lineup will be seen in action at the upcoming IEM Winter 2021: Europe Closed Qualifiers. Smooya will be required to continue putting up strong performances as the Fnatic Rising youngster Iulian "regali" Harjău is also being tested out for the vacant AWP role.
Another point to note is that smooya mentioned being open to offers from both CS:GO and Valorant earlier in the day, so it will be interesting to see how the situation develops after the three month trial concludes.
