by Gabriel “LaXInG” Mirelez’s two-year run under the Oxygen Esports banner might be coming to an end. The American player will reportedly be cut from the team after the conclusion of the 2022 Rainbow Six Berlin Major.
LaXIng became an OXG player in May 2020, when the organization acquired the Team Reciprocity roster. Prior to that, the Reciprocity squad had played together since January 2019.
If the move is completed, it will mark the end of a four-year partnership with Davide “FoxA” Bucci. The two have played together since 2018, when they were both at beastcoast.
LaXIng has been a bright spot for OXG this year, which is why news of his departure comes as a shock. In Stage 1 of the North America League, he was the second-best player on OXG, helping the team to a second-place finish.
OXG also impressed at the Charlotte Major, reaching the semifinals after a perfect run in the group stage. LaXIng also won an MVP award for his contributions in the 2-0 sweep against Team BDS during the quarterfinals.
Although LaXIng’s rating dropped in NAL Stage 2, he was still a top-three player for the team. He helped OXG to a third-place finish, tied on points with first-placed Astralis and second-placed Soniqs.
Late last year, LaXInG was a top-10 player in Rainbow Six. The veteran joined R6 at its inception and has won some major tournaments.
In 2017, he led Elevate to the Six Invitational championship. Before that came a Pro League Year 1 Season 1 Finals title with eXcellence Gaming.
LaXInG’s most recent top-tier trophy came during his time with Cloud9. He helped the team win the 2018 DreamHack Montreal on PC after sweeping Rogue 2-0 in the final.
OXG were the first team to qualify for the Berlin Major and will start their campaign in Group C. Their first game is against Wolves Esports, who are slight favourites at $1.78 with GG Bet. OXG are paying $1.97.
The other teams in Group C are Brazil’s w7m esports and the Asia-Pacific League South’s Gaimin Gladiators.
The second Major of the year will commence on Monday, August 15, and will run through to August 21. Whoever wins will walk away with $200,000 of the US$500,000 prize pool and maximum points for the 2023 Six Invitational.
Although OXG are perfectly placed to feature in the Invitational, LaXIng might not be there to experience it. TSM FTX, Parabellum Esports, beastcoast, and Spacestation Gaming are teams that have open spots in their roster and might pursue the veteran.
