Last year’s finalists and crowd favorites BIG will return to ESL One Cologne in 2019.

Currently ranked 12th in the ESL CS:GO World Ranking, the German organization wants to build upon a successful 2018. Last year's unexpected run to the Cologne Grand Final was one of the biggest stories in the CS scene. Their top 8 finish at the FACEIT Major in London, returning to the ESL Pro League’s top division and numerous appearances in top LAN events rounded off their remarkable year.

They will tackle 2019 with the addition of Turkish rising star XANTARES to their roster. He’ll be filling in for nex, who is currently undergoing medical treatment following persistent wrist issues. The former Space Soldier’s commitment to the BIG cause is absolute, having relocated from Turkey to Germany in order to maximize his integration into the team.

BIG’s lineup remains otherwise unchanged. Gob b, smooya, tabseN and tiziaN are all looking forward to return to the Lanxess Arena and feel the love of the German crowd.

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