Gade’s journey from North to BIG: Overcoming challenges, embracing German esports culture, and aiming for championship success
The Long-Awaited BIG Opportunity
BIG’s latest roster addition, Nicklas ‘gade’ Gade, expresses profound excitement about returning to elite-level competition after six months away from the professional scene following North’s dissolution.
In his inaugural interview since becoming part of BIG, gade discusses the extended search for a new team after North ceased operations. “My competitive drive never faded – I absolutely knew my esports career wasn’t finished,” he emphasizes.
The Danish professional’s signing with BIG last month filled the vacancy left by Ismailcan ‘XANTARES’ Dörtkardeş in the German squad’s primary lineup. This roster move surprised many observers, particularly since gade had exclusively played for Danish organizations and never indicated interest in competing within the German esports ecosystem.
Few realize this transition represents the culmination of strategic planning spanning three full years.
Initial discussions with the German organization commenced in 2018 during gade’s tenure with North Academy. While those early conversations didn’t produce immediate results, they established foundational relationships that would prove valuable years later.
“I engaged in productive discussions with [BIG manager] Christian Lenz back then, discovering significant alignment in our strategic thinking,” gade reveals to Dexerto.
“We mutually recognized the potential for successful collaboration, but I ultimately committed to OpTic Gaming. Although uncertain about their team’s future direction, our player synergy felt immediately natural.
“When this new opportunity emerged, I proactively contacted tabseN, expressing my availability should roster changes occur. That initial conversation with Christian Lenz always remained in my consciousness as potential future opportunity, and I’m thrilled it materialized now.”
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Overcoming Career Challenges
Following a seven-month loan period with OpTic, gade rejoined North’s primary roster, a squad frequently criticized for underwhelming international showings. In February 2021, the Danish organization terminated all competitive operations, attributing this decision to pandemic-related impacts on esports economics.
gade subsequently formed HYENAS, assembling diverse Danish talent seeking revitalized careers. Unfortunately, the team failed to develop necessary chemistry and dissolved after limited tournament participation.
Among HYENAS participants was Markus ‘Kjaerbye’ Kjærbye, 2017 Major champion with Astralis, who has since retired from professional Counter-Strike. The current competitive landscape creates uncertainty for players outside elite tiers, yet gade maintained confidence in securing new opportunities.
“Patience ultimately rewards those who persevere,” he observes. “I maintained professional readiness through consistent FACEIT participation and ongoing community engagement. My passion for competitive CS never diminished – I absolutely knew my career journey continued.
“The HYENAS project demonstrated my strong individual form while providing valuable leadership experience managing teammates. This dual responsibility presented meaningful developmental challenges.
“Although ultimately unsuccessful, the venture provided crucial growth opportunities. We received organizational interest but never finalized agreements.”
German Integration and Team Dynamics
A Twitter announcement video featured gade revealing his new team in nearly fluent German, astonishing many viewers. His school language education spanning several years provides foundation, though he acknowledges occasional vocabulary challenges while confirming in-game communication flows smoothly.
“During casual conversations outside matches, I sometimes experience minor vocabulary gaps, but teammates demonstrate excellent English fluency,” gade explains.
“German language acquisition represents personal growth opportunity, and I embrace such challenges enthusiastically. Holiday language classes combined with daily practice will accelerate my proficiency development.”
This learning mindset becomes crucial as BIG prepares for demanding ESL Pro League Season 14 group stage featuring NAVI, mousesports, revitalized fnatic, and Evil Geniuses.
The German squad seeks strong season initiation after underwhelming performance during year’s first seven months, capturing only FunSpark ULTI 2020 Europe Final title. Comparable period last year yielded three championships and world ranking leadership.
BIG’s official announcement highlighted gade’s capacity to support in-game leader Johannes ‘tabseN’ Wodarz through previous shot-calling expertise. When questioned about leadership responsibilities, the Danish professional clarifies no intentions to assume tabseN’s primary role.
“tabseN demonstrates exceptional leadership capabilities, and I fully support his continued role,” gade states. “I aim to provide secondary strategic input with significant mid-round calling impact while respecting established systems.
“My approach involves gradual integration, understanding team dynamics, then developing personalized contribution methods.”
Some BIG supporters express disappointment regarding this roster acquisition. gade’s statistical performance with North (1.01 HLTV rating) didn’t stand out particularly, yet he replaces XANTARES, renowned for exceptional mechanical skills.
Nevertheless, gade remains unconcerned about filling significant shoes.
“Personally, I wouldn’t characterize this as firepower reduction, though results will demonstrate reality,” he comments. “XANTARES possesses tremendous skill – nobody disputes this.
“However, I contribute complementary strengths enhancing team capabilities.”
Competitive Outlook and Championship Goals
Following professional uncertainty after North’s dissolution, gade fully embraces this new chapter. He rediscovers competitive joy within stable environment and intends to justify organizational and teammate trust.
“Returning to championship-contending team environment brings immense satisfaction,” he expresses. “Competing against elite opponents in premier tournaments holds profound significance. I approach each match as learning opportunity while focusing on incremental progress.
“My objectives include personal skill enhancement and collective team improvement. With dedicated effort, I believe we can rapidly restore BIG’s position among global top five teams.”
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