SAW Announce New CS2 Roster Built Around EXSAD Core – Full Breakdown, Context & Impact

Portuguese esports organization SAW have officially unveiled a brand-new Counter-Strike 2 roster, launching what they describe as “Project Genesis” — a long-term rebuild centered on domestic talent. The announcement confirms the signing of four players from EXSAD, marking a clean slate after SAW’s entire previous lineup was transferred during the off-season.

This move positions SAW as one of the most aggressive rebuild stories in European CS2 heading into the new competitive year.

New SAW CS2 Roster (Confirmed)

SAW’s new lineup currently consists of:

Daniel Esteves (tuxa)

Dinis Jalles (Moretz)

Alexandre Alves (blaze)

Rodrigo Costa (jERK0z)

Coach: Tiago Rodrigues (mowzassa)

SAW confirmed that the fifth player has not yet been finalized. Until then, Tiago Fonseca (SYDOX) will stand in for the team at Roman Imperium Cup IV, ensuring the roster can begin official competition immediately.

Why SAW Chose the EXSAD Core

From an organizational standpoint, the decision is both strategic and economical:

Key advantages

Pre-existing chemistry: four players arrive as a unit, reducing early-stage instability

Clear national identity: SAW reaffirm their commitment to Portuguese CS development

Long-term upside: younger core with room to grow rather than a short-term ranking push

In their official statement, SAW described the rebuild as the “most appropriate decision” following the transfer window, emphasizing confidence in the players’ ability to “develop and excel” first domestically, then internationally.

The Bigger Picture: Where SAW’s Former Roster Went

SAW’s rebuild only makes sense when viewed alongside the complete sell-off of their previous lineup, which reshaped multiple international projects.

BC.Game Acquire SAW Core to Build a Superteam

The former SAW trio MUTiRiS, krazy, and aragornN were signed by BC.Game, joining s1mple and electroNic.

Shortly after, BC.Game confirmed TaZ as head coach, finalizing one of the most ambitious lineups in CS2.

MUTiRiS reacted emotionally on social media, writing:

“Nothing that I write here will describe what I'm feeling right now…”

HLTV later reported that the acquisition also strengthened BC.Game’s Valve Regional Standings (VRS) position, helping secure invites to upcoming Tier-1 events.

FlyQuest Sign story as New AWPer

Another major move saw FlyQuest sign João Vieira (story) from SAW. He replaces Iulian Harjău (regali), who was benched by mutual agreement.

FlyQuest had struggled at recent Major competition, and the organization views story as a stabilizing piece thanks to his AWP consistency and secondary calling.

Ag1l Joins 100 Thieves Rebuild

Meanwhile, André Gil joined 100 Thieves as part of their ongoing CS2 project, which also includes leadership from rain and coaching by gla1ve.

Verdict: What This Means for SAW in CS2

Overall rebuild rating: 7.4/10

• Identity & vision: ★★★★☆

• Roster stability: ★★★☆☆

• Short-term competitiveness: ★★☆☆☆

• Long-term potential: ★★★★☆

SAW are clearly not chasing instant Tier-1 relevance. Instead, they’ve opted for a structured, transparent rebuild rooted in Portuguese talent, with flexibility still available via the open fifth slot.

If the final addition fits the system, Project Genesis could quietly become one of the most efficient rebuilds in European CS2 — even if results won’t be immediate.