According to a report by HLTV, SAW are in advanced negotiations with former players MUTiRiS, story, ewjerkz, and krazy, while NOPEEj is expected to complete the lineup. Although no official announcement has been made, the reported project would reunite much of the core that helped establish Portugal as a consistent presence on the international Counter-Strike stage.

 

Quick Summary

 

SAW Reportedly Working to Rebuild Around Former Core

 

SAW are reportedly preparing a major roster rebuild by negotiating with several former stars who previously represented the organization.

 

According to HLTV's sources, SAW are in advanced discussions with four familiar names:

Christopher "MUTiRiS" Fernandes

João "story" Vieira

Michel "ewjerkz" Pinto

Adones "krazy" Nobre

The reported fifth player is expected to be Filipe "NOPEEj" Dias, who most recently competed for Rebels.

If completed, the move would effectively reunite much of the lineup that represented Portugal during one of the country's strongest modern Counter-Strike periods.

At the time of writing, neither SAW nor any of the players involved have officially confirmed the negotiations.

 

Proposed SAW Lineup (Reported)

 

Why These Players?

The reported roster combines experienced veterans with players who already possess extensive chemistry.

MUTiRiS

The longtime in-game leader has been synonymous with Portuguese Counter-Strike for years and captained SAW through multiple international campaigns.

story

One of Portugal's strongest AWPers in recent seasons, story most recently represented FlyQuest before becoming available following the end of his stint there.

ewjerkz

After leaving Ninjas in Pyjamas, ewjerkz entered free agency. Earlier reports suggested he nearly joined paiN before negotiations collapsed, making him one of the most notable available Portuguese riflers.

krazy

Having previously played for SAW before joining BC.Game, krazy already knows the organization's structure and several potential teammates.

NOPEEj

NOPEEj would add another experienced Portuguese rifler and reunite with krazy after their time together on Rhyno.

 

Background: Why SAW Needs Another Rebuild

 

The reported reunion would bring back much of the core that helped SAW become Portugal's most successful Counter-Strike organization on the international stage.

 

The organization underwent major changes earlier this year after selling its previous lineup.

SAW then launched Project Genesis, signing four players from EXSAD to maintain a Portuguese roster while developing new talent. However, the rebuilt squad has competed well below the organization's previous international level and currently sits outside the upper tiers of the Valve Regional Standings.

A reunion of experienced veterans would represent a significant shift away from that developmental approach.

 

Historical Context

The reported reunion would bring back much of the core that:

qualified for PGL Major Copenhagen 2024

reached the IEM Cologne 2024 semifinals

established SAW as Portugal's leading Counter-Strike organization during that period.

Rather than building another inexperienced lineup, SAW appear to be targeting proven chemistry and established leadership.

 

Why It Matters

Should the transfer materialize, it could have several immediate effects:

Portugal regains an experienced national superteam.

Several veteran players would reunite after spending time on different international organizations.

SAW could become significantly more competitive in European online events.

The move may reshape the Portuguese Counter-Strike ecosystem heading into the second half of 2026.

Since the negotiations remain unconfirmed, the final roster could still change.

 

Tactical Impact Analysis

 

Reuniting experienced veterans could immediately improve communication, leadership, and tactical cohesion if the roster is finalized.

 

Although no official roles have been announced, the expected lineup would likely feature:

These role assignments are based on each player's established competitive history and should be viewed as projections until officially confirmed.

 

Tournament Impact

If the reported roster is completed quickly, SAW could pursue qualification for upcoming European online tournaments during the second half of the season.

However, tournament participation has not yet been officially announced.

 

Timeline

 

Key Details

 

What Changes Now

Nothing changes immediately.

The current SAW roster remains active until the organization officially announces any transfers.

Should agreements be finalized, SAW would likely undergo another significant roster overhaul.

 

What to Watch Next

Several developments could follow in the coming days:

Official confirmation from SAW.

Player announcements from MUTiRiS, story, ewjerkz, krazy, or NOPEEj.

Registration of the new lineup for upcoming events.

Clarification regarding the future of SAW's current Project Genesis roster.

 

FAQ

Is the new SAW roster official?

No. The negotiations have been reported by HLTV, but SAW have not officially confirmed the lineup.

Who is expected to join SAW?

The reported lineup consists of MUTiRiS, story, ewjerkz, krazy, and NOPEEj.

Why is this reunion significant?

It would reunite several players who previously formed one of the strongest Portuguese teams in recent Counter-Strike history.

Who would lead the team?

If the roster is finalized, MUTiRiS is expected to continue serving as the in-game leader based on his long-established role.