nitr0

Nitr0 began his professional journey during the early years of CS:GO, rising through North America’s evolving scene before solidifying his name with Team Liquid, the organization he would define and elevate. Initially joining Liquid as a rifler, nitr0 transitioned into the in-game leader role, taking on strategic responsibility while simultaneously maintaining strong fragging output—a rare combination in top-tier Counter-Strike. His versatility also allowed him to fill the AWP role when required, showcasing his wide-ranging mechanical and tactical competence.

Under nitr0’s leadership, Team Liquid became one of the most dominant international teams of the late 2010s. The roster’s peak came in 2019 when Liquid completed the iconic Intel Grand Slam Season 2 in a record-breaking 63 days, a historic achievement that remains one of the fastest Grand Slam victories in Counter-Strike history. During this era, nitr0 led the team to numerous championship titles across premier tournaments, consistently defeating the world’s strongest lineups.

In 2021, nitr0 temporarily transitioned to professional VALORANT, joining 100 Thieves and competing at the top level before returning to Counter-Strike in early 2022. Rejoining Team Liquid for the CS:GO-to-CS2 transition period, he once again provided veteran stability and strategic insight to a roster undergoing significant changes. After his second tenure with Liquid concluded, nitr0 continued competing while also embracing leadership roles across the North American scene, solidifying his legacy as one of the region’s greatest IGLs.

Throughout his career, nitr0 has earned a reputation for discipline, adaptability, structured calling, and the ability to extract the maximum potential from his teammates. His influence on North American Counter-Strike extends beyond trophies—he is widely regarded as a foundational figure in shaping the region’s competitive identity.

Notable Achievements

Major & Premier Results

Winner — Intel Grand Slam Season 2 (fastest completion in history)

Winner — ESL One Cologne 2019

Winner — IEM Sydney 2019

Winner — DreamHack Masters Dallas 2019

Winner — ESL Pro League Season 9 Finals

Winner — BLAST Pro Series Los Angeles 2019

Other Significant Highlights

Multiple top finishes at S-Tier events with Team Liquid

Two-time Major finalist

Long-standing captain of one of the most successful North American lineups

Successful dual-career athlete across both Counter-Strike and VALORANT

Player Profile Summary

Full name: Nicholas Cannella

Nickname: nitr0

Born: August 16, 1995

Nationality: American

Primary role: In-Game Leader / Rifler

Noted for: Elite leadership, adaptability, structured tactics, high-impact calling, historic success with Team Liquid