Berlin International Gaming, widely recognized as BIG, stands as a prominent German esports organization with a formidable presence in the Counter-Strike scene. Founded on January 2, 2017, BIG quickly rose through the ranks, transitioning from a local team into an international powerhouse competing in some of the most prestigious Counter-Strike tournaments across the globe. Their origins in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and subsequent move to Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) have been marked by consistent growth, roster changes, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. As one of Europe’s leading esports organizations, BIG has cultivated a legacy of competitive success, passionate fans, and a reputation for resilience despite the ever-changing landscape of professional Counter-Strike.
History of BIG – From Humble Beginnings to International Success
BIG was established with the vision of creating a top-tier esports organization that could elevate German Counter-Strike to international prominence. The founders, including notable players and figures in the esports community such as Fatih “gob b” Dayik and Johannes “tabseN” Wodarz, brought with them vast experience in competitive Counter-Strike. These foundations laid the groundwork for BIG’s rise as a respected entity in the global esports ecosystem.
Over the years, BIG has undergone numerous transformations, especially in its player roster, yet managed to remain a consistent competitor in the Counter-Strike scene. With each roster iteration, the team has strived to blend veteran experience with young talent, ensuring a dynamic and adaptive approach to the sport. BIG’s journey has been defined by significant milestones, ranging from standout performances in major tournaments to the development of an academy program aimed at nurturing the next generation of Counter-Strike stars.
Notable Players in History
BIG’s journey would be incomplete without recognizing the contributions of former players who played pivotal roles in shaping the team’s legacy. Among them, some stand out for their influence both during and beyond their tenure with the team:
- gob b (Fatih Dayik) – A founding member, he served in multiple capacities, from head of CS:GO operations to managerial roles, before departing in 2020.
- LEGIJA (Nikola Ninić) – Another key early figure who served as the head of CS:GO before leaving in 2020.
- XANTARES (Ismailcan Dörtkardeş) – Played a crucial role in BIG’s successes before leaving for Eternal Fire in 2021.
- Smooya (Owen Butterfield) – Contributed during his time with the team but departed in 2019.
- nex (Johannes Maget) – Left the team on December 31, 2019, but left behind a lasting legacy.
- tabseN (Johannes Wodarz) – One of BIG’s longest-standing members, tabseN remains deeply associated with the organization, contributing significantly to its growth.
Current Player Roster
BIG’s current roster for Counter-Strike 2 represents a mix of seasoned professionals and promising talents. The team has focused on assembling players who bring diverse gameplay styles, all united by their drive to solidify BIG’s position as a leading team in the international Counter-Strike scene:
Johannes “tabseN” Wodarz
Karim “Krimbo” Moussa
Jon “JDC” de Castro
Can “kyuubii” Ali
Marcel “hyped” Köhn
Most notable tournament results – BIG
- 🏆 Roobet Cup 2022 ($150,000)
- 🏆 Funspark ULTI 2020 ($150,000)
- 🏆 CCT Season 1 Online Finals #5 ($100,000)
- 🏆 DreamHack Masters Spring 2020: Europe ($54,000)
- 🏆 DreamHack Open Leipzig 2020 ($50,000)
- 🥈 ESL One: Cologne 2018 ($50,000)
- 🥉 Intel Extreme Masters XV – Global Challenge ($50,000)
- 🥉 BLAST Premier: Fall 2020 ($40,000)
Achievements in Top-tier tournaments
BIG’s competitive record spans several major tournaments. Although they have not secured a CS:GO Major Championship to date, the team has achieved significant milestones in numerous international events, leaving an indelible mark on the Counter-Strike community.
ESL Pro League
BIG has consistently performed well in the ESL Pro League, often making it to the playoffs and showcasing their ability to compete with the best teams in the world. Their adaptability and strategic approach have earned them respect during these events.
IEM Katowice
One of the most prestigious tournaments in the Counter-Strike calendar, BIG has made notable appearances at IEM Katowice, competing against elite squads and solidifying their reputation as a top-tier team. With their next participation scheduled for IEM Katowice 2025, BIG continues to aim for glory on one of the game’s biggest stages.
BLAST Premier Events
BIG has been an active participant in various BLAST Premier events, including the BLAST Bounty Spring Qualifiers. These tournaments have served as opportunities for the team to test their mettle and adapt to the evolving Counter-Strike meta.
CS:GO Majors
While well-respected as a consistent performer, BIG has yet to claim a Major Championship. However, their presence in the Challengers and Legends Stages of numerous Majors demonstrates their ability to compete at the highest levels of the game.
Awards and Legacy
BIG’s journey is decorated with impressive prize winnings that underscore their success as a competitive organization. To date, the team has amassed approximately $2,308,584 in tournament earnings. Beyond monetary accolades, BIG’s steadfast commitment to excellence and innovation cements their place as a cornerstone of the professional Counter-Strike scene.
Trivia About BIG
- Longest Tenure: Johannes “tabseN” Wodarz holds the record for one of the longest tenures in CS:GO history, representing BIG for over 2674 days.
- Academy Program: BIG’s academy program has produced several rising stars, including Krimbo, hyped, and prosus, who have gone on to shine in the main roster.
- Fanbase: BIG boasts a passionate fanbase, especially in Germany, where they are celebrated as one of the premier esports organizations.
FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About BIG
Who founded BIG?
BIG was founded by a group of Counter-Strike enthusiasts, including Fatih “gob b” Dayik, Johannes “tabseN” Wodarz, and Nikola “LEGIJA” Ninić, on January 2, 2017.
What games does BIG compete in?
BIG competes in multiple games; however, its core focus has been on Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and Counter-Strike 2 (CS2).
Who is the longest-serving player in BIG?
Johannes “tabseN” Wodarz holds the record as the longest-serving player in BIG’s history, remaining with the organization since its inception.
What is BIG’s most notable achievement?
BIG’s most notable achievements include strong performances in tournaments like ESL Pro League, IEM Katowice, and BLAST Premier events.
Does BIG have an academy program?
Yes, BIG runs an academy program designed to nurture emerging Counter-Strike talent. Graduates include players like Krimbo, hyped, and prosus.
What is BIG’s total tournament earnings?
BIG has earned approximately $2,308,584 from tournament winnings across its history.
Who are the current players in BIG’s roster?
As of now, BIG’s roster includes players like rigoN, JDC, syrsoN, mantuu, prosus, s1n, hyped, Krimbo, and faveN.
Has BIG ever won a CS:GO Major?
No, BIG has not won a CS:GO Major Championship; however, they have reached the Legends Stage in several Majors.
Where can I find more information about BIG?
You can find detailed player information, history, and stats on their official Liquipedia page: BIG on Liquipedia.
