SAW, a Portuguese esports organization, has steadily made its mark in the fiercely competitive Counter-Strike scene. Founded in early 2020, SAW emerged from the ashes of Giants Gaming with a roster of passionate and skilled players. Though the team’s journey began with regional competitions, they have steadily evolved into a prominent name in the European Counter-Strike community. This article delves into the team’s history, notable achievements, player roster changes, key matches, and fascinating trivia, offering readers a comprehensive insight into SAW.

History of SAW – The Beginning of a Portuguese Esports Journey

SAW’s creation marked a pivotal moment in the Portuguese esports landscape. Established in early 2020, the team’s foundation was a collaborative effort by players transitioning from Giants Gaming. The founding roster included arki, JUST, MUTiRiS, rmn, stadodo, AIm, and Torres. Unlike many organizations, SAW began as an independent team before establishing itself as a full-functioning esports group. This independence fostered a culture of unity and determination among the players, which translated to strong performances in regional tournaments.

Initial Challenges and Milestones

The early days of SAW were characterized by the challenges of creating a sustainable organization while competing at a high level. Their efforts paid off as they began gaining recognition for their performances in regional tournaments such as the Master League Portugal and ESL Masters España. These achievements provided the foundation for the team’s broader European presence.

SAW’s Current and Former Player Roster

Current Roster

The current composition of SAW showcases a blend of experienced veterans and rising talents. These players bring a unique mix of skills, which contribute to the team’s gameplay and adaptability across various competitive scenarios. Below is the current lineup:

• Christopher “MUTiRiS” Fernandes: A cornerstone of SAW since its formation, bringing leadership and experience.
• Ricardo “rmn” Oliveira: A seasoned rifler, rmn has been an integral part of SAW’s growth since 2020.
• João “story” Vieira: A skilled AWPer, known for his precision in both Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) and Counter-Strike 2.
• André “Ag1l” Gil: Transferred from FTW in October 2024, showcasing strong game sense and versatility.
• José “shr” Gil: Joined from GTZ in December 2024, adding fresh energy to the squad.
  

Coach:

• Maikil “Golden” Selim: Took over coaching duties in October 2024, bringing his wealth of experience as a former player and leader.
  

Former Roster Highlights

Over the years, SAW has seen several roster changes, with departing players leaving an indelible mark on the team’s history:

• Tiago “JUST” Moura: An essential part of the founding roster, JUST left for KOI in April 2023.-
• Renato “stadodo” Gonçalves: Known for his reliability, stadodo joined KOI in July 2022.
• Rafael “arrozdoce” Wing: Part of the team from April 2023 after moving from FTW but has since departed.
• Omar “arki” Chakkor Feltrer: One of the original founding members, contributing strategically to SAW.
• Michel “ewjerkz” Pinto: A consistent performer who joined in 2022 but eventually left in December 2024.
• Arlindo “Torres” Torres: Another founding member who departed in February 2021.

Notable Achievements of SAW

Key Tournament Successes

• 🥉 Intel Extreme Masters Cologne 2024 – $80,000
• 🏆 ESL Challenger Katowice 2024 (1st) – $50,000
• 🏆 CCT Season 1 West Europe Series #4 (1st) – $22,000
• 🏆 ESL Challenger League Season 43: Europe (1st) – $20,000

Trivia About SAW

• The name “SAW” is believed to represent the team’s determination and cutting-edge approach to the competitive scene.
• SAW players like story have individually achieved considerable career earnings exceeding $91,000.
• Despite being a relatively new team, SAW has already established a strong rivalry with other prominent European CS:GO teams.
• The organization emphasizes mental health, employing a full-time sports psychologist to support players.

SAW – Frequently Asked Questions

What is SAW?

SAW is a professional Portuguese esports organization established in 2020, with a focus on competitive Counter-Strike.

Who founded SAW?

SAW was founded by a core group of players transitioning from Giants Gaming, including arki, JUST, MUTiRiS, rmn, stadodo, AIm, and Torres.

What are some of SAW’s notable achievements?

SAW has claimed victories in tournaments such as Master League Portugal Season 9 and Season 7, as well as securing runner-up finishes in REPUBLEAGUE Season 1 and ESL Masters España Season 11.

What makes SAW unique as a team?

SAW’s combination of veteran leadership, focus on mental health, and commitment to nurturing talent has set them apart within the competitive European Counter-Strike scene.

Who are some notable former players of SAW?

Key former players include JUST, stadodo, MUTiRiS, and ewjerkz, each of whom contributed significantly to SAW’s legacy.

What is SAW’s role in Portuguese esports?

SAW has played a significant role in elevating Portuguese esports, setting examples of professionalism, high performance, and team-oriented success.

How can I follow SAW’s matches?

You can follow SAW’s matches through prominent streaming platforms like Twitch, or check updates on tournament-hosting sites like ESL and HLTV.